This relaxed at home family photoshoot in the Hawkesbury was in some ways the quintessential Aussie Summer afternoon, playing in the yard, splashing in the sprinkler, cuddling the dog and having a laid-back time. By having a family photoshoot at home, your kids can have their favourite cuddly, the headband they’re obsessed with, even their favourite chicken, and rest assured - the memories can still look amazing on your walls.

When family visit from overseas, it can be the perfect opportunity to get photos with the extended family all together. It’s a joyous and rare occasion but the memories will be treasured from all sides for generations. Perhaps the grandparents are around, or all the kids are back together for a brief moment. If that sounds like a great idea but you’re worried about the details, here are my top tips for an excellent family photo shoot with extended family visiting from overseas (or anywhere!)

If you have kids that you’re worried won’t be thrilled with the idea of a family photoshoot, this one is for you. Family photos document all different ages and stages of your family story, but at each point, there may be people in the family that don’t run at the idea with open arms. I want to encourage you that I’ve seen it before, and I always get the feedback after the photoshoot that it was “actually fun”.

In every season of parenthood, we feel like if we just get through this stage, the next one will bring more freedom, more breathing space and more time. So we put off things for ‘later’. Family photography is one of those things that’s easy to delay. But it’s also something that you’re not able to capture in retrospect. Once a season has passed, it doesn’t return.

This year, my family Christmas photos are centered around togetherness. There’s fun and interaction, and snuggles and cuddles. It’s all about being together, enjoying the moment and letting each person see and know just how valuable they are in our family.

As a Hawkesbury family photographer, I just love outdoor family photoshoots! They are such a fun day and the memories you make are unforgettable. Not only have you captured a season in your children’s lives, but you’ve made beautiful art that can adorn your home for years and even be gifted to your children one day.