How to make your family photos feel like you! Three things to think about when booking your Kent Family Photography session.

The best family photographs are the ones that feel like you. Your children look like themselves, you're wearing clothes you actually feel comfortable in, and the photographs capture the way your family really interacts.

But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice beautiful, considered images. With a little thought beforehand, you can have family photographs that feel natural and personal, while still looking beautifully curated.

As a Kent family photographer, these are three things I think make the biggest difference.

1. Choose a location that means something to you

Your location can completely change the feel of your photographs, so choose somewhere you genuinely enjoy spending time together.

It might be a favourite woodland, a beach you visit every summer, a country estate, or simply somewhere close to home where your children love to explore.

I also think about the time of year and what will give us variety. A location that is beautiful in spring might feel very different in autumn, while somewhere with woodland, open space, water and little places to explore gives children plenty to do without us having to walk for miles.

For me, a beautiful location is one that works for both the photographs and the children. If they're interested in their surroundings, playing and exploring, the lovely photographs tend to happen naturally.

I have a location guide and lots of ideas of places around Sevenoaks, Edenbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Some of my favourites include Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Ashdown Forest, near Tunbridge Wells and Chiddingstone Castle.

This beautiful field was opposite this families home and was perfect because it meant something to them but was also stunning at golden hour!

2. Wear clothes that feel like you

You don't need to dress your family in matching outfits to create a beautiful, cohesive gallery. In fact, I much prefer everyone to feel like themselves.

Instead, think about toning rather than matching. Choose a few colours that work well together, consider the season and location, and avoid anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unlike yourself.

Soft, natural colours and textures tend to photograph beautifully, but there is absolutely room for colour and personality too. Think about the overall feel you want rather than trying to make every outfit identical.

And if you're not sure where to start, I can help. Before your family photography session, I'm always happy to chat through outfit ideas, and I also have a small client wardrobe with pieces you can borrow if you need a little something extra.

The aim is for everyone to look like they belong together — not like you've all been dressed by the same person!

3. Choose a photographer who makes it feel easy

This is probably the most important one.

Beautiful family photographs don't need to mean standing still and smiling at the camera for an hour. My approach to natural family photography in Kent is much more relaxed.

I'll gently guide you when you need it, but I'll also give your children plenty of freedom to play, explore and be themselves. We'll move around, try different things and let the session unfold rather than forcing lots of posed moments.

I'm also looking for all the things in between: the little details, a tiny hand held, a cuddle, a funny expression, the way your children interact with each other — alongside a few of those more traditional grandparent-friendly photographswhere everyone is looking at the camera.

The result is a gallery that tells the story of your family as you are now. Natural, joyful and full of the little things you'll want to remember.

this is me! Find out a bit more about me and how I like to work here.

Beautiful doesn't have to mean overly posed

Ultimately, I don't think you have to choose between photographs that feel natural and photographs that look beautiful.

The right location, considered styling and a relaxed photographer can give you both — a gallery that feels completely personal to your family, while still being full of beautiful images you'll be proud to have on your walls.

If you're looking for a Kent family photographer for a relaxed, natural family photography session around Sevenoaks, Edenbridge, Tunbridge Wells or the surrounding Kent countryside, I'd love to hear from you.