How to Get Natural Family Photos You Love | Bristol Family Photographer

Capture Your Family's Story Authentically

If you'd love natural and heartfelt family photos but you're worried your children won't play ball during your photoshoot, you'll want to stick around.

As a family photographer specialising in natural and relaxed photoshoots, many parents say it is music to their ears to hear that their home gives them the best chance of capturing family photos they love. Why? Because your home is the perfect backdrop for helping your children to feel safe, happy and free to be themselves.

If you think about it, home makes so much sense when booking a family photoshoot. Home is also where your motherhood story unfolds in all its gloriously imperfect ways. And it is home where your children (and us grown-ups) feel free laugh until we cry, indulge in cuddleathons on the sofa and embrace the constant flow of sweet chaos.



During an in-home family photoshoot with Little Bodhi Photography, I allow beautifully organic moments to happen naturally and effortlessly. And in capturing these precious everyday moments you are pressing pause on your golden days, the 'blink and you've missed it' moments that you never want to forget.

So, please don't worry about how your children might behave; I want to document your little ones just as they are.

In this recent family photoshoot, I absolutely adored capturing the playfulness and joy of this mama and her crew in their stunning Bristol home, perfectly framed by their treasures and creature comforts. The family's willingness to allow the photoshoot to simply unfold allowed us to capture so many wonderful photos, full of unbounded energy, unscripted personalities and tender connections that perfectly document this fleeting chapter in their family story.

If you long for stress-free and heartfelt family photos that are less about stiff poses and more about embracing the reality of parenthood, below I have shared my favourite tried-and-tested tips aimed at helping you get the best out of your children during your in-home family photoshoot.

FUN FACT: These tips also work on unwilling partners too (let's be honest, sometimes they can be harder to convince than the kids!)

1. Let KIDS Be KIDS

Children are naturally full of energy, fun ideas and oodles of curiosity, and the best photos happen when they’re simply being themselves. Leading up to your photoshoot tell your kids your friend Debbie is coming over for a play date and that I'll be bringing my camera to take photos of all the fun!

Set the scene and tell them that instead of asking them to pose or smile on command, I will encourage movement, play and cuddles. My family photoshoots are child-led so whether it’s chasing bubbles, reading a book, collecting leaves, or having a tickle fight, the best moments unfold when the children are doing what they love and lost in the moment.

Sometimes all that is needed to get things back on track is a quick break, a tasty snack or a change of scenery. Having a relaxed approach ensures that the session remains enjoyable for everyone. Often it is these in between moments of calm that create the sweetest heartfelt portraits.

2. BOOK An in-Home Photoshoot

I've mentioned it already, but incase you need a little more convincing, your children will almost certainly feel more relaxed and at ease in the comfort of their own home. After all for younger children especially, home (complete with their precious family of course) is their world. When your children feel at ease their glorious personalities will to shine through. And this makes for the most wonderful portraits of family life as it is.

3. Keep It Playful

A fun and engaging approach always wins over stiff, posed photos. Games like “Simon Says,” jumping contests, or asking little ones to tell me a joke all bring out natural giggles and expressions. If they’re shy at first, I take a step back and let them settle in. Soon enough, their playful spirit takes over, and the magic happens.

If your little ones like to keep you on your toes ensure you involve plenty of opportunities for spinning, tickling, wrestling, jumping and swinging.

For children that need focus and calm you may find it useful to have a few activities in mind. Choose things you enjoy together as a family such as baking, painting, playing board games, reading books, or crafting. And if all else fails, I always have a few tricks up my sleeve to bring everyone together.

4. Embrace the Chaos

Let go of any expectations you may have for perfection and lean into the chaos of family life - I am fully here for it! The unexpected twists and turns of parenting is exactly what makes it so special like the way your toddler clings to yours leg, a spontaneous hug between siblings, or the mischievous giggles as the kids jump on mummy's bed. Try to be patient and flexible and instead of worrying about keeping everything ‘just-so,’ embrace the mess, follow your children's energy and interests and trust that I will capture all the precious magic your family has to offer.

5. Focus on Connection

At the heart of every great family photo is connection. Loving looks, butterfly kisses, holding hands, cuddling up together, whispering silly secrets - these little interactions tell the story of love and togetherness in the most natural way. During my family photoshoots, I often guide parents to simply relax and play with their children rather than looking at the camera, resulting in photos that reflect the warmth of your family life.

6. Timing Matters

In my experience (as both a mum and a family photographer) children are at their happiest in the morning. So, I often suggest to parents that they book a morning photoshoot.

But since all family's have their own rhythm, book your photoshoot for a time of day that works for you and your crew. Take into consideration things like nap times, feeding schedules, lunch and family commitments.

Final Thoughts

My aim is to create an enjoyable photography experience where families feel free to be themselves, because that’s when the most heartfelt photos happen.



Capturing natural, relaxed, and authentic family photos isn’t about perfect poses, it’s about creating space for real moments to unfold. By keeping things playful, going with the flow and focusing on connection, we can create beautiful portraits that truly reflect the joy and love of your family life.

Ready to Book Your Family Photoshoot?

I get it, I really do. In the hustle and bustle of daily parenting life, it's easy to let these moments pass by. But with a family photoshoot, you can guarantee memories are frozen in time and the magic of your family story is preserved forever. I bitterly regret not booking a family photoshoot to bottle each season of motherhood, but it's never too late. If you want beautiful photos with your babies (regardless of their age), it's within reach.

You deserve this, mama!

Debbie x