When you have a busy and dispersed family, it’s not often or easy to get everyone together. But when you, it’s a time to celebrate and capture the memories. You might like to think about hiring a photographer so one person isn’t always missing from the group shots and everyone can just enjoy the moment without worrying about corralling everyone for photos.

Last Easter I had the pleasure of photographing a local family at their family home and in their local park to commemorate my client’s Mother’s 80th birthday. It was also significant because the Grandparents were in the process of downsizing and moving from what had been their family home for decades. My client wanted their home and Grandpa’s well-tended and cherished garden to feature in their photos.

We started out at the house which provided a relaxed and comfortable environment to get acquainted and ease into the photos. The cousins were able to play in the garden while I captured some natural moments amongst them all and the parents were able to catch up and finish getting ready. Once we had everyone together, we were able to move seamlessly between photo arrangements and combinations including their entire group of 10, the Grandparents with all the grandchildren and individual families without any stress or unnatural posing.

For a family that proclaimed to be uncomfortable in front of the camera, it was a relaxed and fun shoot with beautiful images that they can all look back on for years to come. It was all the more special that I was able to create some beautiful memories of their family home before moving to their new home.

After viewing the photos, my client decided on a leather heirloom portfolio box filled with fine art prints to complete her Mum’s birthday gift. It is now sitting pride of place in their new home and I’ve had reports that they are regularly going through the photos and putting a new one in front and on display.

If your family is planning a reunion or getting together this year, think about capturing the moment with a photoshoot in your local park, family home or chosen venue. You know that these occasions do not happen often and it will give you all the chance to update your family photos too.

You can see more family photos here or email tricia@portrayedphotography.co.uk to learn more.