Why Now is the Time to Book a Family Photography Session

Boom Blog
Jun 28
3 min read

Sarah Briggs Photography was founded earlier this year by Belper mum-of-two Sarah, after 15 years in the industry. Here she shares her top tips for getting the most from your family shoot, Derbyshire’s most photogenic locations and why she thinks we're loving candid captures rather formal photos…

How did your photography career begin?

I started out working for regional newspapers doing photojournalism. Then I shot baby of the year for the Derby Telegraph and realised I really loved working with children. For the past 15 years, I’ve built a career taking school and nursery photographs. Now, my two sons are a little bit older and I’ve realised it’s definitely time to focus on my own business again.

Have you noticed any new family photography trends?

There’s a lot less looking directly at the camera and families are really favouring a more candid relaxed style. Looking at each other has become popular lately. I think it's because for years a more formal style of photography was typical. Now families are wanting to spend time outside, connecting with nature (something which is directly linked to improved children's behaviour and more settled little minds) which is such a good thing as it makes for beautiful family portraits too.

So, where are your favourite places in Derbyshire to take photos?

Derbyshire is full of the most beautiful locations, especially National Trust properties. Kedleston Hall, Calke Abbey or even up on the Chevin, which is in Belper where I live.

In my opinion, Derbyshire’s most photogenic places are:

The Chevin in Belper

The River Gardens in Belper

Crich Stand

Kedleston Hall

Elvaston Castle

Calke Abbey

The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Thornbridge Hall

What is a common mistake that parents/families make when taking photos of their children?

Overthinking it! The best photos are the ones where the families are having fun. Try to be relaxed and just enjoy the moment; natural smiles come much easier when people don't think too much about it.

So, what are your three top tips for getting great photos of your children/family?

1. Be silly, make them laugh.

2. Don't over pose them. Small directions for posing work better than lots of information.

3. Be quick! Smiles can change in an instant, so being fast is a must.

What can a family booked on to a shoot with you expect?

They have the option of either coming to my house, where I offer home studio portraits on a cream backdrop, or they can meet me at location of their choice (or I can suggest one) for the shoot. The shoot usually lasts about an hour, resulting in about 30-60 edited images to choose from.

My photo style is relaxed, but vibrant. I love getting the best out of the children by making them laugh and putting families at ease when having their photos taken. I won’t photograph children who are very distraught or visibly upset. It doesn’t make for lovely photographs and you aren’t ever going to get the best out of someone if they’re unhappy, so I’d rather take a break and wait or reschedule the shoot.

Is there anything a family can do to prepare for a shoot with you?

Prep wise I'd say get the children excited for having their photos taken and pick out outfits that complement each other (though they don't have to match). Clothes that are neutral are good as they then won't distract from the smiles and the setting.

Is there one child that you would love to take photos of… and why?

Prince Louie. He’s seems so full of energy and a natural whenever there are cameras pointed at him. I think he’d be fun – and wouldn’t it would be great to see all his family interacting together?!

What is your favourite photograph in your own home?

It has to be the newborn photos of my two sons. They mean the world to me. It reminds me daily of how quickly they grow – and why it’s so important to make sure you have lovely photos of your children at all their different ages and phases.