· 2 min read
A family photoshoot with kids on holiday
The best family photos happen when kids are having fun, not when they're standing still. Here's how I photograph children on holiday and what you can do in advance so the shoot goes easily.
Pick a time that suits your child
What matters most isn't sunset, it's your child's mood. If your little one naps during the day, we shoot before or after the nap, when they're rested and fed. For small kids the morning is often best: it's cool, the light is soft and they have plenty of energy.
- Under 3: morning or early evening, no longer than an hour.
- 3–7 years: evening, an hour before sunset, with a snack break.
- Teenagers: any time; what matters to them is photos they're happy to post.
Games instead of poses
I hardly ever ask kids to pose. We race to the water, look for shells, spin around, jump over waves, count steps. That's where the real photos come from: genuine smiles and hugs, not "say cheese".
How to dress the family
- One palette for everyone, for example white, beige and light blue. No need for matching T-shirts.
- For kids: comfortable clothes they can run and sit on the sand in.
- Skip big prints, cartoon characters and slogans: they pull attention away from faces.
- Bring a spare set: water and sand are inevitable.
What to bring
- Water and a simple snack that won't crumble or stain, like bananas or biscuits.
- A favourite toy if your child is shy. It can be in the photos too.
- A towel and wet wipes.
- Put sunscreen on in advance so it has time to soak in and doesn't shine.
How to talk to your child before the shoot
Tell them you're going for a walk by the sea with a lady who takes photos. Don't promise a reward for good behaviour: it creates pressure. If your child is fussy, that's fine: we give them time, photograph the parents, and they usually join in on their own.
Where to shoot families
- The beach: sand, water and room to play. Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, East beach in Side, Konyaaltı in Antalya.
- Your hotel: easy with little ones, everything is close and you can pop back to the room to change.
- The Dim River in Alanya or the pine groves in Belek: shade and cool air in summer.
The price is per session, not per person: 1 hour is €79, 2 hours is €129, and the mini session in Alanya is €49. For a family with small kids, an hour is usually enough.
