Today, I’m excited to share with you The Astill’s relaxed and fun in home family session! The weather in Cairns can be unpredictable at the best of times, but even more so during wet season. It’s hot, humid and often, very very wet. What better place to have a family photoshoot in Cairns, than in your own home?! The proof is in the pudding here because their youngest little man has been quite shy during two separate beach sessions with me, but I got to see the little boy they know and love today because he was full of energy! ‘Why didn’t we just have all our sessions at our house?!’ And said when she saw how much fun Nolan was having!
Honestly, it can be really hard to predict how your little ones are going to be during your family photoshoot, but I will say children do seem to open up quicker at home. I imagine it’s partly due to if your parents are trusting this adult in their family home, then they can too, and partly due to them knowing, loving and feeling safe in that space to be themselves.
We started their family photoshoot in the master bedroom. I love using this spot because families can either get nice and cuddly, or playful – jumping on the bed, tickling etc. The bed is also elevated enough that if there are toys and things all over the floor, they can be cropped out of the photo, and the backdrop is usually a plain wall, rather than another area of the house that might contain more signs of the fact you live there! (I know lots of people think I only photograph families in Instagram worthy homes and this simply isn’t the case – I’m just good at making it look that way!!)
We then headed to the couch for peekaboo and more play before heading out into the back garden.
Their family love gardening and I’m always watching closely what they grow each year! (I’m not exactly what you’d call a green thumb!) Knowing how much they love their garden, I knew I wanted to include it in their family photos. They are also blessed with beautiful views of the rainforest. How many people in the world get to say that about their backyard?!
I’m not about making people sit still for ages for their photos. Children have a short attention span so to keep things natural and fun, I like to move to different areas of the house and garden. This keeps the relaxed and fun feel and ensures natural smiles. No forced smiles in photos that come from me 😉
And mentioned the boys were up super early that morning playing with the hose, so I knew that was something we had to include and we had already planned to use some bubbles. What toddler doesn’t love bubbles?!
The boys had a quick jump on their trampoline, a play in their playhouse and then showed me their garden area. At this point, we also included their family dog in the photos. The family dog who also thought we were all mad because it was so hot and humid!
I really love how their in home family session really shows who they are as a family. They are just a normal family with a lived in house and love to spend time together.
Here are their photos xx
If you would like to book your own family photos with me, you can contact me here or email lizzy@lizzyhannaford.com.au
To find out whether an in home family photoshoot is for you, you can read this helpful post.
