You don't have a photo album, you say? Or your children have grown so much since you last took their picture? Maybe your own photography doesn't quite capture your children as you see them, with the smiles you know you've seen them smile? Well, if you wouldn't trust yourself to install a kitchen or wire a light, why wouldn't you hire a professional to do something as important as photograph your family?
That's where I come in! I believe those happy moments, playing with your children, can be photographed exactly as you remember them. I also believe those happy moments don't happen in a studio. Studios are where your children are uncomfortable, and where they're only half smiling because you're bribing them with ice cream afterwards.... I believe in photographing you and your family, either in your own home or somewhere your family loves to relax — perhaps your favorite park? Family pets are welcome, too!
My clients have often commented on how relaxed their children feel around me, and how it's just like they're playing as usual. Of course, their trust has to be earned, and that takes time. I like to take about four hours for a photography session, which gives the kids a chance to relax around me, and to go back to their usual playtime rhythms. It often helps to plan the photo session around a play-date with a friend, since they can then go about their play, or, better still, play to the camera! Basically, if they have a good day, the photos will show it!
If you'd also like some studio-style photos, perhaps some formal portraits of the whole family, I have a portable white background and soft lighting that I can bring to the shoot. You get the benefits of the studio, without the long, grumpy trip to the studio!
For up to four hours, the price is £200 GBP and includes both high-resolution images (for print) and low-resolution images (for email) on a personalized CD. Prints are not included in that price, though you are welcome to make prints from the CD at a photo lab or on your own home printer (though home printing can be frustrating). I'm an experienced photographic printer, so I can also supply you with high-quality, colour-corrected prints, in a range of sizes and finishes (gloss, satin, and matte). I can also design and supply you with hardcover photo books, in which your images are printed directly onto the pages. It's a small price to pay for what will become your most prized possessions! Please email gs@gormshackelford.com for bookings or questions.