Capturing Beautiful Moments! London Family Photographer Katrina Campbell

“Enjoy them while they’re little, it goes so fast” Soo many people have said this as they’ve seen me struggle down the road, screaming toddler in tow. And I know they’re right. Those moments when kids are little and you are their world, is so short. One way I like to hold on to these precious times is through photographs. You know me, I’m an avid photographer, but one thing I struggle to do is photograph myself with the kids. So, recently London family photographer Katrina Campbell came to the rescue.

My Fear of Family Photoshoots

Now, I should add that I have a slight fear of family photoshoots, I’d never put on my walls those corny everyone slightly stiffly smiling at a camera in a white studio images. But London family photographer Katrina Campbell, is about as far from that as you can imagine. In fact she says: “All you need to be is yourselves and I will create a series of images that capture you at this moment in time.”

Shooting with North London Family Photographer Katrina Campbell

In preparation for the photoshoot, I selected a few outfits for Clara and I that (hopefully) complimented each other. Then brushed our hair, wiped snot from Clara’s nose and Katrina took over. We spent a wonderful hour up at Alexandra Palace shooting and thankfully it wasn’t raining. Initially I was worried that Clara would play up, or refuse to be photographed. But, Katrina had a wonderfully gentle and natural way with her and never asked Clara to pose or perform, which as you’ll see is evident from the photos.

Why Have a Family Photoshoot?

Yes you can take a picture of your family on your iPhone, but there is something about having really good photos of your family. You can frame them, have them up the stairs, make a wall gallery or even make a photobook. With our phones we consume so many pictures that are just stored in the cloud and never see the light of day. I wanted some pictures of Clara and I to go on our walls.

Is Getting a Family Photoshoot Expensive?

You have to remember taking good photos is an artform and you’re paying someone for their expertise. Plus having a family photoshoot is a special occasion. But saying all that I do think Katrina is very good value for money. She has two options:

+ Family photoshoot with the option to order prints, frames or photobooks (£125 weekend / £150 weekend (shoot fee only)

• Pre-shoot consultation
• 1-2 hours shoot for up to 6 people at home or outdoors (London)
• In person or zoom photo viewing with advice on ordering frames or photobooks

+ Family photoshoot with a set of digital images included (£375 weekday / £395 weekend)

• Pre-shoot consultation
• 1 hour shoot for up to 6 people in your home or out on location in London
• Set of approx 30 edited images from the shoot, presented in online gallery

Katrina is also happy to do a bespoke design service. For example, it could be that you want her to put together a wall gallery from the photos and you might want it to include other photos you already own. You can just speak to her about this and she can quote accordingly. Also, if you have more than 6 members in your family, get in touch with her and chat it through. Dear family friends of ours have 6 children, so 8 of them, hence I felt the need to write this!

My Thoughts On Our Photos

I absolutely love the photos Katrina took for us and am sorely tempted to get her to do some of the children with their Grandparents, hugging and playing doing all those things we haven’t been able to do for so long. If you want to know more about my time with Katrina please comment below, I’m happy to answer questions.

Top Tips for Getting the Most out of a Photoshoot

• Pick a great location outdoors
• Choose complimentary outfits
• Pick colours that suit your colouring
• Relax
• Ignore the camera
• Let Katrina take the lead

Just a final note, during the first lockdown Katrina photographed friends and neighbours on their doorsteps in North London. What started as a mini project has turned into a fully fledged beautiful book with people’s lockdown stories, fears, hopes and emotions, it’s truly beautiful and a mini piece of history. We have it on our coffee table and is one people always pick up when they come round. Click here to find out more.

Disclaimer – The photoshoot was a gift from Katrina, however Katrina and I have been friends for years and have worked together on many different projects. The Orwell + Austen clothes were PR loans. Those items with a * = affiliate links. So products I make a very small commission from if you buy. Think of it as buying me a cup of (pink) tea.