Maternity photos with the whole family
The whole family relaxes on the steps of Cully church for some natural maternity photos
Having a new baby effects everyone in the family, from siblings to pets. A great way to involved the whole family in the process is to ask them to take part in your maternity photos. I love being able to include everyone in pregnancy photos – even the dog! This image from Usha’s shoot shows how terrific whole family maternity photos can be. It shows mum, dad, son and Pepet sharing a moment on the steps of the church in Cully. The colours and textures are just perfect for a lazy summer’s day. And for one moment everyone managed to look in my direction.
The Story
We had started the shoot with some indoor portraits of Usha alone and the plan was to head out to the lake for some water images. Walking through the village I had notice the church steps and was really taken with the ivy winding its way down and in between the stone. I suggested we take a quick walk around the village before strolling down to the lake. When dealing with unpredictable models I always try to get the parents in the right place first, then children and take a few images before asking the family to call over their dog. Pepet was such a lovely curious dog, sniffing around everywhere. As I was chatting to the family, he came to stand at the top of the steps and surveyed the scene. It was the ideal moment to capture all the family together with natural smiles.
The best ways to involve family in maternity pictures
Maternity photos do tend to be all about mum, but there are some easy ways to include all the family. I usually advise mum’s to plan something fun for other siblings, in this case a swim together in the lake, and there were some running races too! Plan time for portraits alone, either before or after family pictures. This avoids your other family members getting bored. We were really lucky because both Rémy and Pepet were happy to be around me and not in the pictures. So I managed to get a few couple photos too. I also try to get kids involved in the images, directing their parents or helping me shoot. This holds their attention just long enough to get the shots and then move onto something different.
See more from Usha’s family maternity photos here. Or discover the story behind some of my favourite maternity and newborn photos, by checking out the links below or visit the Story of the Photo page. If you would like to book a maternity photo shoot with the family, get in touch to chat about making it happen.
Story of the photo
Learn more about this charming first birthday shoot in the mountains with a brother and sister enjoying birthday cupcakes on a summer’s afternoon in the Alps.
Go behind the scenes of this spring flowers engagement picture. Perfect alpine meadows and soft summer light for a unique portrait of two people in love.
With the buzz of a summer’s afternoon and a stolen moment together on a busy day, read the story behind this magical wedding photo.
Discover the story behind this tender photo of a big sister and her new baby brother.
A moment of pure joy in the snow. Discover the story behind this incredible engagement shoot image shot in Zermatt in the winter.
Find out the story behind this charming family photo with 3-month-old baby Noah.
Be inspired by this natural Christmas newborn photo taken by Switzerland baby photographer Emma Godfrey. With lots of ideas of how to make family photo shoots more fun for families of all ages.
Brighten your day with the story behind this shimmering wedding portrait by Switzerland photographer Emma Godfrey. Read the story behind her favourite shots and what makes them magical.
Unwrap the story of this botanical maternity photography shoot by Switzerland photographer Emma Godfrey. Finding the exotic in the centre of Geneva and hiding from the cold for a unique take on pregnancy pics.
Discover the story behind this charming photo of two best friends laughing by photographer Emma Godfrey. Find out how she likes to work with children to get the best, most natural photos of your kids.