There are billions of families all around the world, and no two are the same. Let’s celebrate this kind of individuality by making it last forever: your family photographer in Richmond holds the power of capturing the moment with the ones dearest to us. 

The best thing about a family photo shoot session is looking at the happy expressions I capture in every shot. I thoroughly enjoy my job. It is my passion, not just a job, and your images will reflect with how much joy and dedication I have created your photos.

In case you haven’t had a chance to read my biography on this website yet, let me introduce myself: my name is Viola Carnelos and I am a mother and family photographer in Richmond, Surrey. I work mainly in South West London (Richmond, Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham, Kew Gardens), but I have been working in various countries such as New Zealand, Cyprus, and Italy for over fifteen years, before moving to the UK.

During my career I have learned how important it is to create images that represent an authentic family, based on real emotions. Every family has their beautiful and unique facets. Family photography is not some portrait that you put in an album, close in a drawer, and never look at again, but it is the depiction of that intense, deep and extraordinary connection of you all, and the unique way you established it.

Locations for your Family Photography

My boutique studio is located in the heart of Richmond. It is a comfortable and safe place, furnished in a way that you will feel like sitting in your living room. During your photo shoot we will never be disturbed by a phone ringing or customers walking in. It is open by appointment only and your booked session is only for you, with no time limit.

We are still enjoying beautiful weather and an outdoor family photoshoot is ideal now. Warmer temperatures and mild sunny days are perfect to organise a photoshoot and a day out. Let me know what your favourite location is and I will meet you there. Especially for children an outdoor shoot is often very relaxing and they will soon ‘forget about the stranger around’ whilst I capture beautiful memories of your family. 

Children in family photos

Sometimes, children fear the cameras surrounding them and won’t act as wished for by their parents. However, it is important to remember that children are not machines and I have established my own little tricks and tips to make sure that your family photoshoot ends in beautiful, memorable photos, nevertheless.

One of my ways to ensure that children will gradually relax in the new surroundings, especially when the shoot takes place in my studio, is to make them feel at home. It is important that children feel as confident and safe in my studio as they do at their home, because otherwise, they won’t lose their fear of the unknown. In this case I let them explore, see how my camera works, and I have a little chat with them. If I get positive feedback, it is time to shoot. This also applies to outdoor photo shoots.

Family photography as a timeline

Some clients of mine return every year with their partners and children to get new family photos done. Some of them would like to have their favourite images inserted in a beautiful album that can be displayed and browsed through. A photo book becomes an unforgettable memory we can share at any time with our family and friends. I offer a wide range of photo albums to choose from. You can browse the options at my studio. Family portraiture is a great way to document their children’s growth, and the evolution of their bond as a family. When years pass and children become adults, having memories of happy moments is medicine for the soul. A way of appreciating what has been and wondering what has to come.

The basic rule of a family photoshoot

My aim is to deliver a family portrait that is natural, artistic and emotional. The best part of a family photoshoot is that it has no fixed rules to follow. The key is being spontaneous and happy and most importantly have fun!

There is no minimum or maximum number of shots to take, there are no particular poses to do, and there is no time limit. Usually, a family photoshoot with me lasts about two hours and my clients get an ample variety of photos. Booking a photo shoot with a family photographer in Richmond is not a commitment, but the session should be an experience to remember. An experience that will give you authentic and thrilling shots, real, sincere, intimate, alive, and passionate emotions. And let’s not forget, it is not always the smily face that makes an image ‘successful’. I capture every mood and thrive to create authentic images, not forced posed images.

What does a family photoshoot say?

A family portrait tells a story and evokes emotions even years after it had been taken. It tells about your journey together, it tells the moment when your paths split, and all your wins, losses, challenges, fears, and hurdles you overcame all together with unity and resilience.

For more inspiration, follow me on my blog and on Instagram.

If you would like to book a photoshoot session, you can call me at 07493386333, send me an e-mail, or visit my website.