Somerset family photographer - image of a mother with her daughter during a photoshoot in Frome
Somerset family photographer - image of a mother with her daughter during a photoshoot in Frome

SOMERSET FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

NATURAL FAMILY PHOTOSHOOTS at home or outdoors across Somerset

I’m Alison, a North Somerset family photographer offering relaxed photoshoots all over Somerset - Portishead, Clevedon, Chew Magna, Winscombe, Weston and Wells. Places by the coast, open countryside, or in quiet green spaces, they all work beautifully for family photoshoots, with plenty of space to move and explore!

My photoshoots are child-led, giving children the freedom to be as they are - to wander, to play, to stay close when they need to. Children drift away, then come back again. They explore, they pause, they stay close. And in between, I’m there to capture the small moments - a hand held, a glance, a burst of laughter. The kinds of things that pass almost as soon as they appear. I’ll also bring you together for a few portraits, paying attention to the light and the surroundings, so they feel natural, well balanced, and easy. The result is a collection of family photographs that feel honest and genuine - images that reflect this stage of your family’s life - the closeness, the rhythm of it, the way this stage of life is, before it shifts into the next.

Siblings during a family photoshoot in East harptree, Somerset.

“Alison is amazing! The photoshoot was so much fun and Alison made it really enjoyable for the kids. She is super patient. The photos are incredible! Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

~ Joanna Balfour

What happens during a family photoshoot?

Some families prefer the comfort of home, while others enjoy heading to a local park or green space. Both work beautifully and help keep the photos relaxed and natural. Your photoshoot lasts around an hour. I’ll guide you when needed, but most of the time we simply let the children lead the way. There’s no pressure to pose or perform. I allow plenty of time for children to explore and interact in their own way. I've written a full guide to what a family photoshoot looks like if you'd like to know more.

the full guide

Grandmother and grandaughter during a family photoshoot in Cheddar, Somerset.

Family photography pricing

Session fee

The session fee books your shoot and includes:

My travel to your chosen location

Around an hour of photography at your home or a location of your choice

A private online gallery with 40+ edited images to browse

£95

Photo packages

After seeing all your pictures, choose the digital collection of photos that feels right for you:

Full gallery: 40+ high-resolution photographs £295

Half gallery: 20 high-resolution photographs £215

Small collection: 10 high-resolution photographs £145

Family photographer Bath - image of a father pushing his little girl on a swing during a family photoshoot in Bath.

“We had the most incredible experience with our outdoor family photoshoot, and I honestly can’t recommend Alison enough. From the moment we arrived, everything felt relaxed and natural - no awkward posing or pressure, just a genuine focus on capturing our family as we are.”

- Jade Higgs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Around an hour. That's usually plenty of time to get a lovely variety of photos - natural moments, a few portraits, and a mix of everyone together and the children on their own - without anyone running out of patience. I keep things flexible though. If the children are loving it, we can carry on a little longer, and if they've had enough, that's fine too.

  • All across North Somerset and the surrounding areas. Portishead Lake Grounds, Clevedon seafront, Chew Valley Lake and the beaches at Sand Bay and Berrow are some of my favourites, but I'm happy to photograph anywhere that works for your family - including your own home or a spot that means something to you. I've written a full guide to some family photo locations in Somerset if you'd like some ideas.

  • Absolutely. Home photoshoots are lovely, especially with babies and younger children who feel most relaxed in their own space. I use the natural light in your home and photograph your family doing the everyday things you do together. If the weather's nice, we can always start indoors and head out into the garden or a nearby park too.

  • Comfortable clothes in soft, simple colours work best. There's no need to match, just choosing a few tones that sit nicely together and letting everyone wear something they feel good in. I've written a full guide on what to wear for family photos if you'd like some more detailed help.

  • All ages, from newborns right through to teenagers. Every stage has something special about it, and I adapt the photoshoot to suit your children, whether they're tiny babies, busy toddlers, or older children.

  • Of course. Multi-generational photos are really special, and family photoshoots are a lovely chance to capture everyone together. Just let me know in advance who'll be coming so I can plan for the group.

  • If it's properly miserable weather, we'll simply rearrange for another day - there's no charge for that. But light rain or an overcast sky is absolutely fine, and often gives beautiful, soft results. Some of my favourite photoshoots have been on grey days. And of course, an at-home photoshoot is always an option if the weather isn't cooperating.

  • You'll have a private online gallery with at least 40 edited images to look through. From there, you choose the collection that feels right for you.

  • I edit your photos over the two to three weeks following your photoshoot, then send you a link to your private gallery. You'll have a week to browse, share with family, and choose your favourites.

  • Yes, I photograph newborns and babies across Bristol as well as families. If you've got a new baby on the way or a little one you'd like photographed, have a look at my Somerset newborn and baby photography page.

  • Just send me a message with a bit about your family and what you're looking for, along with any dates you have in mind. I'll get back to you with availability and the next steps.

GET IN TOUCH

Tell me a little about your family and what you're hoping for. I'll reply with availability and the next steps.

Father and daughter during a family photoshoot in East Harptree, Somerset.

BEST LOCATIONS for family photoshoots in Somerset

Where to go for your photoshoot?

Somerset has so many beautiful settings for relaxed family photos, from coastal paths and beaches to open countryside and peaceful lakeside views. I often photograph families along Clevedon seafront, around Black Nore Lighthouse in Portishead, and at Berrow Beach, where there’s space for children to run and explore. Chew Valley Lake is another favourite, especially for wide skies, soft light and open views. Of course, some of the most meaningful photos happen somewhere familiar - your home, your garden, or a local park your family already loves. I've put together a full guide to Somerset’s best family photography locationsif you'd like to explore your options.

full guide

About Alison

Somerset family photographer

I’m Ali. I’ve been photographing families for over a decade, working with parents who want natural, relaxed photos of their family.

As a mum myself, I understand how quickly childhood goes by and how important it is to capture it without adding pressure.

I live in North Somerset and spend most of my time either at home with my own family or at work with other families, which means I’m very used to the realities of family life - the unpredictability, the noise, the quiet moments, and everything in between. That familiarity helps me to create photographs that feel honest, comfortable, and genuine.

I regularly photograph families across Bristol and North Somerset, and over the years I’ve come to know many of the parks and outdoor locations that work beautifully for family photos.

More about me

Where do you offer family photoshoots in Somerset?

I regularly photograph families in: Bristol, Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea, Yatton, Backwell, Weston-super-mare, Wells, Congresbury, Winscombe, Chew Magna, Wedmore, Cheddar, Pensford, Axbridge, Banwell, Highbridge, Burnham-on-sea. I also travel for family sessions across Bath, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire, depending on availability.

Newborn & Baby

Christenings & Baptisms

Birthdays & Special Occasions