“FAMILY IS NOT AN IMPORTANT THING, IT’S EVERYTHING.”
UNPOSED. UNSCRIPTED. UNDIRECTED.
As a parent, I've come to deeply appreciate the beauty found in the ordinary and the magic of the everyday. It's these aspects of life that I'm passionate about capturing in my family photography. This isn't about posing in front of a backdrop with forced smiles. No, it's about the pillow fights, the lazy Sunday morning cuddles, the flour-covered chaos of baking day, and the serene calm of bedtime stories. These moments form the vibrant threads of your family's unique tapestry, alive with the true colors of love, laughter, and the genuine connections that bind you together.
In capturing your family, I step into your world as a quiet observer, seeking out those unguarded glimmers of emotion and connection. My aim is to capture a chapter of your story, a slice of life that tells of who you are in the most authentic way possible.
Imagine, years from now, flipping through the album of memories we've created together. Each photograph, a return ticket to a moment gone but never forgotten. The tiny details, the big emotions, and the everyday magic that might have slipped through the cracks of memory, all preserved. It's these snapshots that bring us back, remind us of the journey, and show us how far we've come.
My approach to family photography is simple: let life happen. The beauty is in the genuine, the unplanned, and the spontaneous. It’s in the quiet moments just as much as the loud ones. I’m just there to capture it, to ensure that the laughter, the bonds, and the love you share remain immortalized.
So, let's tell your story, not with words, but with moments. With the unspoken, the uproarious, and the utterly human. We'll freeze time, so that when you look back, you'll remember not just how you looked, but how you lived, how you loved, and how incredibly wonderful this wild ride of family life truly was. It would be an honour to become a part of your story, even if only for a little while. I’ll chase after the raw, joyful, and sometimes chaotic moments that define your family's essence. I can't wait to share in the elements that make your family what it is. Meeting you and your loved ones, and having the opportunity to preserve your cherished memories, genuinely excites me. I assure you that I'll pour my heart and passion into capturing these precious moments, making sure they're treasured forever.
Package 1: The New Beginnings Mini Session
Aimed at: New parents with newborns
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Price: €300
Includes:
A gentle, intimate session focused on capturing the first tender moments at home.
A beautiful slideshow to relive these precious memories.
An online gallery with high-resolution downloads for easy sharing and printing.
Package 3: The Day-in-the-Life Experience
Aimed at: Families looking for a comprehensive documentation of their daily life
Duration: 10-12 Hours
Price: €1200
Includes:
An immersive session from morning until bedtime, capturing the essence of your family's day.
An engaging slideshow that tells the story of your family's unique routine and love.
An online gallery with high-resolution downloads, ensuring every moment is preserved for generations.
Package 2: The Family Fun Session
Aimed at: Families with young children
Duration: 3-4 Hours
Price: €600
Includes:
A versatile session perfect for capturing at-home comfort and outdoor adventures.
A vibrant slideshow showcasing the joy and dynamism of your family.
An online gallery with high-resolution downloads, capturing your family's fun moments.
FAQs
—where can we see more examples of your family shoots?
Sure! I have a portfolio page that you can view at the link below with a sample of some recent work. Every gallery is show in it's entirety. Exactly what the couple received, from Start to finish and shown in the order that they were taken.
https://davidmcclellandphotography.pic-time.com/client
Also, head over to the blog for a deeper dive into individual family shoots.
What should we wear for our family photo session?
Go for outfits that you'd typically wear to feel comfortable and at ease, truly capturing the essence of your family. Forget about perfectly matching each other—that trend has long since faded. What matters most is reflecting your genuine selves, creating a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of our outdoor shoot?
If the forecast spells trouble on the day of our scheduled outdoor shoot, there’s no need to worry. Flexibility is key, and we can always try to find another date that suits us both to dodge the downpour. It’s important to me that we capture your family in the best light possible, literally and figuratively. However, should the weather decide to be unpredictable, it's not a deal-breaker. My gear is weather-proof, and a bit of rain doesn’t deter me. Sometimes, those unexpected weather conditions can add a unique, dynamic element to your photos, offering a backdrop filled with character. So, whether it’s rescheduling or braving the elements, we’ll make it work and ensure your family’s memories are captured beautifully.
How long before we receive our photos?
Usually no more than a few weeks for your full gallery and slideshow. I can have a few sneak peeks with you though usually in the the next day or so.
Can we purchase prints or albums directly from you?
Yes, you can - Should you wish you can download the files and use your own printer or take them to a high street printer where you can print them yourselves or there is also the option of ordering prints and albums directly from your slideshow from Loxley Labs and QTalbums who I've partnered with to offer professional grade quality prints.
What is the best time of day for our session?
For Packages 1 and 2, the ideal time for our session is from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. This timeframe offers soft, natural light that can truly flatter the intimate moments we aim to capture, especially for the tender settings of Package 1 with newborns, and the playful, dynamic interactions of Package 2 with small children. However, I understand that life, especially with a family, doesn't always adhere to an ideal schedule. I'm more than willing to work around your routine to find a time that suits you best, ensuring we create a relaxed and natural environment for your family's photo session.
How can we prepare our home for an in-home newborn or family session?
My advice is simple: don't overdo it. Your home is a reflection of your family's life and personality as it is now — messy, vibrant, and utterly real. The beauty of these sessions lies in capturing the genuine essence of your everyday life, not a polished, staged version of it.
I want to photograph the real you, in the environment where you and your family are most comfortable and true to yourselves. Whether it's the pile of books by the bed, the toys strewn about the living room, or the everyday clutter of a lived-in kitchen, these details add character and authenticity to your photos. They tell your story as it is right now, which is more beautiful and meaningful than any perfectly tidy scene could ever convey.
So, relax and let your home be. It's the backdrop of your life, and I'm here to capture it—real, raw, and wonderfully you.
Can we include pets in our family session?
Of course! I can’t believe you even asked!
What if my child is unwell on the day of the shoot?
The most important thing is their well-being. Please try to let me know as soon as you can, even if it's last minute. Health always comes first, and I fully understand that these things can't be predicted. I'm more than willing to turn the car around and reschedule for a time when everyone is feeling better. We want the photo session to be a happy, comfortable experience for your child and the whole family.
Can we share our photos on social media?
By all means! A little tag or credit would be lovely though and hopefully help me find more people just like you!
HOW DO WE SECURE THE DATE WITH YOU?
A 50% deposit is required. The balance is due once you receive your images.
CAN WE CHAT ON THE PHONE to discuss further?
Yes! I'd love to. In the form below, give me your number and a good time to call and I'll get in touch. Talking on the phone is WAY better than emailing and it means you can ask me all the questions you'd like. It's much more personal too, don't ya think?