Family Photoshoot in St Helens – A Thoughtful Birthday Gift for Mum

jakubklocphotography
12 minutes ago
5 min read

Family of five with a small brown dog poses happily in a studio. Light background, casual attire. Warm, joyful atmosphere.

A Special Session with Myah and Her Family

Every family has a unique story, and capturing a moment in time with professional photographs is one of the most meaningful ways to preserve that story. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Myah and her family in St Helens for a heartfelt family photoshoot. What made this session especially touching was that it was a surprise birthday gift for Myah’s mum. The family hadn’t had professional photos taken in over eight years, making this session both long overdue and incredibly significant.

Photographing in a Cosy Family Home

The session took place inside their semi-detached house in St Helens. Like many British homes, space was a little limited, and we used the living room as our makeshift studio. But thanks to my mobile photography studio setup, that’s never an issue. I designed my gear and workflow to adapt to small spaces while still delivering professional results.

Whether I’m photographing in a living room, a bedroom, or a hallway, I bring everything necessary to transform an ordinary space into a studio—lights, backdrops, stands, and of course, plenty of creativity.

Creating a Studio Experience Anywhere

For this shoot, I used a compact version of my mobile studio setup, including a two-light configuration: a key light with a softbox to shape flattering light, and a fill or rim light to add depth and separation from the background. I kept the backdrop light and neutral to maintain a clean, timeless studio look.

Working in tight spaces requires careful light control and posing guidance, but that’s part of the challenge I enjoy. Once the photos were taken, I refined the final look using Lightroom for colour correction and global adjustments, followed by Luminar Neo for local retouching and enhancement. This combination allowed me to deliver polished, high-quality portraits—without the clients ever needing to leave their home.

Why Choose an At-Home Photoshoot?

More and more families are opting for at-home family photoshoots with a local photographer in Merseyside because of the flexibility and comfort it offers. No need to gather everyone, drive across town, or worry about unpredictable weather. I come to you, set up quickly, and deliver a full professional experience from the comfort of your own home.

Key Benefits of a Mobile Studio Session:

Convenience – No need to travel. Perfect for families with young kids or pets.
Familiar environment – People feel more relaxed in their own space, which leads to more natural expressions.
No compromise on quality – I bring the same lights, backdrops, and camera gear I would use in a full studio.
Customisable session – Want to include multiple outfit changes, pets, or even a few shots outside? No problem.

A Gift That Will Last a Lifetime

One of the most beautiful parts of this session was the purpose behind it. Myah arranged the shoot as a gift for her mum’s birthday, and you could feel the love and thoughtfulness in every moment. Family photos aren’t just about smiles and poses—they’re about connection, about celebrating the people we care about most.

When Myah’s mum saw the final photos, her emotional reaction reminded me why I do what I do. These images aren’t just pictures to be posted or printed—they’re memories made tangible, a way of saying, “This is us, right now, and we’ll never forget it.”

Including Everyone – Even the Family Dog!

Of course, no family session is complete without including the family dog! Their adorable pup instantly became the star of the show, especially when we captured a few playful portraits with its tongue out and head tilted. Pet-friendly photography sessions are always encouraged, and they add an extra layer of authenticity and fun to the shoot.

Whether it’s kids, grandparents, or dogs—everyone has a place in the frame.

A Variety of Family Combinations

During the session, we captured:

Full family portraits (including the dog!)
Mum and dad together
Mum with the kids
Siblings together
Solo portraits of the youngest son (who rocked a confident pose)
Individual portraits for personal keepsakes

This variety is part of what makes my family photoshoots so special. Every session includes enough time to play with different groupings and make sure everyone feels seen.

Editing for the Perfect Finish

Once the session was complete, I used my standard editing process to elevate the photos even further. Using Adobe Lightroom, I performed global corrections to adjust white balance, contrast, and exposure. From there, I brought the images into Luminar Neo, which excels at localized retouching.

In a small room, you sometimes catch a glimpse of background elements you don’t want in the final image—curtains, furniture edges, sockets. With careful editing, I clean up these distractions to give the photo a polished, studio-style finish. Even though the photos were taken in a living room, they now have the crisp, clean look of professional studio portraits.

The Value of Updating Family Photos

Families grow, change, and evolve. Children get taller. Hairstyles change. Pets come and go. It’s easy to let years slip by without updating your family portraits, but looking back, those moments become priceless.

For Myah’s family, it had been nearly a decade since their last shoot. Now, they have fresh, vibrant images that reflect who they are today. Whether printed for the wall, shared with relatives, or saved in digital albums—these photos are gifts that continue giving for years to come.

Planning Your Own Family Photoshoot

If you’re inspired by Myah’s story and want to plan your own session, here are a few quick tips:

1. Think About Timing

Choose a time when everyone is available and relaxed. Weekends or early evenings often work best.

2. Coordinate Outfits (But Don’t Match Too Much)

Neutral tones, pastels, or soft colours tend to photograph beautifully indoors. Avoid large logos or overly busy patterns.

3. Make It Personal

Bring a pet, wear a favourite piece of jewellery, or include a family heirloom. Little touches make your session feel more like “you.”

4. Consider It As a Gift

Photoshoots make brilliant gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, or even just because. I offer printable or digital vouchers too!

Book Your Family Photoshoot in St Helens and Beyond

If you’re based in St Helens, Merseyside, Cheshire, or even Manchester, and are looking for a warm, friendly, and professional photographer who can bring the full studio experience to your home—I’d love to work with you.