Now that half term is over, many families will already be thinking ahead to summer holidays, weekends away and days out together.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve worked with several families who decided to book a photoshoot whilst visiting Durham or elsewhere in the North East on holiday — and honestly, it’s such a lovely idea.
It wasn’t something I’d really thought about much before it started happening more regularly, but the more I do these sessions, the more sense they make.
Why Book a Family Holiday Photoshoot?
When you’re on holiday, family life often feels a little different.
There’s less rushing between work, school clubs and everyday responsibilities. People tend to be more relaxed, children are usually in a better mood, and you’re spending genuine time together rather than trying to squeeze photos into an already busy routine.
That relaxed atmosphere comes across beautifully in photographs.
Rather than feeling like a formal “photoshoot”, it becomes part of the holiday experience itself — an hour exploring somewhere beautiful together while someone else captures the memories for you.
Everyone Gets to Be in the Photos
One of the biggest benefits of booking a professional photographer whilst you’re away is that everyone actually gets to appear in the photos together.
So often on family holidays:
- one parent is always behind the camera
- photos are rushed selfies
- or someone is balancing a phone on a wall and hoping for the best with the timer
A professional session means you can properly relax and enjoy being together while those moments are documented naturally.
The North East Makes a Beautiful Backdrop for Family Holiday Photos
We’re incredibly lucky in the North East to have so many varied locations within easy reach.
Depending on the kind of experience you’d enjoy, there are:
- wide sandy beaches
- dramatic dunes and coastal walks
- woodland trails
- historic streets and countryside villages
- lakes, rivers and open countryside
- and of course, the iconic Durham Cathedral
I always try to suggest locations that will feel enjoyable for your family as well as photograph beautifully.
For example:
- quieter beaches for younger children
- dog-friendly spots for pet owners
- places with cafés or ice cream nearby
- locations that work well for grandparents or multi-generational groups
My aim is always for the experience itself to feel relaxed and enjoyable — not just to create beautiful photos at the end.
Holiday Photos Feel Different
There’s also something quite special about holiday memories specifically.
Years later, photographs from holidays often bring back far more than just what somewhere looked like. They remind you of:
- the stage your children were at
- the excitement of exploring somewhere new
- sandy feet and windblown hair
- tired children after long days outdoors
- the feeling of slowing down and spending time together
Those are often the memories that become more meaningful over time.
Family Holiday Photos Make A Lovely Alternative to Souvenirs
A family holiday photoshoot is also something that lasts far longer than most souvenirs.
Rather than returning home with fridge magnets or novelty gifts, you come away with photographs that genuinely capture your time together.
Many families tell me afterwards that the session itself became one of their favourite parts of the trip.
Planning a Trip to Durham or the North East?
If you’re visiting Durham or elsewhere in the North East this summer and would like some relaxed family photographs while you’re here, I’d love to chat. Click here to find out how to contact me.
Whether you’re looking for beach photos, woodland adventures, dog-friendly locations or simply a chance to capture this stage of family life while you’re all together, I’m always happy to help recommend places that suit your family best. You can find out more about my family photoshoots here.