Family Photography Glasgow
Time really does fly when it comes to family. One moment you’re rocking them to sleep, and the next you’re waving them off on their next big adventure. It all goes by so fast.
That sense of fleeting time is what inspires my work as a family photographer in Glasgow. I’m based near Glasgow and work primarily with families across the city and nearby areas. While I also photograph families throughout Scotland, this page focuses on relaxed family photography sessions in and around Glasgow, shaped around your family and the places that matter to you. Whether it’s toddlers with endless energy, teenagers with quiet confidence, or grown-up children returning home for a rare get-together, every stage of family life is worth remembering.
My love for photography began with my own children. Capturing their changing personalities, spontaneous laughter, and the quieter in-between moments made me realise how powerful a single photo can be. That same passion now shapes my approach to family photography, creating meaningful images for families of all kinds.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of families, from first-time parents and teenagers heading off to uni, to multi-generational gatherings with grandparents, cousins, and everyone in between. I’ve photographed families in living rooms, local parks and outdoor spaces, and occasionally found myself up trees or down in the mud, all in the name of capturing a natural moment.
My approach is always relaxed and intuitive. I aim to create a calm, fun atmosphere where everyone, no matter their age, feels comfortable and free to be themselves. That’s when the most meaningful moments happen.
Curious about pricing and what’s included?
“WE LOVE THE PHOTOS! ”
Xue and family
You’re in the right place if you are thinking about booking a family photography session in Glasgow. Many families have trusted me over the years, so you can feel confident you’re in safe hands. You and your family can relax and enjoy the session, while I guide you gently and let the moments evolve naturally.
I understand that there are many photographers to choose from, and finding a style that feels right for you is important. If my approach speaks to you, why not get in touch? I’d love to hear from you and plan a session that fits your family perfectly.
Recent Family Sessions
Outdoor Family Photography Around Glasgow
Glasgow offers a great variety of outdoor locations that work beautifully for family photography throughout the year. Parks and green spaces allow children to explore and move freely, while giving families the space to relax into the session.
Outdoor family photography in Glasgow is ideal for families who want images that feel alive and unforced. Walking, talking and spending time together often leads to the most natural photographs.
Popular Glasgow Locations Include:
- Pollok Country Park
- Kelvingrove Park & surrounding areas
- Rouken Glen Park
- Mugdock Country Park
- Chatelherault Country Park
- Gleniffer Braes Country Park
- Alexandra Park
- Local woodland and quieter countryside spots nearby
While many families prefer quieter green spaces, some enjoy a more urban feel. Locations such as the University of Glasgow grounds or areas around Kelvingrove can be a lovely option for families who like the character of the city while still keeping the session calm and unhurried.
Family Photography For All Stages Of Life
Family photography is not only about young children. I regularly photograph families at many different stages, including families with teenagers, adult siblings, and multi-generational gatherings.
These sessions are often booked to mark a moment in time, such as a birthday, a family visit, or simply the rare chance to have everyone together. Family photography in Glasgow offers a meaningful way to capture these moments before they quietly pass.
Whether your family is energetic and playful or quieter and more reflective, the session will follow your pace and energy.
Interested in capturing your family’s special moments in Glasgow? Whether it’s a relaxed park session, a playful city shoot, or a multi-generational gathering, I’d love to help you create lasting memories. Get in touch to check availability and plan your session.
Extended Family Photography in Glasgow
Extended family sessions are a meaningful way to document a rare moment when everyone is together. Grandparents, grown-up children, partners, cousins. These gatherings don’t happen often, and they tend to pass quickly once the day is over.
In Glasgow, extended family sessions are usually planned in calm outdoor spaces or at home, allowing everyone to settle into the experience without feeling rushed. I photograph the group as a whole, smaller family units, and quiet in-between moments that show real connection rather than forced posing.
These sessions work especially well for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or family visits where being together is the reason for the occasion. With gentle guidance and a relaxed pace, even larger groups feel manageable and enjoyable.
If you’re planning an extended family photography session in Glasgow, it’s best to mention it at the enquiry stage so we can choose the right location, timing, and session length.
If you’re planning a larger group session, you may find my guide on how to prepare for an extended family photo session helpful, especially when coordinating different ages and family groups.
What To Expect From Your Glasgow Family Photography Session
When you book a family photography session in Glasgow, you can expect a calm and thoughtful experience from start to finish.
Sessions include:
- A relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere
- Gentle guidance throughout the session
- Help choosing a suitable Glasgow location
- A mix of candid moments and more classic family portraits
- Professional editing and a carefully curated gallery
The focus is always on creating photographs that feel natural and meaningful, rather than overly posed.
Family photo session prices
Deluxe – £480
- 2h session
- It contains a set of 45 high resolution digital images, fully edited and ready to print (digital download from the final gallery which allows purchasing additional products like frames, canvases, albums, calendars, prints, etc. from the best photo labs in the UK)
- You’ll also receive a beautiful slideshow set to music, created from your final edited images. It’s a lovely way to relive the session and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- No travel fees for photoshoots within ~20 minutes of Glasgow.
Superior – £380
- 1.5h session
- It contains a set of 30 high resolution digital images, fully edited and ready to print (digital download from the final gallery which allows purchasing additional products like frames, canvases, albums, calendars, prints, etc. from the best photo labs in the UK)
- No travel fees for photoshoots within ~20 minutes of Glasgow.
Standard – £290
- 1 hour session
- It contains a set of 15 high resolution digital images, fully edited and ready to print (digital download from the final gallery which allows purchasing additional products like frames, canvases, albums, calendars, prints, etc. from the best photo labs in the UK)
- No travel fees for photoshoots within ~20 minutes of Glasgow.
How it works
This is the process from the enquiry to receiving the gallery. Check out the FAQ or contact us if you still have any questions.
1. Secure your date and plan your session
By this time I assume you had a wee look around my website or social media and you know that I will be a good photographer for you. You saw all those precious moments captured for other families and you are excited to plan your own session.
The next thing to do is to get to know the packages and choose one that works best for you. Get in touch by using the contact form to find out my available dates or if you have any additional questions. In order to secure your date I require an online contract to be filled in and signed (I will email it to you). This also allows me to get to know you and your family a little bit and find out what type of session you want. Some clients prefer to combine the in-home photography session with the outdoor session. This is a great option, especially on those cold winter days.
Once I receive the contract I will also email you an invoice for the booking fee and once it’s paid your date is secured.
2. Let’s plan your session
I normally photograph immediate families but every now and then I have large families in front of my camera. If you are looking for one then this is the best moment to let me know.
Think of ways how to make the session special for you and your family. Maybe you feel most relaxed at home and you prefer to have a session there, or maybe you like to explore new locations, parks, and local hills. If you have some special props you would like to bring, then let me know what you have in mind. Don’t hesitate to bring your dogs or other pets too.
It’s ok if you don’t know where to start. I can suggest good locations or you can just check out my blog to find out some inspiration from my past sessions.
3. Day of the session
Every session and every person is unique so please don’t stress about how will your session go and how your kids will behave. The best thing to do is to let go and have fun. The more relaxed you all are the better the photos will look. Laugh, play, tickle, and snuggle. This is how we’ll capture the REAL moments. When in doubt, just smile and look at your family lovingly. Stand close together. Actually, as close as possible. I will do some directing on what to do, but I like movement in photographs so I will be reminding you all to keep moving and I will be guiding you through the whole session.
Be prepared to move around so wearing comfortable clothing is important. Choosing what to wear is also important for the look and feel of your photographs. I recommend women wear medium or long dresses instead of pants because they capture movement and generally photograph more flatteringly. Short dresses will be a challenge when we do any seated photos, so keep that in mind. Wear colours in a complementary colour palette, such as earth tones and neutrals. Avoid any texts, logos or stripes on your clothes.
4. After the session
A few days after your session, I share a sneak peek — a small selection of edited images — so you can enjoy some first photos right away. Soon after, you’ll receive a preview gallery with the best images from your session, usually over 100–150 photos (sometimes more, depending on the length of your session). These are unedited, except for the few already shared in your sneak peek.
From this preview gallery, you can select the images you’d like fully edited as part of your package. Once you’ve made your choices, I carefully edit and perfect each image. Depending on the number you select, your final gallery is typically ready within 2–3 weeks.
After receiving your final gallery, you’ll also have the option to purchase add-ons such as prints, albums, frames, or even the full gallery. All products come from trusted photo labs in the UK, ensuring high-quality keepsakes of your family memories.
Testimonials
What other lovely families have to say!
Stunning!
100% recommend. From the first enquiry Shem was brilliant. Went out of his way to accommodate us on a holiday week and the pictures are simply stunning. A really friendly and happy photographer, you’ll forget you’re having your pictures taken. Go ahead and book, you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you Shem!
Leah and family
So impressed!
“I booked Shem for a photoshoot to celebrate my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary and I was so impressed not only with how he managed the photo session, but also with the end results. There were 12 of us (including small children), but he was able to expertly direct everyone and got some really great posed and candid shots. I absolutely recommend booking with him!”
Cecily and family
Beautiful experience!
“I contacted Shem to get for my maternity photoshoot done as I found great reviews posted in the website. Not just did I have a beautiful experience of having a photoshoot at ease but he made sure each pictures came out very candid and natural.
Shem knows the craft really well, so I wanted to have further photo shoots with my toddler after he turned a year and later a full family photoshoot with my parents, sibling and bro in law.
Highly recommend getting your moments captured with Shem and rest assured that anytime you give them a look it would bring a smile on your face.”
Prarthna and family
Booking A Family Photographer In Glasgow
If you are looking for a family photographer in Glasgow to capture natural, warm, and meaningful images, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me to ask questions, discuss locations, or check availability.
If you are planning a family photography session outside of Glasgow, you can find more information on my Scotland family photography page, which covers sessions across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for the session?
Either early in the morning or around 2-3h before sunset. The light on both these occasions is lovely as it’s low on the horizon and comes from an angle. The benefit of the morning session is that children are often at their best after a good sleep. Usually, parks are less busy in the morning.
Where does the photo session take place?
They can be at your favourite location around Glasgow (I do them further from Glasgow too, but there is an additional travel fee – Glencoe is my most popular option nova days), local park, at your home or we can also mix it up with home and outdoor session.
What happens if it rains?
If you opted for an outdoor session and it looks like it’s going to rain a few days before the session, then I will get in touch a couple of days before and we can either reschedule (at no extra cost) or embrace it and have fun in the rain. When mixing home and outdoor sessions it can be a lot of fun for the kids to go out in their wellies and jump in the puddles.
Do you take any classic shots of everyone looking at the camera?
Of course, I know that every family wants to have at least some of them in their gallery, but I spend more time capturing natural moments and interactions as they unfold.
Do you photograph in colour or black & white?
Most of the photographs are in colour but I do love b&w and I deliver a bunch of them. Sometimes a photo just looks best in b&w.
How do I view the photos after the session?
A few days after your session, you’ll receive a sneak peek of a few edited images. Shortly after, a private preview gallery with the best unedited images (usually 100–150 or more) will be available for you to choose which ones you’d like fully edited. Your final gallery is typically ready within 2–3 weeks.
What happens if my child is ill?
If this happens please let me know as soon as possible and I’m happy to reschedule.
Can we bring props to make the session more personal?
Yes, it can benefit the session and create even more meaningful memories. Things like favourite toys, bubbles, kites, balls – basically anything you like to do together or is important to you.
What should we all wear?
Be prepared to move around so wearing comfortable clothing is important. Choosing what to wear is also important for the look and feel of your photographs. I recommend women wear medium or long dresses instead of pants because they capture movement and generally photograph more flatteringly. Short dresses will be a challenge when we do any seated photos, so keep that in mind. Wear colours in a complementary colour palette, such as earth tones and neutrals. Avoid any texts, logos or stripes on your clothes. Layering works really well for creating different looks and a change of outfit can be a good idea for very little ones. Pinterest is a great place for inspiration.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, I have both public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
How do I book a session?
Get in touch by using the contact form to find out my available dates or if you have any additional questions. In order to secure your date I require an online contract to be filled in and signed (I will email it to you) and a booking fee paid in full (non-refundable).