As some of you know, I’m not strictly only a family photographer. I also do weddings, events, portraits and the rest, but family photography is a big part of my job. From my base in Hong Kong I’ve had the pleasure of photographing families from all over the world, and I’ve never had a shoot I didn’t enjoy. Here’s why family photography is one of the best parts of my job.

 

I love kids!

They say when you work with kids, your inner child will always thrive, and I couldn’t agree more!  Working with kids, especially really young babies, can be tough, but if you take what you can get and go with the flow it can also be very fun and rewarding. If a baby doesn’t stop crying throughout the entire shoot, I’ll try to work with that and do something cute or funny. One time the parents of a newborn had the perfect prop for their screaming beauty, a shark sleeping bag!

 

Every family is different

This is especially true in my base-city of Hong Kong, where people from all around the world have settled and had families. But origins aside, I’ve learnt through my years as a professional photographer that there is no such thing as a typical family. I love meeting these people, bound together by blood and love, and seeing the way they communicate and bounce off each other. Most people are truly themselves when they’re horsing around with their families, and it feels really special to see and capture that as a photographer. 

 

It’s a challenge

I wouldn’t say any aspect of my job, whether it be photographing weddings, events or family portraits, is easier than another, but family photography definitely comes with its own unique set of challenges. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I love the challenge of having to juggle all the different personalities and moods that come with the average family and combining them into images that everyone loves. A family photoshoot is never dull.

 

It’s fun!

Yes, it’s a challenge, but ultimately family photo shoots are really fun. We’ll mess around in the family home, go out into the city, or go prance around in nature. For the family it’s just a good excuse to get together and be cute and/or silly, and for me it’s a chance to be part of that and take images that are truly unique to the moment and the people.

 

Sometimes you get to be part of a bigger story

A family photography session captures loved ones at a particular point in time, but of course life keeps on developing after the prints are out. One of the most humbling parts of by job is when I’m hired repeatedly by couples or families to document milestones in their lives. For example, last year I did a family shoot with a couple who I first photographed at their engagement. Following their journey to the point where they now have two gorgeous children has been a true pleasure and an honor. 

Thanks to all the families that have allowed me to be part of their stories over the years.  Not only have you honored me by making me part of your lives, but you have also allowed me to pursue my passion for family photography.

 

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Ali G Studios   IG: @aligphoto1   Twitter: @AliGStudios 

A big thanks to Phottix for the professional lighting equipment provided to Ali G Studios. 

All photos are © Ali Ghorbani and Ali G Studios