Tuscany Countryside Family Portraits
As a family vacation photographer in Italy, I work with kids of all ages but understandably one of the first comments made by parents upon enquiry is that they’re not sure if their kids will smile for the camera.
I get it. Over the last decade or so I’ve met my fair share of shy kids. But what I learned very quickly was how to make sure that by the end of the shoot they’re comfortable- and the photos reflect that.
I always say that the kids are in charge of the shoot. If they are tired- we stop. Sometimes we will start again after a snack break, other times we’ll switch to a documentary approach, and if I already have plenty of photos- I’ll put the camera away completely.
That’s because this is your vacation. And I want you to look back at these photos and not only remember the wonderful trip to Italy, but of our few hours spent together with fond memories. I truly want you and the kids, to enjoy the photoshoot as part of your holiday.
Most of the time, that means ignoring them until they’re ready. I’ll give you prompts instead to help you get natural moments captured with your little one, and if there’s another sibling who is up for it- I’ll have them help out too. What I’ve found is if introduced at the right time, kids love to be the “assistant”. They love checking the back of the camera, posing mum and dad, making their sibling giggle, or even taking some photos themselves!
This shoot was no exception but using these techniques, we had everyone’s personalities shining through as they explored the grounds of their Agriturismo in Tuscany.
For this family, that meant being together long enough that their daughter happily played with her brother in the flowers, shone that gorgeous smile of hers and we wrapped it up before their son was asking for breakfast! We moved fast, but at the same time, with a focus on play and of course, capturing the backdrop that is Al Gelso Bianco, my favourite agriturismo in Chianti!
I knew this family wanted an album from their photoshoot as a family heirloom- the perfect way to hold these memories close. With albums we shoot for storytelling, capturing more of the little moments and interactions that capture the uniques personalities and relationships of each family member in this point in time. So when their mom asked me how to do her daughters hair, my reply was “how does she prefer you do it if you are going out for dinner?”, she told me braids and so I said “then braids it is”. Because in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time, this family will look back and say “oh do you remember how she always wanted braids?”.
It’s the little things that make a particular photo or series of photos so special. And as a professional, it’s my job to understand what that would be. That’s why our pre-shoot calls are so important. I learn what’s important to you in order to completely customise your photoshoot- everything from hair-styles to backdrops and how you’ll enjoy these photos.
During the shoot I’m paying attention to how you all interact with each other- like how this young boy is such a proud older brother- so patient and gentle with his independent little sister. How their daughter loves tickles from mum and how her brother is proud to be spoken to as the mature kid he is, but also loves every moment of play that they encourage.
For some of my photoshoots I’m with the family for five hours or more (don’t worry, the camera isn’t in my hand all that time!), for others, my clients need me to “get in and get it done in 20 minutes”, and for most, it’s somewhere in between but no matter how much time suits your family, my fees don’t change- because I dedicate the whole day to you and your family regardless. That enables flexibility if needed due to extreme weather, lost baggage, toddler tantrums or any other reason! It also means there’s no stress- and that’s how it should be- this is your vacation after all.
I spend a lot of time photographing families in Tuscany, but I also travel to Puglia for client photoshoots up to the Italian Lakes including Como for family portraits, and everywhere in between so if you’re coming to Italy and would love to update your family portraits and hold these travel memories close- I’d love to chat!
Hi, I’m Kirstie
Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life
Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)
My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.
When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.
It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.
Read more about my grandparent’s legendary vacation album! →
So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.
Are you coming to Italy with your family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.