A Family Session With Little Ones: Letting the Day Lead
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This session was with a family visiting Amsterdam with their two little ones, a 3.5-year-old and a 6-month-old. Their main wish was simple and very clear: keep the kids engaged and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Everything else could follow.
Because of the children’s ages, timing mattered. We planned the session for the morning, when energy levels are usually better and the city feels calmer. That decision alone already set the tone. No rush. No pressure. Just space to move, play, and respond to what the kids needed in the moment.
From the start, this shoot felt light. We walked, paused, played, and adjusted constantly. When their oldest had extra energy, we leaned into it instead of fighting it. When attention drifted, we shifted direction. Some moments were gently posed, others happened while wandering the streets, laughing, or being silly together. That mix is often where the most honest images come from.
What stood out to me most was how present everyone was. The parents trusted the process. The kids felt safe enough to explore. By the end of the session, their little girl came over and hugged me goodbye. Moments like that stay with me long after the photos are delivered.
From the parents’ side, their feedback reflected exactly what I aim for during family sessions: feeling supported, feeling relaxed, and knowing that even with wiggles and unpredictable moments, beautiful images are still possible. Fast turnaround times help too, especially when traveling with kids and memories are still fresh.
One small but important note I always like to share with families planning a session: you don’t need to give me your exact address if you prefer not to. Simply letting me know the area you’re staying in, or even a nearby postcode, can make a big difference. Sometimes I can suggest a location closer to you that saves walking time, avoids waiting for taxis, and works better for little legs and nap schedules. These small adjustments often make the whole experience smoother.
This session is one of my favorites, not just because the photos are beautiful, but because of how it felt. Calm, playful, connected. It’s a perfect example of how family photography doesn’t need strict plans. It needs trust, flexibility, and room for real moments to unfold.
And those are the images families end up cherishing the most.
Family of four enjoying a relaxed moment on a canal bridge in Amsterdam, candid interaction between parents and young children.
Family portrait on an Amsterdam canal bridge with bicycles framing the scene, bright and natural family photography.
Family smiling together on a canal bridge in Amsterdam, parents holding their children with boats and greenery in the background.
Family of four standing on an Amsterdam canal bridge with bicycles and houseboats behind them, posed family portrait with natural light
Family crossing a small bridge over an Amsterdam canal, toddler walking between parents while baby is held, relaxed outdoor family session.
Family smiling together on an Amsterdam street, parents holding their children with greenery in the background.
Family smiling together on an Amsterdam street, parents holding their children with boats and greenery in the background.
Family of four enjoying a relaxed moment on a canal bridge in Amsterdam, candid interaction between parents and young children.
Family of four enjoying a relaxed moment on a canal bridge in Amsterdam, candid interaction between parents and young children.
Family smiling together on an Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.Playful moment
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.Playful moment
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.Playful moment
Amsterdam canal bridge, parents holding their children with bikes and greenery in the background.
Father holding his two kids, a toddler and a baby on a canal street in Amsterdam with bikes and historical houses
Father holding his two kids, a toddler and a baby on a canal street in Amsterdam with bikes and historical houses
Father holding his two kids, a toddler and a baby on a canal street in Amsterdam with bikes and historical houses
Father holding his two kids, a toddler and a baby on a canal street in Amsterdam with bikes and historical houses
Father holding his two kids, a toddler and a baby on a canal street in Amsterdam with bikes and historical houses
Toddler running towards her mother, who is holding a baby. They are on an Amsterdam bridge with historical houses in the background
Toddler running towards her mother, who is holding a baby. They are on an Amsterdam bridge with historical houses in the background
Toddler running towards her mother, who is holding a baby. They are on an Amsterdam bridge with historical houses in the background
Toddler running towards her mother, who is holding a baby. They are on an Amsterdam bridge with historical houses in the background
Toddler running towards her mother, who is holding a baby. They are on an Amsterdam bridge with historical houses in the background
toddler is upside down while being carried by her father on an amsterdam bridge with historical buildings in the background
Toddler running towards her mother, who is holding a baby. They are on an Amsterdam bridge with historical houses in the background
toddler is upside down while being carried by her father on an amsterdam bridge with historical buildings in the background
toddler is upside down while being carried by her father joined by their mother, holding their baby on an Amsterdam canal bridge with historical buildings, greenery and bikes in the background
toddler is upside down while being carried by her father joined by their mother, holding their baby on an Amsterdam canal bridge with historical buildings, greenery and bikes in the background
toddler is upside down while being carried by her father joined by their mother, holding their baby on an Amsterdam canal bridge with historical buildings, greenery and bikes in the background
toddler is upside down while being carried by her father joined by their mother, holding their baby on an Amsterdam canal bridge with historical buildings, greenery and bikes in the background
parents holding their kids on an Amsterdam canal bridge with historical buildings, greenery and bikes in the background
Toddler sitting on stone steps in Amsterdam, smiling and lifting one shoe in front of a classic canal house door.
Young child climbing and playing on the steps of a traditional Amsterdam canal house.
Toddler standing on canal house steps, holding a black railing and looking at the camera in Amsterdam.
Family sitting together on a bench by an Amsterdam canal, surrounded by bicycles, boats, and historic canal houses.
Parents sitting on a canal bench with their two young children, enjoying a relaxed family moment in Amsterdam.
Family laughing together on a canal bench in Amsterdam, with bicycles and brick canal houses behind them.
Family laughing together on a canal bench in Amsterdam, with bicycles and brick canal houses behind them.
Small child sitting on a bench by an Amsterdam canal, holding tiny flowers and smiling during a family photo session.
Young child sitting on a parked bicycle with flowers on the handlebars, surrounded by Amsterdam canal houses and greenery.
Toddler sitting on a bicycle seat, looking at the camera, with Amsterdam street, bikes, and canal houses in the background.
Two young siblings sitting on a bench along an Amsterdam canal, with historic canal houses and greenery in the background on a sunny day.
Two small children sitting close together on a bench by an Amsterdam canal, looking at each other with historic canal houses and bicycles behind them.
Older sibling gently hugging a baby while sitting together on a canal-side bench in Amsterdam, framed by traditional brick houses and soft afternoon light.
