Capturing a Family as They Are, Not as They Pose

This family came to Amsterdam at the very end of a long European trip, just after a cruise and a full afternoon tour of the city. The photo session was planned as a surprise for the mother, a way to mark the end of their travels with images they could later hang in their home. They described themselves perfectly: fun, energetic, well-behaved, and a little goofy. And that is exactly how the session unfolded.

When families travel for many days, especially with children, energy levels shift. Some kids are excited, some are tired, and some simply don’t feel like stopping to pose. This family was honest from the beginning: their children don’t usually enjoy posed photos, and they wanted images that felt natural rather than forced. That shaped how I approached the session.

Instead of stopping often or asking the children to hold still, we walked more. Movement became the structure of the shoot. Walking gives kids space to release energy, lowers tension, and helps everyone relax back into themselves. As we moved through the streets, moments started to happen naturally: glances, small interactions, and laughter. This is where experience matters most.

Family sessions are about reading the room, adjusting the pace, and knowing when to guide and when to step back. Some families need structure. Others need freedom. This session needed flexibility, patience, and rhythm. By the end, the family had a set of images that truly reflected them: energetic, close, playful, and connected. Not staged versions of themselves, but real memories of who they were at that moment in their lives and travels.

Their feedback said it best. They felt seen, understood, and supported throughout the process. And that is always the goal.

"Joanna is an amazing photographer. We love our photos. She was wonderful to work with. She is great and fun with kids. She tailored and customized our photo to what we wanted. She captured our family and Amsterdam perfectly ."

If you are traveling with children and worry that they might be too active, too tired, or not “photo-session types,” this is exactly where a tailored approach makes the difference. There is no single way a family session should look. The best ones are shaped around the people in front of the camera, not the other way around.

Enjoy these pictures and see you soon in Amsterdam.

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam

* This photo session was captured in Amsterdam for Flytographer, who connects travellers with photographers around the world.