Family Photography: Chronicles of Brotherly Love in London 27 Mar 2016 - By Alisia Green

In the Heart of Home: The Making of Family Portraits

In vibrant London, I hone my craft at home. My children, live subjects, help me experiment with my art. Sometimes I direct them into composed stills, but often, I capture ordinary moments. My sons have taught me how to capture childhood’s essence, and how to strike a balance between proximity and distance in portrait-making. They’re two of the most photographed boys in London.

a boy talking on a cell phone while sitting on a bench

Teen and Toddler: Striking a Balance in Family Photography

At fifteen, David stands on adulthood’s brink. Meanwhile, four-year-old Andrew teeters on the edge of childhood’s vast universe. Bound by love and kinship, they’re my London family portrait stars. Catering to a teenager and a preschooler requires balance. David’s world revolves around friends, fashion, and independence, while Andrew delights in petting park dogs and parental attention. The challenge – encapsulating this dichotomy and bond in one portrait.

As the famous photographer Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” This is especially true in family photoshoots, where the task is to weave a narrative that encapsulates the essence of familial bonds.

two children riding bikes down a street with a man in a wheelchair

two children riding a motorcycle with a side car

An Afternoon in the Park: The Canvas of Family Photography

One afternoon, in a London park, I joined my boys for basketball and cycling. Andrew, on training wheels, and David, on a three-wheeler, shared an eye level. This unique symmetry struck me – outwardly contrasting, yet sharing a plane. I used black and white photography to highlight contrasts. I aimed to depict the delicate balance between brotherhood and friendship. The moment David steadied Andrew became the narrative I aimed to tell.

a man and a child playing tennis on a court

a woman and a child playing tennis on a court

a young boy holding a basketball on a court

Through Play and Laughter: Capturing the London Lifestyle

That day was marked by laughter. Despite their squabbles and differences, they found common ground. Andrew revelled in our basketball match, and David delighted in showing his skills. These shared joys, a rare constellation in bustling London, were moments I aimed to freeze. This day remains vivid in my mind. It provides insight into my children’s dynamics and lessons about the delicate balance of family portraits.

To distill the essence of family photoshoots, consider these three key points:

Emotion: Family photography captures intimate moments that expose the emotional bonds between family members.
Storytelling: Each image tells a story, whether it’s about sibling rivalry, parental love, or the wisdom of the elders.
Memories: The images become enduring keepsakes, often passed down through generations as a way of preserving familial history.

a little girl holding a basketball on a court

a woman and a child playing with a basketball ball

a young boy sitting on a basketball court

a young boy is playing tennis on a court

a woman and two children playing basketball on a court