Family Planning

In this selection of films Mark guides you the key points you need to consider when looking to make photographing Families a successful part of your photography business, either as a stand-alone specialist or as a part of a larger business, the key skills are exactly the same.

Want to make photographing families a key part of your business? Learn how to Plan, Market, Shoot, Edit & Sell family photography in the in-depth series from Academy Head Trainer Mark Cleghorn.

In The Studio With Matt Becky And Kids

In this film Mark Cleghorn is shooting a family of 5 in the studio. The session is being shot on the Lastolite white vinyl allowing mark to use the classic high key set using a 4 light setup. Mark talks about what each light is being used for and what they are measured to during the session as well as the variety of different lighting he uses during the shoot.

Shooting Kids in the Studio

Learn to light, pose and capture variety when photographing kids in the studio with Mark Cleghorn.

The Farr Family - Kids in the Studio

Learn to light, pose and capture variety when photographing kids in the studio with Mark Cleghorn.

The Hughes Family - Studio Portrait Session

In this film we follow Mark as he shoots a Hi-key studio session with a returning client. Initially Mark tries to start with the family group but the youngest child soon becomes upset so Mark switches his focus to the more playful and energetic older child to keep the session moving. This allows the young child to calm and Mark begins to engage him in play to bring out some fantastic image for the parents

The Brown Families in the Studio

In this film Mark Cleghorn is in the studio shooting the Brown family. Two brothers who have brought their partners and children with them for individual family portraits and childrens portraits and also wanted one group portrait as a gift for their parents.

See mark create a huge variety of great images in a short time and also how he deals posing the groups and children who don't want to be photographed.

Watts Family Studio Shoot

In this film we join Mark for a full family session in the studio, demonstrating the interaction, posing, lighting and variety that Mark brings to every shoot to create not only the highly sellable and popular Hi-key images but also that creative and different image that deliveries beyond the clients expectations.

Studio Portrait - Mike and his Kids

The client was looking for a portrait of all three girls for his wall and also wanted individual portraits along with a family portrait.

See mark create a huge variety of great images in a short time and also how he deals with the youngest who does not want to e photographed.

Large Family Small Studio

You get to see how Mark construct the initial family group and then develops into more variety for the client. The main shoot is about the mum and dad and then mark builds the group around them.

Family Group Building On Location

Mark explains how and why he uses the specific location as well as the equipment, especially the studio flash and how he blends it in to the scene.

You get to see how Mark poses the groups to get everyone in focus as well as look as natural as possible within the portrait to give a formal but relaxed animation of the subjects.

Shooting The Family At Home - The Farm House

You get to see how Mark interacts with the family and the young children to get the expressions he needs on a cold winters day, shooting outside in the court yard and then inside the house using only natural light and a reflector.

From strong light to shade, interior lighting to reflected light, Mark explains how he meters for perfect exposure.

Shooting The Family on Location - Autumn Leaves

Real Family, Real Portraits and Really RAW as you will see Mark Cleghorn photographing one of his clients for their annual portrait. This shoot makes the most out of the autumn leafs in the clients back garden as well as making use out of an old barn door as a background.

Some would say that this is Cleghorn at his best as he manages to create a fun environment for the large family but still maintaining control of all the children to get a wide variety of shots.

10 Steps to Starting a Family Photography Business - Part 1

In this series of webinars Mark Cleghorn dissects the elements that a professional family photographer needs to make a successful business.

During the sessions he covers a variety of topics, that when put together, should transform you and change your business into a far more desirable photography business as well as busier & more profitable.

10 Steps to Starting a Family Photography Business - Part 2

In this series of webinars Mark Cleghorn dissects the elements that a professional family photographer needs to make a successful business. During the sessions he covers a variety of topics, that when put together, should transform you and change your business into a far more desirable photography business as well as busier & more profitable.

The Family Session - Getting Creative

In this film mark looks at making a plain white background a little different by using selctions, masks and solid colour.

Trying to make you images pop, when you only have a white background to play with can always be a bit samey, but if you allow yourself some creative photoshop time you can easily create a unique image for your client as well as a a bit of a viewer stopper on a social or on your website.

They might not always sell but people will always remember the different before they remember the normal or bland.