Family photoshoot — Seville

They'll turn out better precisely because of that. I don't try to make a three-year-old pose; I let them be a kid and shoot the play, the running, the laughter. Those are the photos you'll actually want on the wall. I take a few posed portraits in short windows, when they're receptive, but the heart of the session is movement. The less we force, the more genuine it looks.

Of course, and they're often the most treasured photos. Let me know at booking so I can choose comfortable locations — the Plaza de España and the riverbank are fairly flat with places to sit. I keep the pace easy so no one tires and plan the group portraits in the first minutes, while everyone is fresh. Three generations under Seville's orange trees look wonderful.

Pick a palette of two or three warm, soft tones — cream, beige, terracotta, muted blue — and let each person wear them their own way. It works far better than dressing everyone identically, which tends to look stiff. Avoid big logos and very loud prints. In Seville earthy tones speak beautifully with the whitewash and sand-coloured stone. If unsure, send me photos of the clothes and I'll help before the day.

It happens, and it's no drama. I don't fight a tired child: we change the plan, take a break, give them space, and I usually get lovely photos right as they ease up again. Patience is part of the job. That's why I book more time than strictly needed, so we're never rushed. Almost always the difficult moment ends up being the tenderest photo of the day.