What should we wear for our family shoot?

Coordination is better than matching. Avoid heavy logos, bright neon colours, or busy patterns that distract from faces. Neutral tones, earth colours, and textures like wool or denim tend to photograph well against Edinburgh's stone and greenery. I recommend choosing a palette of three or four complementary colours for the whole group. Ensure everyone is comfortable and dressed appropriately for the Scottish weather to avoid discomfort during the session.

What happens if it rains on the day of the shoot?

Weather in Edinburgh is unpredictable. If light showers are forecast, we can often work around them using covered areas like the columns at the National Gallery or the arches in the Old Town. However, if the weather is truly poor, I offer the flexibility to reschedule to the next available date. I check the forecast 24 hours in advance and will stay in contact to make a final call.

How long does it take to get our photos back?

I understand the anticipation of seeing your family portraits. I aim to have your initial preview ready within 48 hours. The full, edited gallery is typically delivered via a secure online link within 14 days. During peak seasons, this may extend slightly, but I always prioritise a prompt delivery without compromising the quality of the individual photo edits.

Can we include our dog in the photo session?

Dogs are absolutely welcome. They are a significant part of the family and often help to relax the atmosphere, especially with younger children. We simply need to ensure the chosen location is dog-friendly and that you bring a lead. Locations like Inverleith Park or the Meadows are excellent options for shoots involving pets.

How many images will we receive in the final gallery?

A standard sixty-minute session usually results in a curated gallery of 40 to 60 high-resolution images. I focus on quality over quantity, ensuring every image delivered is a finished professional product. You receive all the best shots from the day rather than being forced to pay per image at a later date.

Edinburgh Family Photographer

Ross Nixon Photography provides straightforward family portraiture across Edinburgh. Our service focuses on editorial quality and natural frames without the stiff atmosphere of traditional studios.

Quality family photography should avoid the rigid, artificial feel of a studio backdrop. I shoot on location across Edinburgh to produce images that reflect the actual character of your group. Whether you require updated portraits for your home or simply want to document a specific stage of life, the approach remains the same: minimal interference and high technical execution. I work with families who want professional results without the theatrical posing often associated with modern portraiture. As an editorial photographer, I look for the genuine interactions and the small details that matter. Edinburgh offers a significant range of architectural and natural backdrops that serve the image better than a white wall ever could. My goal is to deliver a set of images that feel personal, timeless, and strictly authentic to your family dynamic.

From £395

What's included

Every family session is built on a foundation of professional editorial standards. You receive a pre-shoot consultation by phone or email to discuss the specific vision for the day, including location selection and attire advice to ensure the final gallery looks cohesive. The shoot itself typically lasts between sixty and ninety minutes, providing ample time to cover group shots, individual portraits of children, and candid moments without feeling rushed. Following the session, every image undergoes a detailed post-production process. I do not use batch filters; each frame is edited individually for colour balance, exposure, and clarity to meet my professional portfolio standards. You will receive a private online gallery where you can view and download your high-resolution digital files. These files are provided with full personal printing rights, allowing you to create your own physical prints or albums at a lab of your choosing. There are no hidden costs or watermarks on your final selection. I prioritise a fast turnaround, typically delivering the completed gallery within two weeks of the shoot date.

How it works

The process is designed to be efficient. Once you make contact, we settle on a date and a location that suits your family size and style. We meet at the agreed spot within Edinburgh or the surrounding Lothians. I keep the gear light to ensure we can move between different spots easily, which helps keep children engaged and prevents the shoot from feeling stagnant. During the session, I provide enough direction to ensure you look your best without forcing smiles or awkward configurations. I focus on the light and the composition while you interact naturally. After the shoot, I curate the best frames and apply a professional edit. You get a link to a secure digital gallery. From there, you can download the full-set in high resolution for printing and web-ready versions for sharing on social media. It is a simple, transparent workflow from booking to delivery.

Local detail

Edinburgh provides a diverse range of locations that suit different family aesthetics. For those preferring a structured, urban look, the New Town offers the architectural precision of Circus Lane or the Georgian grandeur of Heriot Row. If you want a bit more greenery without leaving the city, the Royal Botanic Garden or Dean Village provide varied textures and quiet corners away from the main tourist traffic. For families with active children, Holyrood Park or the Braids offer more space to move, providing sweeping views of the skyline and the Firth of Forth. I often suggest Portobello Beach for a completely different atmosphere, particularly during the softer light of late afternoon. As a local photographer, I monitor the specific light conditions and seasonal changes of these spots to ensure we shoot at the optimal time. I am equally comfortable shooting in more secluded areas like the Hermitage of Braid or Blackford Hill, where the woodland provides a natural, filtered light that is particularly flattering for portraits. We choose the location based on what best represents your family.

Questions people ask

What should we wear for our family shoot?: Coordination is better than matching. Avoid heavy logos, bright neon colours, or busy patterns that distract from faces. Neutral tones, earth colours, and textures like wool or denim tend to photograph well against Edinburgh's stone and greenery. I recommend choosing a palette of three or four complementary colours for the whole group. Ensure everyone is comfortable and dressed appropriately for the Scottish weather to avoid discomfort during the session.
What happens if it rains on the day of the shoot?: Weather in Edinburgh is unpredictable. If light showers are forecast, we can often work around them using covered areas like the columns at the National Gallery or the arches in the Old Town. However, if the weather is truly poor, I offer the flexibility to reschedule to the next available date. I check the forecast 24 hours in advance and will stay in contact to make a final call.
How long does it take to get our photos back?: I understand the anticipation of seeing your family portraits. I aim to have your initial preview ready within 48 hours. The full, edited gallery is typically delivered via a secure online link within 14 days. During peak seasons, this may extend slightly, but I always prioritise a prompt delivery without compromising the quality of the individual photo edits.
Can we include our dog in the photo session?: Dogs are absolutely welcome. They are a significant part of the family and often help to relax the atmosphere, especially with younger children. We simply need to ensure the chosen location is dog-friendly and that you bring a lead. Locations like Inverleith Park or the Meadows are excellent options for shoots involving pets.
How many images will we receive in the final gallery?: A standard sixty-minute session usually results in a curated gallery of 40 to 60 high-resolution images. I focus on quality over quantity, ensuring every image delivered is a finished professional product. You receive all the best shots from the day rather than being forced to pay per image at a later date.

Talk to Ross

Four ways to get a reply today. Pick whichever suits — every message lands directly with Ross.

Book a call

See pricing now

Transparent rates for every service — half-day, full-day, plus add-ons. No hidden travel fees.

View pricing & packages →

Free sample gallery

Get a full client gallery (PDF + wallpaper pack) to see what delivery looks like.

Message Ross directly

Quickest route. Usually answered within a couple of hours, seven days.

WhatsApp Ross Call +44 7795 123456