Family Photography Packages

We photograph all kinds of families across the Algarve, and we don’t have a “typical” client. In any given week we’re shooting:

• Holidaying families — usually booking 2–7 days in advance, sometimes the night before, often staying in Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos or one of the resort areas around the coast.
• Multigenerational trips — grandparents flown in for a week with their kids and grandkids. These are some of our favourite shoots; everyone wants the same photo, and there’s rarely another chance to get it.
• Local families — residents of the Algarve who want an annual update rather than a generic studio shot. We shoot a lot of these in spring and autumn when the beaches are empty.
• Babymoon and maternity shoots — for couples expecting their first, often combined with a couple shoot on the same day.
• Newborn and first-month shoots — outdoor sessions for new arrivals, scheduled around feeds and naps.

We do not have a preferred family size or composition. Single parents, blended families, multigenerational groups, same-sex parents, families with kids of any age, families with no kids at all — all of this is genuinely normal for us. Tell us who’s coming and we’ll plan the shoot around it.

What you get

• A 60-minute session at the location of your choice (or one we recommend)
• Up to two outfit changes during the session if you want them — no extra time required
• Pre-shoot communication by WhatsApp or email to confirm location, time and any practical concerns
• 40+ edited high-resolution photos, delivered within 7 days
• A private online gallery, valid for one year, easy to share with family
• Full print rights — print them, frame them, send them to grandparents
• Weather backup — if conditions on the day are genuinely impossible, we reschedule at no charge

Where we shoot families in the Algarve

We can shoot anywhere along the coast, but these spots are the ones we recommend most often for families. All are easy to access, kid-safe, photogenic, and tested by hundreds of shoots.

Praia da Falésia, Albufeira

Six kilometres of red cliffs and white sand. Lots of space for kids to run, easy access from the car park, and the light bouncing off the cliffs at sunrise is unbeatable. Our most-booked family location in Vilamoura and Albufeira. Especially if you are staying at Pine Cliffs Resort.

Pine Cliffs Resort, Albufeira

If you’re staying at one of these resorts, we can usually shoot on-site or on the adjacent beach with no extra travel. Photographers familiar with each property, sightlines pre-scouted.

The clifftop gardens, the dramatic wooden walkway, and Praia da Falésia directly below. We’ve shot dozens of families staying at Pine Cliffs — the sunset light on the cliffs from the resort gardens is hard to beat.

Vila Vita Parc, Porches (Lagoa)

Subtropical gardens, ocean-view terraces, and a private cove below the resort. Especially good for multigenerational shoots — there’s a setting to suit everyone without having to walk far.

Praia de São Rafael, Albufeira 

A small horseshoe-shaped beach framed by sculpted ochre cliffs. Shallower and calmer than the bigger Albufeira beaches — ideal if you’ve got toddlers who want to paddle without waves. Photographs beautifully in the late afternoon.

Three Brothers Beach (Praia dos Três Irmãos), Alvor 

Named for the three dramatic rock stacks rising from the sand at one end. Shallow water, soft golden sand, and natural caves and arches to play around — feels like a film set. Especially good at low tide.

Praia Dona Ana, Lagos 

Golden cliffs, turquoise water, and magical morning light — a naturally stunning backdrop where real family moments become unforgettable images.

Praia da Marinha, Lagoa

The most photographed beach in the Algarve for a reason — honeycomb cliffs, turquoise water, sea arches. Best at sunrise (no crowds, golden light) or two hours before sunset. The walk down to the sand is a short staircase; buggies are tricky but doable.

Old town of Faro

For families with teenagers, older kids, or anyone who’d rather skip the swimwear and shoot in colourful streets.

Inside the medieval walls — cobbled lanes, the cathedral square, and the marina gate. Quieter than Lagos or Albufeira’s old towns, with a more atmospheric, lived-in feel. A good option for families staying near Faro or arriving on a layover.

Old Village in Vilamoura

Colourful streets, blooming bougainvillaea, painted tiles, narrow cobbled lanes among green palm trees. Works for active families, engaged couples, and anyone staying in or near Vilamoura who’d rather skip the sand.

TIPS FOR A GREAT FAMILY SHOOT

After 600+ family sessions, we’ve learnt what makes the difference between a good shoot and a great one. None of these are deal-breakers, but they help.

Book the first or last hour of daylight. The light is softer, the beaches are emptier, and the kids are usually in a better mood than in the middle of the day. Sunrise shoots sound terrible until you see the photos, at which point they’re worth it.

Wear what you’d actually wear. The most common mistake families make is over-coordinating outfits. Matching white shirts and beige shorts photograph well in catalogues, not in real life. Wear what you’d be comfortable in for an evening walk on the beach. Neutral colours photograph well; busy patterns and big logos generally don’t.

Bring a snack and a bribe. Especially for kids under five. We bring patience and a few tricks for getting smiles, but if it’s been a long day and someone is hungry, no photographer can save the shoot. A pocket of crisps and a small reward at the end works wonders.

Don’t try to make everyone “behave”. The shots where the four-year-old is mid-tantrum and the parents are laughing at it are the photos you’ll treasure most. Let the kids be kids. We’ll keep shooting.

Plan around naps, not around us. If your toddler naps at 2pm, don’t book a 1:30pm shoot. Tell us their schedule and we’ll work around it. We’d rather move the time than meet an unhappy two-year-old.

Pack tissues if there’s a grandparent involved. Multigenerational shoots are emotional. Especially the first family photo with a new grandchild, or the last one with someone you know won’t be here next year. Tissues. Always tissues.

FAQ: Common questions

How far in advance should I book? For July and August, two weeks is comfortable. For the rest of the year a few days is usually fine. We do take last-minute bookings — sometimes the night before — but availability gets tight in summer.

What if the kids are having a bad day? We’ve shot through tantrums, naptime crashes, sand in eyes, ice cream meltdowns, and toddlers who refused to wear shoes. Some of those shoots produced the best photos. We don’t need cooperative children — we just need an hour with you, the location, and the light.

What if it rains? The Algarve gets very little rain between May and October. If your shoot date is the one day in three weeks it rains, we’ll reschedule at no charge, subject to photographer availability. Outside of summer, we always agree a backup time or location at booking.

Do you shoot in resorts and hotels? Yes, depending on the resort. Most public-facing areas (pools, gardens, beaches) are fine. Some private resorts require permission for professional photography — let us know which resort you’re staying at and we’ll check.

Can our dog be in the photos? Yes, always. Dogs photograph beautifully on the beach. Bring a lead and a few treats.

What should we wear? Comfortable, neutral, slightly coordinated but not matching. Avoid big logos and very bright single colours. If you want a more detailed guide, see our blog post on what to wear for a beach photoshoot.

What languages do the photographers speak? Between the team we cover English, Portuguese, German, French, Dutch and Spanish. Tell us your preferred language in the booking form.

How quickly do you deliver the photos? Within 7 days as standard. First 5 sneak peeks usually within 48 hours. Express delivery (full gallery within 48 hours) is available as an add-on for €80.

Can we share the photos on social media? Yes — you get full print and digital rights. We’d appreciate a tag if you post them, but it’s not required.