How to Plan the Perfect Family Photoshoot at Botany Bay, Margate
It's ok to let your toddler explore and come back, I use these moments to capture parents together or quiet moments with the baby!
How to Plan the Perfect Family Photoshoot at Botany Bay, Margate
Traveling from London to Botany Bay in Margate, Kent, for a family photoshoot is a wonderful escape from the city hustle. The beach’s serene beauty offers a perfect backdrop for capturing precious moments, and for this family, it’s their second session—an opportunity to document their growth and connection. In this blog, we'll share insights on how to make the journey and why letting go during your family shoot is key to creating images filled with joy and authenticity.
Getting to Botany Bay from London
Botany Bay is located about 80 miles from Central London, making it an accessible day trip for families. The drive usually takes around two hours via the M2, and there are also convenient train services. From South East London its around one hour 20 minutes. Southeastern trains offer routes from London Victoria or St Pancras International to Broadstairs, from where a short taxi ride will get you to the beach. If you're traveling with children, we recommend packing essentials like snacks, toys, and blankets for a smooth and comfortable journey.
For those looking to maximize the experience, consider planning a whole day at Botany Bay. Arrive early to explore the area, enjoy some beach time, and allow your children to get comfortable before the photoshoot. The more relaxed they are, the more natural the images will feel.
A toddler reaches for his baby brother during a game, Botany Bay makes the perfect spot to let kids be kids and play during your photoshoot. You can literally never have too much fun.
Why Letting Go Creates the Best Photos
Once you're at Botany Bay, it’s time to let go and embrace the moment. Family photoshoots should never feel forced. Many parents come with the pressure of having their kids "behave" or "pose perfectly," but that rarely makes for memorable photos. The best moments happen when you're just being yourselves—whether you're laughing, playing, or cuddling with your little ones.
During the shoot, I encourage parents to engage with their children naturally. Whether it's a tickle fight, a race across the sand, or snuggles on a blanket, these authentic interactions create photos that are full of emotion. This relaxed, play-based approach ensures that the session doesn’t feel like a formal photoshoot but rather a family day out captured on camera.
Family of four bring their new baby for their second shoot with me at Botany Bay, they travelled from London for golden hour on the beach.
Father and son throw stones into the sea during their shoot, guided by their toddler to create playful and memory soaked imagary.
How I Guide Your Photoshoot
One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents is not knowing what to do during the shoot. My role as your photographer is to make sure everything flows smoothly. I’ll be there to guide you with gentle prompts, often led by the energy and personality of your children. If they’re running around, we’ll chase them. If they’re feeling quiet and snuggly, we’ll capture those peaceful moments too.
This session is a partnership. I’m there to help you relax, take away the stress, and ensure everyone is enjoying the process. I use prompts like “Can you feel the wind blowing in your hair?” or “Show me how you tickle your sister!”—this turns simple actions into unforgettable images that radiate love and joy.
mother and son play by the waves at Botany Bay
Dad looks on with joy as mother and son play in the waves, the baby cradles close to Dad.
The Importance of Creating Happy Memories
Photos are more than just visual records; they capture the feelings of the moment. When your children look back at these images years from now, you want them to remember the fun they had playing on the beach, not the pressure to sit still for the camera. That’s why the experience of the shoot is just as important as the images themselves.
Encourage your kids to explore, dig their toes into the sand, or collect seashells during the session. Just stay close to them. These small actions keep the mood light and ensure that the photographs represent who your family truly is. The end result? Photos that not only look beautiful but also bring back fond memories of a carefree day at the beach.
The best time for your family photoshoot at Botany Bay is in the evening when the light is soft and golden. This magical "golden hour" adds warmth to your photos, making everything glow beautifully. As the sun sets, it creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere, perfect for playful moments and snuggles. And when the session wraps up, the adventure continues—grabbing some chips for the ride home, kids in their pyjamas with sand still between their toes. These little details become part of the memory, making the whole experience feel even more special.
In every photoshoot there are moments of calm and peace, moments of sibling fun, moments of gentle play, moments of chaos - we embrace them all here.
Capturing Timeless Family Moments
A family photoshoot at Botany Bay is more than a collection of portraits—it’s a chance to freeze time, to document the love and connection your family shares. Whether it’s your second session or your first, my goal is to make sure each moment feels special. As you and your children grow, these photos will serve as a reminder of the laughter, the fun, and the love that brought you all together.
By letting go and allowing your kids to be themselves, you’re not only creating beautiful images but also crafting stories that will be shared for generations. So next time you plan a family session, remember to embrace the chaos, enjoy the day, and leave the rest to me.
Mum takes a walk along the shoreline with her baby, only 2 months old, enjoying his first trip to the sea in Kent from London