Family in the Box Photography
Lowestoft, Suffolk
Family in the Box photography is a fun, playful studio photoshoot that captures real personality and big expressions.
Based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, these sessions are relaxed, child led and designed for kids to enjoy, not endure. Families visit my studio from Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Beccles and across Suffolk and Norfolk for something a little different from traditional portraits.
What is Family in the Box photography?
Family in the Box photography is exactly what it sounds like, but somehow much better than you’re imagining.
You and your children sit, play and interact inside a simple white box, which keeps everything clean and uncluttered. That means all the focus is on yourself and your child. The expressions, the personality, and all those little reactions that make you smile.
There’s no pressure to pose or sit still. Some children chat, some pull faces, some climb about and some surprise everyone by sitting beautifully still for five whole seconds. It all works. The box does the hard work and the fun happens naturally.
Studio based in Lowestoft, Suffolk
My studio is based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and families regularly travel from Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Beccles, Norwich and surrounding areas for Family in the Box sessions.
Think inside the box
Welcome to my Family in the Box photography. These sessions are playful, creative and a little bit different, which is exactly why I love them so much.
Family in the Box sessions are centred mainly around children, but they work beautifully for siblings, families and all sorts of creative ideas too. The box keeps everything simple, which means the focus stays where it should be, on connection, personality and real expressions.
I run Family in the Box sessions throughout the year, with both themed and non themed options depending on the season. Some families come with a clear plan, others turn up and see what happens. Both always work.
These sessions are popular for:
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Children and siblings
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Family portraits
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Birthdays and milestones
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Baby’s first year
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Friends and cousins
The box is not just for children though. I’ve also photographed maternity sessions, couples, hen parties, dance and gymnastics groups, and plenty of “why not?” ideas along the way.
If you’ve got an idea, chances are it will work in the box.
Why parents love family in the Box sessions
These sessions are relaxed, fun and perfect for children who don’t enjoy being told what to do. I guide gently, keep things light and let your child’s personality lead the session.
Family in the Box photography is ideal for:
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Children and siblings
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Birthday portraits and milestones
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Friends or cousins together
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Creative portraits that feel modern and different
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I’m currently the only photographer in the region offering dedicated Family in the Box sessions, so if you’re looking for something unique, you’re in the right place.
Who these sessions are perfect for
Family in the Box sessions are perfect if:
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Your children don’t love being told to sit still
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You want photos full of personality, not forced smiles
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You’re happy to have a bit of fun and get involved
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You’d like something different from traditional family portraits
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You want images that feel relaxed, playful and very you
If that sounds like your family, you’re in exactly the right place.
Get inside the box
Family in the Box portraits are unique, relaxed and a lot of fun. They’re perfect for busy families, fur babies very much included, and they also make a lovely gift for someone special.
They do look fun, don’t they?
Let me tell you how it all works.
You’ll come to my photo studio in Lowestoft, where your session will last up to around an hour. The exact time depends on how many people are involved and how the children are feeling on the day.
If they are not instantly cooperative, that’s completely fine. New places and new faces can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially if we have never met before.
We usually start with adults and older children so the younger ones can watch, get curious and warm up. That said, I always ask the little ones if they want to go first, because sometimes they are more than ready and straight in.
And yes, I will gently encourage parents and adults to get involved too. Family portraits are something I truly care about. Photos become more important with time, and one day they will mean far more than you ever expect.
What you can expect from your session
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A relaxed, fun experience with no awkward posing
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Children free to be themselves, not told to smile on demand
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Original, personality filled photographs
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A private online gallery of professionally edited images
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High quality prints, wall art and albums designed to last
If this sounds like your kind of thing, you can see more examples of Children in the Box photography below.
What if my child won’t sit still?
That’s completely fine, and very normal.
Children don’t need to behave in a certain way for these sessions to work. I work at their pace and adapt as we go. Shy, loud, energetic or cautious, they all photograph beautifully in the box.
The aim is never perfection. It’s personality.
I love the box
I genuinely love photographing Family in the Box sessions and I will admit, I get a little bit over excited when I’m shooting them.
I feed off the energy in the room and love seeing what fun poses we can try and what silly faces we can pull. These sessions are interactive, playful and full of movement, which is exactly why they work so well.
Family in the Box photography is very much about getting involved. If everyone leans into it, it really shows in the images. The more relaxed and up for it you are, the better the photographs will be.
I will guide you through the session and gently prompt you to do things that might feel a bit odd at the time. It all makes sense when you see the final images, I promise.
Unless you have booked a themed session, I will also ask you to bring along a few bits from home. Sports kits, favourite books, hobbies or anything that feels like you. Those little personal touches make the photos even more special.
What to bring with you
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A couple of outfit options, if you want variety
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Any favourite items that feel like your family, books, teddies or small toys
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Sports kits, dance shoes or anything linked to hobbies
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A snack or drink for younger children
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Comfortable clothes you can move and sit in easily
Nothing needs to be perfect or matching. Simple works best, and I’ll guide you if you’re unsure.
Pricing & packages
Family in the Box photography in Lowestoft
To secure your booking, a £25 non refundable deposit is required, with the remaining balance due before your session.
Please note:
Little Artist and Smash and Splash In the Box sessions require an additional £25 booking fee to cover materials, extra time and cleaning.
9 Boxes
In the Box Basic
£125
Up to 1 hour studio session
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A relaxed Family in the Box photoshoot in my Lowestoft studio
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Private online gallery to view and choose your images
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One 9-box digital image
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One 12 × 12 inch framed print
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Three individual box digital images
13 Boxes
Most popular
In the Box Premium
£195
Up to 1 hour studio session
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A relaxed Family in the Box photoshoot in my Lowestoft studio
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Private online gallery to choose your final images
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One 9-box digital image
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One 13-box digital image
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One 20 × 20 inch framed print
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Five individual box digital images
21 Boxes
In The Box Deluxe
£245
Up to 1 hour studio session
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A relaxed Family in the Box photoshoot in my Lowestoft studio
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Private online gallery to choose your final images
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One 9-box digital image
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One 13-box digital image
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One 21-box digital image
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One 24-box digital image
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Eight individual box digital images
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Facebook collage cover image
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One 26 × 26 inch framed print
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One 20 × 20 inch framed print
You’ll also have the option to purchase additional wall art, with sizes available from 12 × 12 inches right up to 36 × 36 inches. Yes, 36 inches square, and it really is amazing.
There are three different package options to allow for different family sizes and numbers of children.
If you’d like to tweak a package or upgrade the size of your frame, just get in touch and we can chat it through.
All images are presented in a password protected online gallery, where you can view and download your images directly to your devices.
Your box collages are carefully designed by me, and the final layout is part of my creative process. If you’d like a change, that’s absolutely fine. Each collage includes one free edit, with any further changes charged at £10 per image or £25 for three images within the same collage.
For more details about Family in the Box sessions, you can find answers to common questions in the FAQ below.
Frequently asked questions
Are Family in the Box sessions available all year round?
Yes. Family in the Box sessions are available all year round at my photography studio in Lowestoft, Suffolk. They are offered as a full session option, and I also run them as seasonal mini sessions at certain times of the year. Mini sessions can only be booked when they are specifically advertised.
What types of sessions can you do in the box?
The box is very versatile and works for lots of different sessions, including children, siblings, family portraits and couples. I also run seasonal sessions such as Halloween and Christmas, and I will be introducing cake smash sessions soon.
How big is the box?
The box measures approximately 4 ft x 4 ft and around 3 ft deep. It is large enough to comfortably seat two adults along with children.
Do you photograph babies and toddlers in the box?
Yes, I do. Babies must be able to sit unaided, as the box is positioned around 2 feet from the floor. Parents are responsible for supervising their children during the session, as I need to be behind the camera and will not always be able to provide hands on supervision. Toddlers will also need to be supervised by a parent at all times.
Is it an actual physical box?
Yes, it really is an actual box that you get into. You would be surprised how often I’m asked this.
Is the box safe?
Yes. The box is made from solid wood and sits on a strong base. It has wheels which are locked during sessions and it is usually positioned against a wall for extra stability.
Where do the sessions take place?
All Family in the Box sessions take place at my dedicated photography studio on Regent Road in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
How are the collages designed?
I design each collage myself to tell the best story from your session. I look at how the images work together and carefully select and arrange them to create beautiful finished artwork that is unique to your family.
Can we make changes to the collages?
Yes. Each collage includes one free amendment, allowing you to replace one image in each finished collage. Any further changes are subject to an amendment fee.
How much is the amendment fee?
Additional amendments are charged at £10 per image, or £25 for three images within the same collage.
Little Artist in The Box
Is your little one a budding artist? Do they love to paint, draw and generally get messy?
Little Artist in the Box is a playful, creative version of my Family in the Box sessions, designed especially for children who love to explore their artistic side.
During the session, your child is free to paint, create and get wonderfully messy in a safe, controlled studio environment. I let them lead the way, capturing real expressions, concentration, giggles and moments of pure creativity as they go.
These sessions are all about personality and imagination. The finished images are bold, fun and completely unique to your child.
As the only photographer in the region offering Little Artist in the Box portraits, it’s a lovely way to capture this stage of childhood in a way that feels different and genuinely memorable.
Little Artist in the Box sessions are aimed mainly at children aged 2 to 5 years, but older children are very welcome too. We are never too old to get messy.
Each session lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how comfortable your child is on the day. There is no rushing at all. We always take the time needed to capture plenty of lovely images at your child’s pace.
I use Artmix paints, which are water based and wheat and gluten free, just in case curious little fingers make their way into mouths. I choose bright, vibrant colours so your child’s artwork really stands out in the final images.
What to bring for Little Artist sessions
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Old clothes or something you don’t mind getting messy
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A spare outfit for afterwards
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A towel or wipes, just in case
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Any comfort item your child loves, if needed
Everything else is provided, including paints and all the fun.
If your child loves to paint, explore and get a bit messy, Little Artist in the Box sessions are a brilliant way to capture their creativity.
If you’d like to book or have any questions, just get in touch and we can chat it through.
Smash & Splash in the Box
Looking for an alternative to a traditional first birthday cake smash?
Smash & Splash in the Box is a fun, relaxed way to celebrate a milestone, whether that’s a first birthday or simply marking a special stage without the cake.
These sessions combine creative play and splash time in a way that keeps things light, enjoyable and stress free for little ones. They are designed to capture genuine reactions, curiosity and plenty of smiles.
Smash & Splash in the Box sessions are suitable for children who can sit unaided and are happy to splash about in the tub. This works beautifully for sitting babies and older babies who are comfortable staying in the tub without trying to climb out.
It’s a lovely option if you want something playful and memorable, without the pressure of a traditional cake smash setup.
Did someone say cake?
Smash & Splash in the Box sessions can include cake too, if you’d like to turn it into a full smash, splash and clean up experience.
You’re very welcome to bring your own cake for a cake smash in the box, followed by splash time in the tub to finish things off and get nice and clean. It’s a fun way to enjoy the messy part without worrying about the aftermath.
Cakes are provided by families, and parents are responsible for any allergy considerations for these sessions.
What to bring for Smash & Splash sessions
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A cake, if you’d like to include a cake smash
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A towel
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A spare outfit or pyjamas for afterwards
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Any favourite bath toys your little one loves
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Wipes or nappies if needed
Everything else, including the tub and setup, is taken care of.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, playful way to celebrate a milestone, Smash & Splash in the Box sessions are a lovely alternative to a traditional cake smash.
If you’d like to book or have any questions, just get in touch and we can chat it through.
Who these sessions might not be right for
Family in the Box sessions are relaxed and playful, but they do involve sitting, leaning and moving in and out of the box.
If anyone in your group has mobility issues that would make this uncomfortable, or if you are very tall and would not fit comfortably inside the box, these sessions may not be the best fit.
They can also be tricky for larger families, simply because not everyone will fit into one box at the same time. In these cases, we can usually photograph smaller groupings, or I can suggest an alternative session that will suit you better.
If you’re unsure whether a Family in the Box session will work for your family, just ask. I’m always happy to talk it through.
As an alternative I also offer fun filled outdoor family photography in Suffolk. Take a look at my outdoor photography page.