I was pretty convinced that there wouldn’t be a single decent smiling photo from our recent family shoot with Tabs from Grand Little Adventure, but I was so wrong! Our Kira can be four seasons in ten minutes and her chaotic behaviour properly threw out our family dynamics and set the boys off. The morning could have been a disaster, but Tabs was so relaxed and calm that she just subtly snapped away in the background and managed to capture some beautiful moments in the midst of a busy morning with young kids. I just LOVE these pics!

When Tabs first approached me about doing a family shoot to coincide with the launch of her new child-oriented photography business (she’s already a popular wedding photographer) I was super keen but I must admit that it sounded like some extra admin to add to my list: what will the kids wear, what will I wear, we all need haircuts and so on. But really, I was overthinking it. I’m not a Pinterest mom and that’s ok because Grand Little Adventures is for us moms who don’t love the idea of trying to get their kids to pose for photos, but would still like some nice photos of them that truly reflect their personalities.

Tabs loves taking pics of kids doing what they love to do anyway – painting, baking, eating ice creams, dancing, playing, reading. Her basic package is a quick 45 min session, but she also offers an option where you can book 3 of these mini sessions over the space of up to 18 months and she’ll then put together a little album that will tell the story of the kids growing up over time. (And then do it all again the next 18 months!)

So you see, moms, a family shoot doesn’t have to be stressful – all you need to do is find some clean clothes for the kids, wash their faces and raid a friend’s wardrobe if you feel like you don’t have anything decent to wear (that’s what I did). You can arrange to have the photos taken in the comfort of your own home or if you prefer, leave your house behind and head out to grab some coffee. Just make sure that you take Tabs and her camera with you!

We opted to leave our house behind for the pics and chose to meet up at the Book Lounge in Roeland Street because not only is it a lovely spot with lots of beautiful books but we’ve also spent some happy mornings there at the Saturday morning book readings (every Saturday at 11am for 3-8 year olds). I’m always tempted to buy the whole shop and I especially love that the kids area downstairs stocks a wide variety of local kids’ books. A special feature of this book shop is that kids are encouraged to read there with their parents. My kids call the Book Lounge, a ‘library shop’.

When things got a bit manic at the Book Lounge, we decided to make a quick exit and stop in at The Raptor Room, just a few meters up the road. Although I’d never been to The Raptor Room before, I drive past it weekly on my way to meetings in town and have been eager go inside and take a proper look. The kids were excited to be there too as it has dinosaurs everywhere and it’s pink (this made Kira happy). They got to drink Steri Stumpies and they were given Chappies by a kind manager. Town has so many quirky places to visit, I’d add this one to your ‘to visit’ list.

So ja, I tried to choose a few of my favourites to share over here but it was really tricky as I truly think they are all beautiful. Please take a squizz and get in touch with Grand Little Adventure if you think it’s time to capture some family moments of your own. You won’t be sorry!

Thank you Grand Little Adventures for the pics and Lala+j for dressing Ilan and Kira (look out for this rad local brand that will be available at Kids Emporium later this month).