It’s a modern dilemma for families: you have thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands) of photos of the the kids on your phone, but not a single photo of the whole family, unless it’s a group selfie from an – ahem – unflattering angle. If you’ve been wanting the elusive family photo that really captures your kids’ personalities and your family bond in a beautiful way, it’s time to enlist a damn good family photographer in Singapore. We’re loving the relaxed, intimate style of Hayley Durack of Polkadot Photography. She’s won us over with her intuitive way of capturing that deep connection – and sheer playfulness – between parents and their kids, the wild fun between siblings and those meaningful moments that can bring on a rush of emotion to look at. It’s okay, we got all the feels looking at that big squishy kiss below too.
We had a little chat with Hayley about her style, how she keeps things fun, and how she draws out what makes your family unique in her editorial-style photography. Pssst: you have a chance to win a family photoshoot with her too, (hello, Father’s Day present!) but more on that later.
How would you describe your photography style?
My style is all about making a personal connection with my subjects. Whether they’re a mum, dad, child or a grandmother, everyone has a story to tell. Once I find that honesty, the photography part comes naturally.
How do you help families feel relaxed so that you can capture the connection between them?
I understand that bringing a photographer into your home to capture your private moments is a very personal experience. The key to a successful family shoot is good preparation and communication. Before a shoot, I have a phone conversation with both parents, ideally one night after the kids are in bed. I want to learn all about your family. I’m after stories, little anecodotes, what they love right now, what toys are special, what sweet skills have they mastered lately and what gives them huge confidence that they love to show off! You can gush and pour or cry and sob with stories about your little people. All the while this helps me to conjure up images in my mind – it’s like I’m storyboarding with you.
Then during the shoot I use this knowledge to get everyone excited. But of course, kids don’t allows always go along with the script – and that’s okay. I really enjoy the unexpected moments that lead to some of the best shots of the day. It’s the permission you are giving me that allows for some of the greatest moments to unfold. That’s when the magic happens.
What do you love about your work?
Honestly, I know this may sound very corny, but I believe I have the BEST job in the world. I have the extreme pleasure and honour of meeting all types of souls (people and pets too!). I get a big thrill from the moment I need to pack my equipment, to walking out my door and then stepping into someone else’s world. I feel honoured to be included into intimate moments and capturing them authentically. When people are in front of my camera there is no limit to what emotions can be brought out. I love working out the dance we have in those hours to either gently direct or wait in the wings for the next move to play itself out in front of me. The part I love most is when my subjects become so relaxed that the role of the camera shifts from being the centre of attention to merely an invisible spectator.
Pssst: Did we mention that all of Hayley’s clients get to keep all of their images as part of the session? “There are no heart-wrenching, post-shoot sales techniques afterwards,” Hayley says. “I want them to own their finished photos as a complete story from that session. Clients are welcome to come back to me for print advice, art books and hanging consultations if they wish, but they are given the high-resolution, post-produced files to own as part of the one price. This means people can also make their own prints and posters to their heart’s content.”
Just in time for Father’s Day, we’re giving away a family photoshoot with Polkadot Photography! One lucky reader will win a Signature Package, valued at $1,150. This includes the photo shoot, high-resolution images and a lovely hardcover archival book. The book showcases all of the photos and reads like a story from the day. It’s a nice way to permanently view your photos as a hard copy. You’ll also receive an archival cotton-fibre 16×20″ print of your favourite photo ready to frame. One runner-up will receive a surprise prize!
For your chance to win, pop your details in our entry form below, and tell us in 25 words or less why you’d love a family photoshoot with Polkadot Photography.
* By entering this competition, you will be joining the HoneyKids subscriber list and will receive updates on what’s happening for families in Singapore, good reads and the scoop on our great giveaways and events for parents and kids. You may be contacted by our prize sponsor, Polkadot Photography – who will be giving out a surprise runner-up prize! See HoneyKids’ full competition terms and conditions.
This competition is closed. Thank you to everyone who entered!
WE HAVE A WINNER! Congratulations to Tammy Boh Calabro: you’re the lucky winner of this super special prize!