Why I Use a Questionnaire Before Your Family Photography Session? | Dubai Family Photographer
Why a Questionnaire?
Before every session, I ask you to complete a short questionnaire. It’s a simple yet important part of how I approach my shoots because family photography works best when there is a shared understanding before the session even begins.
It Helps Me Approach Your Family Thoughtfully
The questionnaire is not about collecting personal details or setting expectations for a perfect shoot. If we are honest, we can’t really plan much with babies and small children. What we can do is prepare and adapt accordingly.
The questionnaire helps me understand:
Your family dynamic
Your children’s personalities
What feels natural and comfortable for you
What matters most to you at this stage of your life
This allows me to arrive prepared, rather than making assumptions on the day.
Your Session Is Not One Size Fits All
No two families are the same, and no two sessions unfold in exactly the same way. Yes, there are foundational prompts and gentle guidance I use in every family session, but I adjust my approach based on your questionnaire responses and how your family responds in the moment.
Some children need time. Others lead the session. Some families are naturally affectionate and expressive, while others show connection more quietly. All of this is valid and welcomed.
Your responses guide my choices during the session:
A shy child is approached gently, without pressure
A confident child is given space to move and explore
A family that enjoys closeness is encouraged to connect physically
A family that prefers subtle interaction is guided differently
I don’t force poses or rigid prompts. The session follows your family’s natural rhythm.
Why This Is Helpful for You Too?
Taking a few minutes to complete the questionnaire also helps you prepare. It creates space to reflect on what matters to you right now and what you would like to remember from this season of your life.
Think of it almost as a journalling exercise. When you walk into the session having already reflected on these questions, you naturally feel more confident and more present. That presence makes a difference in how you interact with your family and how the session unfolds.
Preparation Without Overcomplicating
Family sessions, especially with toddlers and young children, are unpredictable (yes, I know I’ve already said that but it’s worth repeating :)). That unpredictability is part of their honesty and so the questionnaire is simply a reference point. It allows me to work calmly, adapt quickly, and follow the flow of the session while keeping your preferences in mind.
The questionnaire creates a shared understanding
Each session is approached individually
Children are allowed to be themselves
The session remains flexible and natural
Preparation supports a calmer, more relaxed experience for you too
My goal is not perfection, and the questionnaire is not a script to follow. It is a way for me to understand what truly matters to you and for you to pause, reflect, and arrive feeling more prepared and confident in how you want to show up with your family.
When we are clear on what we are aiming for, you naturally approach the session with more intention. That intention allows me to gently facilitate the moments you would love to preserve. We move towards them together, while still leaving space for everything to unfold naturally.
If this approach resonates with you and you value connection-led, thoughtful family photography, I invite you to get in touch and begin planning your session.
The questionnaire is the beginning. If you take a few moments to complete it thoughtfully, it truly makes a difference.
I’ll see you at the session.
If you’d like to learn more about how I approach family photography in Dubai, you can explore my full process here.