Meet the expert: capturing connection with family photographer Anya Tilden

Anya Tilden is a family, maternity and newborn photographer based in north London. Before moving behind the camera full-time, she spent more than a decade working in creative advertising in Moscow and London. Photography had always been part of her life; she learned on a Soviet-era Zenit film camera passed down through her family and has loved it ever since.

After having her two children, Anya decided to leave agency life and start again, this time building something of her own. What began as a way to capture the small but precious moments she cherished with her family grew into a new career helping others do the same.

Her work has appeared in PhotoVogue, Iconic and SheerLuxe, and she was recently named by Heartful magazine as one of 20 family photographers that are “changing the game”. Anya’s gentle approach and focus on genuine connection have made her a trusted choice for families who want their photos to feel honest and natural.

How would you describe your photography style in three words?

Natural, warm and honest.

What do you think makes family photography unique compared to other types of photography?

Family photography captures more than faces. It catches the small stories between people who love each other the most. The joy of a newborn mixed with that surreal fog of tiredness. The chaos of a toddler, toys everywhere, noise, constant movement. The optimism and change that come with a growing child.

Every family tells its own story, and our job is to draw it out. That often means stepping into their world, their home, their weekend and their routine. You walk into unfamiliar rooms and find yourself in the middle of everyday life, sometimes calm but often hectic. Amid all of it, you have to find the right light, learn how to use it and work creatively within whatever space you’re given. Some families are shy and need time to warm up. Others treat the camera like a stage. Either way, you learn to adapt, read the room and be ready for whatever unfolds.

Do you prefer candid moments or posed shots – and why?

My style blends lifestyle and documentary family photography. In lifestyle sessions, I might gently guide the family, maybe suggest where to sit or how to turn towards the light, but the goal is always to keep everything feeling natural. The images should still look spontaneous and full of life.

Documentary photography is pure observation. You step into the family’s space and capture everything as it unfolds, without directing or changing anything. My photography sits somewhere in between. I give minimal direction, usually when I notice a lovely bit of light. If sunlight falls softly on a mother and baby, I might suggest she turns slightly so it highlights the baby’s hand. Light can emphasise emotion subtly without changing the moment itself.

When working with children, it’s best not to plan too much. Kids have their own rhythm and set the pace of a session. If they want to play, we play. If they need a break, we pause. That’s usually when the best pictures happen.

What advice would you give families to help them feel relaxed in front of the camera?

Before the session, have a chat with your photographer. A short call helps everyone feel more comfortable and gives a chance to discuss any worries. Morning shoots work best with young children; they’re rested, playful and relaxed. Think about what your family enjoys doing together. Reading, playing music, running around or blowing bubbles all make for easy, natural moments. Activities help everyone forget the camera and focus on each other.

How do you handle young children who may not want to sit still or smile?

It’s completely normal for kids to lose focus or get restless. Managing expectations early helps. I tell parents that it’s fine if children don’t “perform”. Calm parents make calm kids. Never force them – let them do what they want. Some of the best shots happen when children are simply being themselves. If I need a portrait, I turn it into a game, maybe ask them to find a butterfly near the lens or show me their biggest smile. Sessions should stay short, around an hour, before kids get tired or overstimulated.

Are there go-to tricks you use to capture genuine emotions and connections?

The most important thing is that the family feels at ease. When I arrive, I don’t reach for my camera straight away. I chat with the family, connect with the children and make sure everyone feels comfortable. During the shoot, I keep talking and stay visible. Let them see your face, keep eye contact when you can, and ask questions about their lives and routines. That helps them focus on being together rather than being photographed. Using silent mode also makes a big difference. When they can’t hear the shutter they often forget I’m taking pictures at all and their movements stay natural and relaxed.

How can families involve their pets in shoots?

I love including pets in family sessions. They’re part of the family, after all. One of my favourite memories is a maternity shoot where a hamster climbed over the mum-to-be’s tummy while she gently brushed him. It made for the sweetest photos. Snacks and treats can help, but it’s mostly about letting animals behave naturally and catching the right moment.

What should families wear (or avoid wearing) to a session? 

Comfort is key. Avoid black, white and neon colours, clothing with large logos or busy patterns that distract from faces. Shiny fabrics like sequins or satin can catch too much light, too. Soft textures and layered tones look warm and natural. If you plan to hang the photos at home, think about how your colours and patterns will work in that space.

How important is location? And do you prefer natural light or studio setups? 

Light is everything. I prefer natural light, using curtains, mirrors or trees to shape it. At home, it feels more personal and relaxed, especially with newborns. Kids are surrounded by familiar things, which makes the photos genuine. Outdoor shoots work well for older children who need space to move. I avoid overly green areas that reflect colour on faces and instead use shaded spots for softer light.

What’s the ideal time of day for outdoor family photos?

Morning is best. The light is softer and children are full of energy.

What’s the most memorable family shoot you’ve ever done? 

One session that stands out was with two energetic boys on a dark, rainy day. There wasn’t much natural light, so I used a slow shutter speed to capture movement. The blur gave the photos a lively, playful feel. Later, we moved into the parents’ bedroom, using white bedding and a floor standing mirror to bounce light around. The results were bright, full of movement and energy.

How do you balance photographing multiple generations in one shoot?

I recently photographed a family gathering of 15 people spanning multiple generations. With such a big group, I focused on a mix of candid and structured shots. For the candid moments, I kept my distance using a longer focal length to stay unobtrusive and capture genuine interactions – people chatting, laughing and connecting naturally.

For group photos, I always start with a classic “everyone-looking-at-the-camera” shot, then ask them to look at each other instead. This simple trick instantly brings the image to life, adding warmth and authenticity. After that, I move in closer (I shoot with prime lenses) to capture smaller stories within the group – parents with children, grandparents with grandkids, siblings together.

What are some common mistakes families or photographers make?

Families often overthink outfits or try too hard to pose perfectly. The best pictures happen when people just enjoy being together. Photographers sometimes rush into shooting without taking time to connect. A few minutes of chatting first changes everything.

What challenges do you face during a family session, and how do you overcome them?

Every family and home is different. Sometimes the light is dim, sometimes a child feels tired, sometimes the space is smaller than expected. I try to stay calm and flexible. Knowing my camera and how to shape light helps me adapt quickly. Preparation and patience matter more than anything.

How long does it usually take you to edit a session? And what’s your process like?

Usually two to three hours. I select the strongest photos, adjust the light and colour, and try to keep everything consistent. I do minimal retouching, maybe a small blemish if needed, but nothing more. I focus on keeping the images natural and authentic. Colour correction is very subtle, just enhancing the natural look of the photos. Once I’m happy, I export the gallery and send it to the family.

What should families look for when choosing the right photographer for them?

Look through their work and see how it makes you feel. If you like their style, talk to them. A quick chat will tell you if it’s a good fit.

What do you wish more people knew before booking a session?

​​A photoshoot is as much about the experience as the images. It’s time spent together, laughing and playing, which often becomes just as memorable as the photos themselves.

How can families make the most of their session?

Preparation is key. Talk to your photographer so everyone feels comfortable. During the shoot, relax and enjoy it. Afterwards, don’t keep the photos on your phone, print them, hang them and make albums. They’ll mean more every year.