Just ‘Kids Being Kids’ | Hong Kong Family Photography
Family Photoshoot in Hong Kong | Natural, On-Location Family Portraits
Ian Taylor is a Hong Kong family photographer with 20 years experience. Kid-directed, spontaneous family photoshoots across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. View 2026 packages and portfolio.
Rambunctious kids? Shy kids? GREAT!
“Never Say Cheese!” is the secret to a classic Hong Kong family photoshoot.
For 20 years I've specialised in exactly the kind of spontaneous, serendipitous kids photoshoot Hong Kong families book year after year. Relaxed, easy sessions that don’t feel staged or cookie-cutter. I let the personalities of the kids lead the way. I think you can see that in my work. Never saying the “Ch” word ensures there is nothing ‘cheesy’ in your gallery.
Keeping the whole thing fun is the other not-so-secret secret to great family photography.
Here's the thing about kids at two years old, most of their personality is already there. My goal is to capture that now, in a portrait your family will still be looking at in 40 years, and still saying "that's sooo her!" It’s not just a holiday-card portrait, this is actually family history.
‘Kids Being Kids’ Since 2007
“Because a family photo Is the most important photo”
Kind Words
120,000+ FB Fans
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“Ian has photographed our growing family for 3 years… absolutely fabulous.”
Deb
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“He connected with our boys right away, helping them feel at ease. We treasure the photos.”
Chris
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“Those portraits are still on our walls — treasured memories.”
Emily
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"Ian has taken the most beautiful photos of our family over the years. He did a superb job and was so easy to work with."
Siobhan
Doing Hong Kong family photoshoots for 20 years: I’ve had two themes since Day One.
Kids Being Kids & Never “Say Cheese!”
As professional family photographer for two decades, reluctant teenagers, chaotic four-year-olds all the way up to grandparents who have never been photographed with their grandkids. I know how to work with all of them. And never tell anyone to “say cheese!”. Ever!
→ View Hong Kong Family Photoshoot Gallery
Family Photo Session Pricing
Check this page for my 2026 Family Photoshoot Packages, including my 20% Weekday Discount and fall mini sessions.
There is nothing like a empty Hong Kong beach or public park in the morning, or wandering around Stanley on a weekday after school with the ocean breeze and complete lack of crowds. Weekdays can feel much more like we are making a little documentary, rather than a photo session. Escape work an hour early and have the most relaxed family photos in Hong Kong!
Toddler to Teen Story
Hong Kong family photographer To a Generation of Kids
Looking for a kids photographer Hong Kong families trust for the long haul?
Many photographers show you a single hour on the beach. I have documented the arc of dozens of childhoods. The toddlers in these portraits are now in university. Some have left Hong Kong entirely for London and Singapore, where I also photographed them.
You can't go back and re-photograph the toddler years once they are gone. At least do photos when the kids are young!
Sisters, 2012 & 2026
Drummer in Hong Kong, on the phone in London
Still that same look, eleven years on
Same great hair, 12 years apart
Hong Kong kid, 10 years apart
14 yrs from Repulse Bay to Happy Valley
Twins and their big brother, Hong Kong to Brighton UK
Same blue eyes in Hong Kong and London
HK Southside girl in 2008 and 2023
Same blue eyes, 13 years later
Inquire About Your Hong Kong Family Portraits
If you’re considering family portraits, the next step is simple. Tell me a bit about your gang, your timing, and what you have in mind, and I’ll come back with options that work.
Most families sign up one or two months in advance for fall sessions, so there is no last minute scrambling!
Or, just simply sign up to get on my mailing list.
Family Portrait Hong Kong — FAQ
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Family portrait Hong Kong packages start from HKD 2,450 for Mini Sessions, with full sessions from HKD 7,250 (20% off weekdays).
All-inclusive — no hidden fees, no high-pressure sales scripts, no surprise upsells for your digital files. Full details: https://www.iantaylor.ca/hkrates
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Yes — a significant part of my work is with families visiting from Singapore, Sydney, London, Toronto, and beyond. Sessions are built around your itinerary: one great location, moving fast, with results that never feel rushed.
Kowloon Park is a favourite for visitors — ten minutes from Central, rarely crowded on weekday mornings. With more time, a multi-location session can document an entire Hong Kong visit.
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As a family photographer Hong Kong parents have trusted since 2007, I've never come back empty-handed. Shy kids often make the best portraits because they aren't performing.
I shoot from a distance with longer lenses and let them forget I'm there.
Just needs a bit more time.
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Hong Kong is a giant movie set for family photography; the backdrops are world-class everywhere you turn.
A few favourites:
Beaches: Deep Water Bay, Chung Hom Kok, Mui Wo
Parks: Kowloon Park, the Botanical Gardens, Lingnan Garden
Urban: Hollywood Road, the Mid-Levels staircases, West Kowloon waterfront
The honest advice: pick somewhere easy and close to home. The location is 10% of the photo — your family is the other 90%.
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Sooner is always better from a children’s photographer perspective.
The wobbly toddler stage is family portrait gold. A few weeks into walking, they have zero self-consciousness — these are the portraits you'll actually want in 20 years.
Don't wait for the "perfect moment." The thing I hear most often: families waited until their kids were too old for their first session.
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Yes.
As a Hong Kong photographer I regularly do “big family photography”, quite often with family visiting from abroad.
Whether it's a reunion, or grandparents visiting from abroad, sessions are planned around mobility and energy levels so everyone from age 1 to 91 gets the most out of it.
These are often best suited to an at-home family photoshoot.
I can also help with your holiday photoshoot in Hong Kong. Many visiting families connect with me for their holiday lifestyle photography.
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Coordinated, not matching. Neutral tones and light layers work best against Hong Kong's varied backdrops.
Avoid heavy patterns or large logos — they pull attention away from faces. I send detailed wardrobe guidance once your session is confirmed.
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Yes — dogs and cats are part of the family and I include them in sessions wherever possible.
Having spent years photographing rescues as a volunteer with Hong Kong Dog Rescue, the HKSPCA, and Catherine's Puppies, I've learned how to work with every kind of dog personality, from the shyest rescue to the most hyper puppy.
I've also volunteered with the K9 USAR Thailand Canine Rescue Team, one of the best-known K9 rescue units in Asia.
For cats especially, an at-home session is almost always the right call — they're far easier to photograph on their own turf.
For dog photography, Hong Kong has more options than most people expect:
Wan Chai Waterfront — perfect for energetic dogs, great new space on Hong Kong Island
Sheung Wan backstreets — colorful murals and quiet alleys for a city dog vibe
Cyberport Waterfront Park — the go-to for open grass shots
Sai Kung waterfront — hugely dog-friendly corner of the New Territories
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Hong Kong weather is unpredictable and I've been caught in everything over 20 years.
If conditions are unsuitable we reschedule — no penalties, no stress. Worth knowing: overcast days often provide the most flattering, even light for outdoor portraits.
A Family Photographer Hong Kong Families Return To
Best Hong Kong Family Photo Session Locations
(Beach, City & Hidden Spots)
When planning an outdoor family photoshoot Hong Kong locations shouldn't be chosen just for a 'perfect' backdrop, but for giving your family a space where they can feel relaxed and free to move.
And easy to get to from home, that’s key as well!
Some families prefer beaches like Stanley or Repulse Bay, others love the energy of Central and the Star Ferry, while many choose quieter parks or even their own home.
Some of the most popular options:
Stanley & Chung Hom Kok Beach → relaxed, coastal, and versatile
Kowloon (Kowloon Park, TST, West Kowloon) → urban, open, and crowd-free mornings
Repulse Bay & Deep Water Bay → classic Hong Kong beach sessions
Central & Mid-Levels / Star Ferry → iconic city backdrops
At-home family sessions → the most natural option for younger kids and pets
