family photography workshop -25th APRIL 2026
Beach location: Dorset, UK
A hands on beach workshop for photographers who want confidence, creativity, and a portfolio that attracts the right clients.
Join me for a relaxed, supportive shoot along near Bournemouth, Dorset. We will photograph styled family sessions at golden hour, talk through how I direct and tell stories, and you will leave with tools you can use straight away in your own work.
uk based Family photograpahy EDUCATION & workshops
Beach Family Photography Workshop
The beach workshop is for family photographers who want more than a pretty portfolio. You will learn how to create real connection, handle varied light on the beach, guide families with ease, and shoot in a way that feels natural and unforced.
Expect hands on learning, honest conversation, and a calm environment where you can ask questions and grow without pressure.
This workshop is ideal for:
beach workshop
who this for?
✓ Photographers who want to improve client experience and direction without forced posing
✓ Anyone ready to build confidence & create a stronger, more consistent portfolio
✓ Those who want to refine beach sessions, family posing and storytelling
✓ Photographers who feels they can confidently shoot in manual mode
At Home sessions
What you’ll learn
✓ Prompts that create real connection, movement and laughter
✓ How to adapt when children are shy, lively, or not interested
✓ How I build a calm client experience from start to finish
✓ How to guide families without over posing
✓ How to find the best light quickly on the beach
✓ Composition and storytelling so your galleries feel intentional
Before shooting begins, before we pick up a camera, we will walk the beach together to read the landscape, light and conditions in real time. You will learn how to assess a coastal location quickly, understanding how tide, wind, sun direction and space all influence your decisions before you even lift the camera.
We will talk through how to choose the strongest areas to work from, where backgrounds feel clean and intentional, and how to adapt when the beach looks different to what you expected. This includes recognising changing light, anticipating movement, and understanding how to position families safely and comfortably.
The focus is on arriving at beach sessions feeling calm, confident and prepared, with a clear plan that still allows flexibility as the environment shifts around you.
what's included in your family photography workshop ticket:
Location scouting & planning
During the shoot, you will photograph real families in natural beach conditions, with time to both observe and shoot. This is where we focus on timing, movement and interaction, and how beach sessions flow differently to woodland or studio work.
You will see how prompts are adapted for open spaces, how energy is managed with children near water, and how moments are gently guided without interrupting connection.
You can shoot independently, alongside others, or with direct support. The emphasis is on reading the environment, responding to changing light and wind, and learning how to create emotive, storytelling images even when conditions are unpredictable.
We will also explore how to balance your creative style with the reality of family dynamics, client expectations and safety, while still producing consistent, beautiful work.
Shoot Along With Live Direction
Away from the shooting, there is dedicated time for open conversation around the business side of family photography.
The conversation is shaped by the group and tailored to what you need most, whether that’s pricing, navigating unpredictable beach conditions, client experience, galleries, marketing or finding confidence in your direction.
This isn’t a formal or rigid learning environment. It’s a supportive space to have open conversations, share experiences and leave feeling confident, inspired and connected to photographers who share your passion.
Reflection, Conversation and Support
family photogrpahy education
✓Pre shoot meet up
✓ Preset discount
✓ Post workshop editing video
✓Small group learning
✓ Shoot along with real families
✓ Optional post session drink
We will meet ahead of the shoot for a relaxed walk and talk, a location scout, kit check, and time to settle nerves and ask questions.
You will have the option to purchase my presets with 30% off after the workshop (if you do not already have them).
Within a week, you will receive a recorded editing video where I walk through a few key images from the evening and show you how I enhance them.
Maximum of 5 attendees so you have space, support and plenty of shooting time.
You will photograph alongside me during two styled sessions:
If you are not rushing home, you are welcome to join me after for a relaxed drink and chat nearby. First drink is on me.
Workshop Experience
The workshop takes place on a beautiful sandy beach near Bournemouth, Dorset. It is one of my most used client locations and is wonderfully versatile, with a nature reserve nearby.
It is easy to reach by train and motorway, with plenty of local accommodation options if you are travelling.
where is the beach workshop?
Location details
family photogrpahy education
Workshop investment
Tickets £595.
The Fine Print;
To secure your place, a deposit is required and the remaining balance is due shortly before the workshop. If you would like to split the balance into two payments, that option is available.
If heavy rain is forecast and it is not safe or enjoyable to shoot, the workshop will be rescheduled to the next available date. If you cannot make the new date, your place can be moved to a mutually convenient future workshop.
Included in your ticket
✓ Small group workshop (max 5 photographers) with Carley Aplin
✓ Portfolio-worthy images
✓ Optional post session drink
✓ Hands on shooting with real families, plus observation off how Carley works.
✓ Post-session editing videos
✓ 30% off Lightroom presets
✓ Optional Headshots at the beach
workshop location
Hengistnbury Head, Nr. Bournemouth
✓ Hands on shooting with real families, plus observation off how Carley works.
✓ Post-session editing videos
✓ 30% off Lightroom presets
workshop timings
2:30pm- 8:30pm (with optional drinks after)
✓ Small group workshop (max 5 photographers) with Carley Aplin
✓ Portfolio-worthy images
✓ Optional post session drink
✓ Optional Headshots at the beach
family photography Workshop
Frequently asked questions
What equipment should I bring?
What if I come alone?
Do I need to be experienced?
What happens if the weather is bad?
WHAT IS THE STYLING FOR THE SHOOT
Who are the models?
Please bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, ideally full frame, along with either a 24–70mm zoom lens or a prime lens such as a 50mm, 35mm or 24mm.
Don't forget, to also bring plenty of SD cards
Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the location and weather are also recommended.
Most people do. It is a small group and very relaxed. We can also arrange a group chat beforehand so faces feel familiar.
You need to be confident shooting in manual mode. Beyond that, you do not need to be advanced. This is about growth, confidence and consistency.
If the weather is unsuitable, such as heavy rain or strong winds, we will reschedule, with clear communication and a final decision made around 24 hours in advance to avoid unnecessary travel. I strongly recommend booking accommodation and travel on flexible or changeable rates. If the new date no longer works, your ticket can be transferred to a future workshop or used towards a 1:1 mentoring session.
Styling will focus on earthy, warm outdoor tones with soft neutral shades for a timeless, natural look.
The families taking part will be everyday families, including a parent with an older baby or small toddler, carefully selected to encourage relaxed cooperation and create beautiful portfolio imagery.
FAQ's
it was most amazing workshop, i'm exhausted, but I can't wait to put it all into place. I'm already thinking about model families that I can use..
Nicci was buzzing
"I'm so glad I came, it was absolutely worth the drive"
Nicci
...knowing that I too could create a successful business with the support of you, and like minded friends made from the workshop cheering me on! You provided it all…business advice, practical shooting tips, posing and technical settings, incredible models and locations."
Adele needed to find her people and loved tailored advice.
the workshop gave me a new sense of positivity and drive"
adele
It was the support throughout and following the workshop I enjoyed the most. I can't thank you all enough .
jemma said it was Truly inspirational
"I received so much hands on experience and guidance"
Jemma
Ready to take the next step
ready to BOOK your space?
If I feel like the right fit for your photography education journey, you can book your space using my online booking system. If you have any questions at all, I am always happy to help. Simply send me an email here and i'll get back to you.
