As the Christmas season approaches, capture those precious moments in the form of beautiful family portraits. Check out this list of photographers that Beijing’s expat families have tried and loved to ensure that you get the perfect shot this holiday season.

Photographer: Desanka Popovic Company: The Purest Memories Why do you love family photography? “There are a few moments in life that are really important and give us the greatest feelings. One picture has such power to bring back all the memories, feelings, and remind you how life is beautiful. Where can we see more life and love than in mothers who are expecting, families with their children, or in a baby’s laugh? Nothing can bring more joy to my heart than working with these people.” How would you describe your style? “Pureness and warmth. That is what people should feel when they get their albums.”

Contact: WeChat: Desa991 Phone: +86 156 0055 0215 Instagram: the_purest_memories

Photographer: Jiehao Chen Company: Jiehao Photography Why do you love family photography? “Taking pictures of children and pets is like playing a game and hitting a boss level you didn’t even know existed. You really have to think on your two feet and adjust to whatever happens next.” How would you describe your style? “Candid.”

Contact WeChat: 1527430003 Website: www.jiehaophotography.com

Photographer: Dave Hanssen Company: Dave’s Studio Why do you love family photography? “The main reason is helping to create a beautiful family portrait that the family loves and that they can share with everyone. Especially in the last few years with the difficulties a lot of us have had with traveling back home, it’s great to be able to share a nice family portrait with those you love.” How would you describe your style? “I’d say my studio’s style is more on the natural side for family portraits, more relaxed. However, it really depends on our clients. We like to have an open dialogue with our clients to ensure that they get the images that fit their style the best.”

Contact:

Photographer: Aaron Berkovich Why do you love family photography? “Being able to help people share their own stories and experiences – especially for special moments like engagements, weddings, prenatal, or early childhood photos – is a very special way to immortalize those memories and experiences that can be shared with loved ones anywhere in the world.” How would you describe your style? “My style is naturally capturing moments as they happen and finding the angles that really tell the stories of the subjects.”

Contact: WeChat: 13120159494 Email: aaron@peking.studio

Photographer: fotoMikhanix

Mike and Olga, the photographers behind fotoMikhanix make a great team. Mike, a seasoned Beijing resident brings touches of nostalgia to his graft having learned photography from his father. And Olga, is a true artist with lights. Photoshoots with her is more than just getting your photos taken, it’s a full package experience that’s filled with laghter, fun, and genuine comfort.

Contact: WeChat: photomike, olga_photography

These professionals are known for their quality work, attention to detail, and a more customer-friendly approach. Don’t make the same mistake I did and choose a studio blindly. Do your research and go for a photographer who will truly capture those precious moments without all the unnecessary hassle and disappointment.

Images: Mina Yan, Pexels, courtesy of photographers

If there’s one thing that’s grossly underrated at parties, it’s the importance of a good photographer. We spend so much time planning a great birthday party for our kids, but without a professional to capture it all we’re usually left with mediocre phone photos that don’t do our hard work justice.

Here are our picks for family-friendly photographers. These guys specialize in portraits, pregnancy photoshoots, and event photography.

For more kids’ birthday party recommendations, search jingkids tag #BigBeijingBirthdayPartyList for more recommendations on venues, ideas, and entertainers.

Photographer: Dave Hanssen
Company: Dave’s Studio

How would you describe your style?
“I’d say my studio’s style is more on the natural side for family portraits, more relaxed. However, it really depends on our clients. We like to have an open dialogue with our clients to ensure that they get the images that fit their style the best.”

What makes a great family photo?
“In my opinion, a great family photo is one that feels natural. It doesn’t have to be perfect in every aspect, it doesn’t need to have everyone smiling and looking into the lens. Some of my most favorite family photos are caught when the family is relaxed, joking and playing with each other.”

What tips do you have for families preparing for their shoot?
“Don’t stress, it’s just a photo. My studio is here to help you pick out a wardrobe that goes well with your family, and a shooting location that fits your style. We also do our best to lower the stress level and keep the mode relaxed.”

Contact:

Photographer: Desanka Popovic
Company: The Purest Memories

How would you describe your style?
“Pureness and warmth. That is what people should feel when they get their albums.”

What makes a great family photo?
“Passion. An eye for a detail, connection with clients, patience, calm and peaceful atmosphere, and at the end the way of editing it.”

What tips do you have for families preparing for their shoot?
“Be natural, just to do whatever you do when people are not around. Kiss, hug, speak, love each other. Don’t think about what you’re going to look like, because natural is the most beautiful.”

Contact:
WeChat: Desa991
Phone: 156 0055 0215
Instagram: the_purest_memories

Photographer: Jiehao Chen
Company: Jiehao Photography

How would you describe your style?
“Candid.”

What makes a great family photo?
“Having a great time together on a shoot.”

What tips do you have for families preparing for their shoot?
“1. Patience is limited for most young creatures. Rather than long drives to your ideal location, ask your photographer for nice, hidden spots in town or close to your home. We have everything from ancient to modern, urban to nature. Make sure the most cooperative hours are used on photo-taking, not commute.

“2. Less is more. Color story … shouldn’t be too complicated and taking away from you, the subject.

“3. Be spontaneous…we’ll go along and make it fun.”

Contact:
WeChat: 1527430003
Website: www.jiehaophotography.com

Photographer: Aaron Berkovich

How would you describe your style?
“My style is naturally capturing moments as they happen and finding the angles that really tell the stories of the subjects.”

What makes a great family photo?
“Authenticity. It’s capturing the energy and excitement that really shows the personality of the subject, coupled with a sense of place. I focus on environmental or location-based family photo sessions, to show not only these connections but to allow families to share their favorite places and memories in Beijing with loved ones around the world.”

What tips do you have for families preparing for their shoot?
“Be yourselves, dress comfortably, and have fun.”

Contact:
WeChat: 131 2015 9494
Email: aaron@peking.studio

Photographer: Stacy Dudnyk
Company: Stacy Dudnyk Photography

How would you describe your style?
“I am a lifestyle photographer. I’m trying to tell each family’s unique story in the most natural, true way. I come to people’s homes and capture their lives, their routines, and their relationships. I work with natural light only, which is sometimes challenging but the outcome is always worth it.”

What makes a great family photo?
“Just be yourself – don’t pose – and relax. Trust your photographer.”

What tips do you have for families preparing for their shoot?
“Think about it like a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Also, don’t overthink about the outfits or props. At the end of the day, you and your emotions are [the]things that matter, not the surrounding.”

Contact:
Scan the QR code on the poster above

Photographer: Varvara Kotsebuk
Company: Varya Kotsebuk Photography

How would you describe your style?
“Natural/candid.”

What makes a great family photo?
“Choose a spot that has some significance to the family because it will make the photo more meaningful. As an added bonus, it will help keep young children and pets comfortable by shooting in a location they’re familiar with.”

What tips do you have for families preparing for their shoot?
“Many people consider their pets to be part of the family, and pet portraits are a growing trend, so why not include the furry friends in the family photo? Let the animals roam and interact with the family while you shoot – it could lead to some great candid moments.”

Contact:

Images: Desanka Popovic, Jiehao Chen, Dave Hanssen, Aaron Berkovich, Stacy Dudnyk, Varvara Kotsebuk

I heard about WeChat three hours after arriving in Beijing. I thought, Tthis is a unnecessary app. I have Whatsapp, I don’t need WeChat.” Boy I was wrong! We all need WeChat, my life has been so much easier since I got WeChat and I wish the rest of the world would get WeChat too.  I have made many, many friends though WeChat. I have had many questions answered, many shopping experiences, and also great services at home. Here I’ll share some of my favorite WeChat contacts. Do you have any great WeChat contacts?

Bread

Bread for life not only makes amazing tasting bread and cakes, this organization creates work for disabled orphans. Don’t just eat any bread, eat bread for life and do some good. Add on WeChat: BreadofLifeBakery

Nails

I adore going to get my nails done at the salon. But now that I am a working mother I have less time to do so. This is my favorite couple, they come to the house, and do amazing pedicures and manicures. Nails that are salon worthy, English speaking, clean, honest and their prices are fair. Add on WeChat: ZXF19930710

Wine

I am not a wine connoisseur but love a glass, or two. This lady will listen to your wine taste and send some bottles to your home. I actually live very close to her warehouse so when I ordered on a Friday night I received 3 bottles of wine chilled within 2 hours. What a great surprise. The best part? she added a wine opener. Add on WeChat: fanigurevich

Creams

I have many favorite skincare contacts, but I just ordered some hand creams here and I am hooked! Shangrila Botanicals, Add on WeChat: 15601193751

Sausage and Meats

Andy is the sausage guy to add if you have meat cravings. The chorizo sausage is to die for; combined with eggs, it’s the perfect breakfast. Add on WeChat: andy706588

Life coaching and Mindfulness

These two ladies are my tickets to sanity in Beijing. They do personal life couching and mindfulness sessions. add them to start living to your full potential. For life coaching add Carnissa WeChat:BerryThoughtfulLife and for Mindfulness add Nathalie WeChat: nathaliedorbes

Nut Butters

These two girls are breaking new grounds with their nut butters and just a short wechat away. Nut butter delivered to your front door. Add on WeChat: NAKEDnutbutters

Pollution Masks

This mask is a must have in Beijing. kids masks and adult masks are available. Preston is the fasted ever in delivering the goods, one very polluted day he even personally delivered a mask to my home. For a safe breathing experience in Beijing. Add him on WeChat: 18515359601 

Balloons

Have a party but don’t want to blow up the balloons? This contact is the answer. Balloons delivered to your door on the day of the festivities. Add on WeChat: balloons88

Salmon

Have a yearning for smoked salmon? This trusted viking will get some salmon delivered to your door. Add him on WeChat: viking-salmon

Coconut Yogurt

These yogurts are a sure delight and can be delivered to your home. For lactose intolerant these are the greatest. Add on WeChat: yeyo-yogurt

Yoga at Home

Get your yoga on in the comfort of your own home. Or find out where he teaches yoga . Add this yogi for more information on WeChat: helloleo1234

Kids Entertainment

If you are looking for some entertainment for the toddlers and kids, get this lady into your home. Or follow her to one of her musical movement sessions. Add her on WeChat:Ilovematisse102

Doula and Baby Slings

This mother is passionate about childbirth and having a doula can be a great experience for your birth. She can care for mothers after birth as well. This all-rounder also makes baby slings. Add her on WeChat: alessia_chizzoniti

Photographer

These are two of my favorite photographers in Beijing. Perfect for family shoots or other great things that need to be put in a picture to never forget. Add on WeChat Dave: dlhzao or this other fabulous photographer Chiara: chiarayeph

Housing Agent

I have met my share of house agents and this one is one in a million: fair, honest and hard working. His name is Frank and he found us a home. Add on WeChat:13910813378

Make up

Need some fabulous make up done for a event? This amazing artist is a gem and will make you look the prettiest you have been. Add on WeChat: frau_romanova

Arts and Crafts

Need to get your kids busy? Don’t know where to buy arts and crafts supplies in Beijing? No problem, this innovative mother has all the goods. Add her on WeChat: Gemma Jiang

Photos: pixabay, courtesy of the vendors,  chairmanmigo.com