“Should we book a studio or an outdoor session?". This is one of the questions we get asked most often — and one that came up again and again at the Basel Expat Expo last week.

It's a genuinely good question, and honestly, there's no wrong answer. Both work beautifully. But the right choice for your family comes down to something really simple: what does your family actually like? This is not what looks good on Pinterest. But what suits you.

In this blog, we share our thoughts on this common question.

If Your Kids Need Space to Breathe (and Run)

Some kids are natural studio kids. They walk in, clock the camera, and perform. Others take one look at the space and immediately want to climb the backdrop stand.

If your little ones fall into the second category — that is, if they need to move to feel comfortable — outdoor sessions are almost always the better fit. There's something about open space that relaxes children in a way four walls simply can't replicate. We've seen the most guarded toddlers loosen up the moment they spot a patch of grass or a puddle to stomp in.

Beautiful photos can be taken anywhere, but outdoors offer moments that simply cannot happen in the studio. A daughter clambering up onto dad's shoulders because she spotted something in the distance. A son wrapping his arms around mum from behind and squeezing tight. Usually when kids have enough room, they forget they're being photographed.

If the words "natural light, lots of space, and we'll just see what happens" appeal to you, outdoor is your session.

Where the Most Candid Moments Tend to Happen

There's a reason so many of our favourite images from the past year have been outdoors: the environment does half the work for us.

Inside a studio, we can create beautiful, timeless portraits. The light is controlled, the background is clean, and we can be precise. But the spontaneous moments — the ones that make you catch your breath when you see them in your gallery — those tend to come when families are in motion. Walking along the Rhine. Kids darting ahead on a path while the parents hang back. A whispered joke that sets everyone laughing.

That said, candid moments absolutely happen in the studio too. We've captured plenty of them. But if your priority is movement and feeling over polish and precision, being outdoors gives us more of those opportunities.

If You'd Rather Skip Unpredictable Weather

Here's the honest part: weather has opinions.

Spring and summer are generally glorious, but an afternoon can turn quickly. Autumn light is some of the most beautiful we shoot in, but you might find yourself rescheduling. And winter — well, winter is a whole other conversation (more on that below).

If your family has tight schedules, young babies, or you've simply got one window to make this happen before a grandparent visits from abroad, a studio session removes all that uncertainty (this is exactly why we have Drop-in sessions). It doesn't matter what the weather does outside. The light is the same. The temperature is the same. Studio sessions also tend to suit families who want something a bit more classic — clean backgrounds, portraits that will look as good on the wall in twenty years as they do today (especially if blank and white photos are your thing!).

Spring and Summer in Basel — the Best Time to Shoot Outdoors

We'll be honest with you: spring and summer are our favourite seasons to photograph families outdoors, and we'd encourage anyone who's been on the fence to take the leap right now.

The light in Basel from April through to August is something special. Long golden evenings that stretch past 8pm. Soft, warm tones in the hour before sunset that make even a simple walk feel cinematic. The Rhine glittering in the background. Whether in the heart of old town or a beautiful outdoor location in Basel Land, this is when lighting is genuinely at its best.

Beyond the light, there's a quality to how families are in summer that comes through in photos. Everyone's more relaxed. Kids are in their element outside. There's no rushing back because it's getting cold or dark. We can wander, we can be patient, we can wait for the moment.

Seasonal Sessions — and When the Studio Comes Into Its Own

There's one time of year when we see the balance tip firmly toward the studio, and that's the run-up to Christmas.

There's something about a winter family portrait that almost asks for warmth and enclosure — soft light, a clean background, everyone close together. The studio creates that feeling naturally. And practically speaking, December in Basel means short days, cold evenings, and a lot of coats to wrestle children into. Booking a studio session in November or early December takes all of that off the table.

We find a lot of families use their Christmas portrait as an annual tradition — the same style, year after year, so you can watch your children grow. The studio is perfect for that kind of consistency.

So if you're thinking ahead to Christmas cards or a gift for the grandparents, make a note to come to us in autumn. And if you're reading this in spring or summer — come outside with us first.

The Honest Shortcut: Trust Your Gut About Your Family

Every family is different, and the best session is the one that reflects how your family actually is — not a version of you that's been tidied up and placed in front of a white backdrop (unless that's genuinely what you want, in which case, we'll make it beautiful).

Ask yourself: do we want something relaxed and full of movement, or something more classic and contained? Do the kids need space, or are they fine in a smaller environment? Is the weather a factor for us right now?

If you're still not sure, just get in touch. We've helped many Basel families figure out what would suit them best, and we're happy to talk it through.

If you'd like to make the most of the spring and summer light, our family sessions and Basel Photo Walks are open for booking now. If a date is on your mind, it's worth locking it in.

Children are wonderfully unpredictable. One minute they're charming, the next they're face-down on the floor because their banana was peeled from the wrong end. Between nap schedules, snack negotiations, and the general beautiful chaos of family life, the idea of squeezing in a professional portrait session can feel like a lot. That is exactly why our Drop-in sessions in Basel are designed to be quick, low-pressure, and genuinely fun — for everyone!

That said, a little preparation goes a long way. This is exactly what we will talk about in this blog, so your little one walks in ready to shine during their quick Drop-in session.

What is a Kids Drop-in Session?

Our Drop-in sessions are quick photo sessions for babies and children in Basel. It's short, natural, and stress-free. Unlike a traditional family shoot that can stretch across an hour and multiple locations. ,

With the same background every time, you'll see just how much they change. The chair stays the same. Everything else changes: from the newborn who needed a little help staying upright, to the toddler who climbs straight on and grins like they own the place.

I did this with my own children monthly through their first year, and then on key milestones as they grew. Looking back at those portraits now, I'm so grateful I did. You don't notice the changes day to day, but side by side in a gallery, they're breathtaking.

Whether you drop in every month or every few months, each portrait capturing who your child is at this exact moment - the gap-toothed grin, the serious stare, the giggles, the stuffy they never go without! That's what you'll want to remember.

A Rested Child Makes All the Difference

Our Drop-in sessions run on selected mornings, which is the sweet spot for most little ones. The night's sleep is still close, breakfast has settled, and the day still feels fresh and full of possibility.

To make the most of it, protect that morning nap if your little one still has one, and make sure they've had a good breakfast before you head out. A well-rested, well-fed child is a happy child - and a happy child makes for the most beautiful portraits.

Light Prep, Zero Stress

There is no need for elaborate preparation. A relaxed child and a parent who isn't rushing is the winning combination.

A few light prep tips that make a real difference:

• Give them a heads-up: The evening before or the morning of, mention it casually: “Today we're going to visit Richie - he takes lovely pictures of children. You can choose which shoes to wear.” Keep it low-key. No big build-up, no pressure, no bribing.
• Let them have a small choice: which shoes to wear, which hair clip or which toy to carry. Kids who feel a little control over their morning tend to cooperate beautifully
• Bring their comfort object if they have one. A favourite stuffed animal, small car, or blanket works wonders for shy or nervous children and it often makes for the most personal, lovely portraits too.
• Feed them first: A proper meal before you leave goes a long way. Tuck a small, non-messy snack in your bag for the journey too. Pretzels, rice crackers, a fruit pack - anything that doesn't involve yoghurt near a freshly chosen outfit.
• Arrive a few minutes early so your child has time to look around and settle in before we begin. Curious is always better than rushed & overwhelmed!

And if everything still goes sideways? We've been there - with our own children, on our own shoot days. The nap that didn't happen, the outfit catastrophe, the mood that arrived from nowhere. We'll work with whatever you bring through the door. Some of our favourite portraits have come from exactly those mornings.

What to Expect During the Session

Here’s what most parents are relieved to discover: it's actually really quick. It just takes minutes.

We will work with you to guide your little one gently through the session, using movement, prompts, and a little playful silliness to draw out natural expressions. We are not looking for a stiff, “say cheese” portrait - we are looking for them!

For babies and younger toddlers, we will ask you to stay close to the camera rather than beside your child. Your face and your voice are the best tools we have for coaxing out that smile. A familiar giggle from just behind the lens works wonders. You won't be in the shot, but you’ll absolutely be part of the magic.

For the shy ones, the bouncy ones, the ones who need a few minutes to warm up — we will meet your child exactly where they are!

Final Thoughts

As parents ourselves, we started Little by Little because we know how fast they grow up. These portraits are our way of holding onto the moments that are gone before we've even noticed and sharing that journey with the people we love.

Book your slot, choose a comfortable outfit, pack a snack, and let us take care of the rest.

✨ Ready to capture your little one?
👉 Book your Kids Drop-In today

Hey there awesome Basel parent!

As our blog is photography oriented, it is me, Richie, to take you through some tips on how to take great photos of your kids with just your phone.

Do I like having a fancy camera around? Absolutely! But the truth is that my fancy camera is rarely within reach when I want to take a quick photo of my kids. What I (almost) always have within reach is my phone.

The same goes for you: you don’t need a fancy camera, studio lights, or months of training to take beautiful, meaningful photos of your kids. The phones we carry today have super powerful cameras. The best part is that your phone is always with you.

I will share with you how I think about this (and what works for my own shoots whether at home or outdoors). Even professional photographers use these tricks and they're super easy. Use what makes sense, ignore the rest, and most importantly have fun!

There are many more aspects that go into taking a “nice photo", but in today’s blog we’re focusing on just three simple tricks, you can up your photo game big time. These tips will work no matter what kind of phone you have.

Why Take a Photo Anyway?

Before we get to our three quick tips, a quick word on why take photos at all. This may seem obvious at first, but there's a reason why we stop whatever we're doing and suddenly think “I should take a photo of this now!". Whatever it may be, the key thing is to keep this reason at the forefront as you reach for your phone. That instinct isn’t just about taking a picture. It’s about creating a memory and keeping a little piece of that moment.

I like to think of photos less as pictures and more as documents of significance. Something that will be preserved (even if digitally) for a long time to come. Each one says, “this mattered, this moment was worth keeping.”

So next time you pick up your phone, remember: you’re not just taking a photo, you’re documenting a piece of your story.

Tip 1: Get Down to Their Level

This tip is super easy to implement. It doesn't have anything to do with your phone or any camera settings. It's to do with your positioning while taking a photo.

Kids are little and their world is a few feet below from our perspective. This is why it's important when you take photos of your kids, instead of standing over your child, squat, kneel, or lie down (if your little ones are still crawling!) so you’re at eye level (or even slightly below). There are times when being at their eye level would not be desirable angle. For example, when they are colouring and you want to take a photo from above to capture how they are holding that crayon, it may be ideal to NOT be at their eye level.

But in many cases, and especially for very small kids or toddlers, a low angle can make everything feel more “in their world.” When you do this, your photos will become more intimate, and more compelling.

Here are two photos of my kids taken with two different phones 4 years apart. Notice how getting to their eye level makes everything more flattering.

It’s completely fine if you can’t do this for every single photo, but even if you do this for half of the photos you take of your kids, I can promise the overall quality will improve greatly.

Tip 2: Embrace Burst Mode

Young kids are rarely still. The trick is: don’t expect perfection in one shot. Let them move, let life happen, and capture a sequence or a burst.

I generally see people's camera rolls being full of identical photos from a specific moment. Out of 10 identical photos, there may be 1 or 2 good ones worth keeping. Usually, we forget to delete the other 8 and soon enough, our galleries will become cluttered with near identical photos.

The tip here is to use burst mode. This is the most “technical” of the three tips today, so bear with me!

Our phones have the ability to take multiple photos by pressing the shutter button once. The longer you “keep the burst on” the more frames (or images) will be captured. This is super important in sports photography, for example, when a photographer wants to have a photo at the exact moment when a footballer makes contact with the ball. They simply use burst mode (usually taking 15-20 photos in a second!) and find the perfect moment from the sequence.

Burst mode is also handy when taking photos of our active kids. By taking photos in the burst mode, you may be able to take 20 individual images in just a couple of seconds! This is much easier than clicking the shutter 10 or 15 times.

The really cool thing about burst mode is that the photos in the burst mode will appear as one photo in your gallery, but when you open this photo, you'll see there are actually more photos underneath. This way, even if you don't select the best photos from your burst, your gallery remains uncluttered. However, I recommend that you take the extra step and remove unusable photos from the burst.

Here's a YouTube video that shows how to do this (in under 2 minutes!). It's well worth a watch.

Tip 3: Configure Easy Access to the Camera

As our phones become increasingly smart and complex, it can be hard to find the right apps (in this case the camera app) when you need to get to it quickly. Just like the Tip 1, this last tip is also super easy to follow in practice.

I see parents usually go through the following steps to open the camera app: unlock the phone, swipe through multiple home screens to find the camera app, and finally open the camera app. It takes several clicks and swipes, and precious seconds to get to the camera app.

These lost seconds are especially important for us parents of toddlers who may only have a few seconds when our toddlers are up to something cool. If we miss this moment, we're never quite sure if and when such a moment will happen again.

This is why it's super important to be able to access the camera with just one press of a button.

On my iPhone, I can get to the camera app in just one swipe. This is without changing a single setting! Your iPhone comes configured this way by default. To access the camera in the quickest way possible, simple swipe left on your lock screen. You don't even need to unlock your phone for this! Just swipe right on the lock screen and you'll see the camera open up right away. It's that easy.

(Image taken from Instant Camera)

Now, It's Your Turn

People think taking better photos means learning fancy camera jargon or mastering editing software. Nope. It’s really just about tiny changes in the way we take photos.

The beauty of these tips is that they fit right into everyday life and super easy to implement.

So the next time your toddler decides to take over the kitchen as a baker, or scores that winning goal remember: you’ve got everything you need in your pocket to freeze that memory no matter what phone you carry in your pocket.

Happy shooting,
Richie 📸

Pregnancy is such a special season. It is beautiful, exhausting, and fleeting (any many times, all at once!). Between swollen feet, endless checkups, juggling work, and family life (with a toddler sometimes!), many mums-to-be can’t imagine squeezing in a full one-hour maternity shoot in a studio or outdoor location. That’s why our Bump Drop-in sessions in Basel are designed to be quick, relaxed, and completely stress-free.

But even with a simple setup like ours, a little preparation can help you get the most out of your time in front of the camera. Here’s everything we will cover in this blog so you are well prepared for your Bump Drop-in session with us.

What Is a Bump Drop-In Session

A Bump Drop-in session is our take on maternity photography in Basel. It’s short, natural, and stress-free. Unlike traditional maternity shoots that can last an hour or more, our Baby Drop-in sessions are designed for busy expecting mums in Basel who don’t have the time or energy for a big production shoot.

Here’s what makes our Bump Drop-In Sessions unique:

• Quick & simple: Just a few minutes is all it takes to capture a timeless photo of your pregnancy.
• Relaxed atmosphere: No elaborate backdrops, no outfit changes, no on-location makeup, no waiting for perfect golden hour light - just a genuine, natural portrait of your bump in a relaxed environment
• Flexible: You can come on your own, or include your partner or child (or both!) if you’d like for a reasonable add-on charge.

Our Bump Drop-in sessions are about celebrating what pregnancy is really about: the baby growing inside your bump, and not the backdrop.

When to Schedule Your Session

Every pregnancy is different, but most mums feel their best for photos between 28–34 weeks. During this period, your bump is beautifully round, but you’re still comfortable enough to move and pose without (hopefully!) feeling too tired.

If you’re closer to your due date: don’t worry. Our sessions are short and gentle, so you’ll still walk away with a gorgeous memory no matter what stage you’re at.

In our experience, we have had mums-to-be come for their Bump Drop-in session at the end of second trimester (earlier than 28 weeks) and some who had their session on their due date! And we’ve also had mums who could not make their Bump Drop-in because their baby decided to arrived early!

What to Wear

Our Bump Drop-in sessions are about you and your bump and not an elaborate backdrop or complicated styling. When you’re thinking about what to wear to your Bump Drop-in session, we suggest the following:

• Pick neutral or soft-toned clothing that flatters your shape. Note that our Drop-in background is white, so while wearing white will absolutely be no problem (we've had beautiful results with it!), we recommend non-white clothing.
• A fitted dress or top works beautifully to define your silhouette and accentuate your bump.
• If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to show your bump skin - it's a lovely way to highlight the connection with your baby. A cropped top or a dress that can be gently pulled aside can make for a beautiful, natural portrait.
• Keep jewellery and accessories minimal so the focus stays on you.
• If you’re joining with a partner or child, aim to coordinate (rather than match) outfits in complementary colours.

Remember: comfort is key and there aren't any outfit changes, so just something that feels like you.

Light Prep, Zero Stress

There’s no need for professional hair and makeup (unless you want the extra treat!). A natural look photographs just as beautifully. What matters most is that you feel comfortable.

Other light prep tips:

• Bring a small bottle of water.
• Eat something light beforehand to avoid feeling faint.
• Arrive a few minutes early to settle in before the photos begin (we have a waiting area in our studio where you can be seated until it’s your turn to Drop-in!)

What to Expect During the Session

Here’s the part mums-to-be love most: it’s super quick and easy. We’ll gently guide you through a couple of flattering and natural poses. Within minutes, you’ll have a timeless portrait of your pregnancy bump. All without fuss, endless posing, and waiting for golden-hour light.

If you selected to bring your partner or child, we will also gently guide them through natural poses.

Final Thoughts

Remember, your Bump Drop-in session isn’t just about a beautiful photo: it’s about celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime stage. Many of our clients also love using these portraits to share their journey with loved ones far away.

And once your baby arrives, you’ll have the chance to join our Drop-in Baby Sessions too, creating a seamless story of bump-to-baby milestones.

Preparing for a Bump Drop-in is simple: choose a time when you feel good, wear something that highlights your bump, and let us take care of the rest. These sessions are designed to be quick and stress-free (because pregnancy is already enough work on its own!).

✨ Ready to capture your bump?
👉 Book your Basel Bump Drop-In today

If you’re new here – hi, we’re the Christian family! This is our second blog post, and today we want to talk about something close to our hearts: our Baby Bump Sessions.

If you’re an expecting mum in Basel, you already know the third trimester is no joke. Between managing work, toddlers, swollen feet, and just trying to breathe properly, the idea of a one-hour maternity shoot somewhere outdoors sounds… exhausting.

That’s exactly why so many mums here love our Baby Bump sessions.

Quick & Pain-Free (We Promise)

Pregnancy is tiring enough. Who has the energy for a 1–2 hour photoshoot with outfit changes, posing, and trekking through the park at golden hour? Not most mums in their last trimester!

Our Baby Bump sessions are designed to be quick, simple, and stress-free. You drop in, we guide you through a couple of flattering, natural poses, and within just a few minutes, you’ve got a beautiful photo of your pregnancy bump. Yes, really. Even in 2 minutes you can walk away with a photo that feels timeless.

It’s About the Baby, Not the Backdrop

Most mums to-be we meet don’t want a fashion shoot. We don't blame them. They don’t want to stand in a field of flowers or wait for the “perfect” golden hour light (imagine if the outdoor session gets postponed due to bad weather!). They want something genuine. A simple photo that celebrates what pregnancy is all about: the baby growing inside the bump.

That’s exactly what our sessions deliver: no fuss, just a keepsake of this once-in-a-lifetime stage.

For Families Far Away

Although both our children were born in New Zealand around close family, as expat parents ourselves, we can imagine how much our family back home would have wanted to be part of the journey. A quick Baby Bump portrait is the perfect way to share this chapter with loved ones overseas. No stress, no hours of posing. Just a simple, meaningful photo you can send with a “Look, baby is almost here!”

Proof It Really Works

We know what you might be thinking: Can you really get a good photo in just a few minutes?

The answer is yes! We’ve designed our Bump Drop-in sessions to be quick but effective - no complicated posing, no pressure, just a relaxed moment and a little guidance to make sure you look (and feel) amazing.

A Start of Something New

Our Bump Drop-in sessions are just the beginning. Once your little one arrives, you’ll get the chance to join our Drop-in baby sessions too, so you’ll have photos of your bump and those precious first milestones.

✨ Ready to capture your Bump?

👉 Book your Baby Bump Session today (no strings attached!)

Welcome to the very first post on our blog! 🎉

If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re a parent, an expat, a lover of beautiful memories… or maybe all three. We’re so glad you’re here.

We’re the Christian family – two working parents, two energetic little ones (5 and 1), and one camera that’s practically part of the family. Just over a year ago, we packed up our lives in beautiful New Zealand and moved 18,000km to Basel, Switzerland, chasing a new adventure.

Like many expat parents, life here is a whirlwind – kita drop-offs, grocery runs in a new language, weekend trips to explore Switzerland’s stunning landscapes, and a constant feeling that our kids are growing up far too fast.

Why We Do What We Do

If you’ve ever thought, “How are they growing up so quickly?!”, you’re in good company. That’s exactly why we always have a camera close by. From first giggles and wobbly steps to snowflakes in Bellwald and summer afternoons by the Rhine, we want to press pause on all those fleeting moments.

Photography, for us, isn’t just about taking pretty pictures – it’s about telling your family’s story. The chaos, the cuddles, the little in-between moments you’ll treasure years from now.

Our Journey to Family Photography

Richie first picked up a camera over a decade ago, photographing weddings and landscapes back in New Zealand’s breathtaking backdrops – think golden beaches, mountain peaks, and endless light. Over time, his lens naturally turned toward family life, capturing baby showers, weekend adventures, and those beautifully ordinary days that mean the most.

Now, here in Basel, he’s our in-house (and very patient!) photographer – the one documenting our everyday chaos and joy, and hopefully, yours too.

For the Busy Expat Parent in Basel

If you’re anything like us, your days are full. Between work, parenting, dealing with laundry mountains, and settling into a new country, time flies. That’s why we love creating photographs that are fuss-free and quick. We believe there is a time for elaborate family sessions at a beautiful location in golden hour, but most of the time, a quick professional snap to capture the growth of your little one is more than enough.

Whether you’ve just moved to Basel or have been here for years, we’d love to help you capture this chapter of your family’s life. Because one day, your little ones will look at these photos and say, “Remember when…?” – and you’ll be so glad you did.

Let’s Connect

We’re here for fellow parents, expats, and anyone wanting something more personal than a postcard. If you’re curious about what we can create together, get in touch – we’d love to chat.