Messy Painting, Happy Memories | A Laid Back Family Photoshoot in Nottinghamshire
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a family photographer in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, it’s that the best moments are rarely tidy. They’re often loud, a bit chaotic, full of colour, and absolutely magical. That’s exactly what happened when I recently took my own children out in the garden for a messy painting photoshoot for The Joker Entertainment Company’s upcoming Messy Painting Workshops.
Messy Painting Photoshoot by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
As both a photographer and a parent, I’ve never believed in sitting still and smiling politely for the camera. I want to capture kids being kids, wild, curious, uninhibited. And what better way to do that than with buckets of paint, giant plastic sheeting, and absolutely no pressure to stay clean?
Real Family Moments, Not Perfect Poses
I often get asked by parents, “What if my child doesn’t cooperate?” or “What if they just want to run off and do their own thing?” But here’s the truth: that’s where the magic is.
For this shoot, I gave my kids full permission to take the lead. No rules, no rigid expectations, just a big space, pots of washable paint, and the promise that it didn’t matter how messy things got. We were there to make memories, not perfection.
The Joker Entertainment Company provided all the messy painting props, massive plastic sheeting, trays of bold colours, and tools like rollers, brushes, and sponges filled with paint. It was vibrant chaos in the best possible way.
Why I Love Messy Photoshoots
There’s something truly special about letting go of control. Watching my children dive into paint with joyful abandon reminded me why I love photographing families this way. There’s no pressure to be “picture-perfect”, just room to be real.
As a family photographer based in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, I believe your photos should reflect who you really are, not some idealised version in matching outfits on a white backdrop. And in this case? We were barefoot, covered in paint, laughing hysterically, and absolutely loving it.
These messy painting sessions are more than just a workshop, they’re a celebration of childhood. They encourage creativity, confidence, and connection. And honestly? Kids wash. Paint comes off. But the joy in their faces? That’s forever.
The Laid Back Approach That Works
I didn’t worry about how the photos would turn out. I knew they’d be beautiful, not because they were composed or styled, but because they were genuine.
This is the same energy I bring to every family shoot. Whether it’s in a field, at home, or during a messy painting session, I follow your child’s lead. If they want to paint their feet and run across the canvas? Amazing. If they want to paint me? Honestly, I’m game.
By keeping things relaxed and child-led, you get images that are meaningful and full of life. That’s what families really want, authentic memories of who their kids are, not who they’re told to be for a camera.
The Joker Entertainment Company’s Messy Painting Workshops
This photoshoot was also a sneak peek of what’s to come from The Joker Entertainment Company’s Messy Painting Workshops, launching soon!
Messy Painting Photography by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
These workshops are designed for children to explore messy, hands-on creativity without any pressure to “stay clean.” Parents can step back, take a breather, and enjoy watching their little ones fully immersed in colour and play.
And yes, you can absolutely book a photographer (hey, that’s me!) to capture the whole thing. Imagine a keepsake album of your messy painting session at your event?
Final Thoughts (and a Little Encouragement)
To every parent wondering if a messy photoshoot is “too much”, I promise you, it’s just enough. It’s enough fun, enough memory making, and enough authenticity to create photographs you’ll cherish forever.
So whether you’re booking a messy workshop, an outdoor family session, or something in between, just remember:
Kids wash. The mess doesn’t matter. But the memories do.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, down to earth family photographer in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire, who isn’t afraid to get a little messy—I’d love to hear from you.
Lauren x
Interested in a messy family photoshoot?
📍Based in Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire
📷 Relaxed. Candid. Wildly You.