Frequently Asked Questions
BOOKING
How do I book a family photography session in Bali?
Booking is simple. Just visit our Contact page, fill in the enquiry form with your preferred date, session type, and location, and we will get back to you as soon as possible or maximum within 12 hours. You can also reach us directly via the WhatsApp button on the website for a faster reply.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during Bali’s peak holiday seasons (July, August, and December). Popular time slots like golden hour sessions at early morning or sunset time will fill up quickly. That said, we always try to accommodate last-minute bookings where possible — just get in touch.
Is a deposit required to secure my booking?
Yes, we require a 30% deposit to confirm and hold your session date. We will provide all details once we confirm availability. You can settle the remaining balance on the day of the photoshoot by cash or bank transfer.
What payment methods do you accept?
We offer several flexible payment options to make booking as easy as possible from anywhere in the world.
Wise (Bank Transfer) is our recommended option for international clients. You pay in your own local currency (AUD, GBP, EUR, SGD, and more) and we receive the payment in IDR. Wise offers a much better exchange rate than traditional bank transfers and avoids expensive international fees, it is simple, fast, and transparent.
We also accept PayPal in USD only. Please note that a 5% surcharge applies to cover PayPal transaction fees. For clients who prefer digital currency, we accept cryptocurrency payments in USDT (Tether) or USDC (USD Coin). Please, mention this when enquiring and we will send our wallet details.
We will provide all payment details once we confirm your booking. If you have any questions about payment, feel free to ask via our Contact page or WhatsApp.
Can I book as a gift for someone else?
Absolutely! A family photography session makes a wonderful gift. Just let us know when enquiring and we will arrange everything discreetly so the recipient does not see the price.
THE SESSION
Where can we have our family photoshoot in Bali?
Bali offers incredible variety for family sessions. Popular locations include Seminyak Beach, Ulundanu Temple, Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, Waterfalls, Canggu Beach, Nusa Dua, and private villas or luxury resorts. We are happy to suggest the best location based on your family’s style, the ages of your children, and what time of day works best for lighting.
What is the best time of day for a family photoshoot in Bali?
Golden hour is by far the best — either shortly after sunrise or in the final hour before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and flattering, and the temperature is much more comfortable for children. Midday sessions in Bali can be very hot and the harsh sunlight creates unflattering shadows. We always recommend golden hour for the most beautiful results.
Are there location entrance fees?
Yes, some of Bali’s most beautiful locations — such as temples, rice terraces, and certain resorts — charge a photography permit or entrance fee. These fees vary from approximately USD $3 to $50 depending on the location, and you pay them directly in cash (IDR) at the entrance. We will always share estimated fees with you in advance so there are no surprises on the day.
What happens if it rains?
Bali’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during the wet season (October to March). Light rain often creates beautiful soft light and can add a unique atmosphere to your photos, so we can usually continue the session as planned. In the event of heavy rain, we will work together to find the best solution, whether that means rescheduling to another available time slot or moving to a covered or indoor location such as a villa or resort.
For cancellations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page, which outlines our cancellation, refund, and rescheduling policies in detail. We recommend reviewing these terms before confirming your booking.
How long is a typical family session?
Session lengths vary depending on the package you choose. We offer sessions starting from 1 hour, with longer half-day options also available. For families with young children, a 1 to 1.5 hour session is usually ideal to keep everyone comfortable and energetic.
What if my child is having a difficult day?
This is completely normal and we have extensive experience working with children of all ages — from babies to teenagers. We keep sessions relaxed, fun, and pressure-free. We never rush, and we always work at your family’s pace. Happy, natural moments are always better than forced smiles.
Do you do posed or natural photography?
Our style focuses on natural, relaxed, and candid photography rather than stiff poses. We gently guide your family through relaxed interactions — walking, playing, laughing — and capture the genuine moments in between. You will feel like you are simply enjoying time together as a family, not performing for a camera.
PHOTOS & DELIVERY
How many photos will we receive?
The number of edited photos depends on your chosen package. Every package includes a generous selection of fully edited, high-resolution images. You can find full details on our Packages & Pricing page.
How long does it take to receive our photos?
We typically deliver your edited photos within 2 to 3 weeks via a private download link.
How will the photos be delivered?
We deliver all edited photos via a private download link from our cloud storage. There is no time limit on your link — you can download your photos whenever and wherever you like, even months after your session.
However, we strongly recommend downloading and backing up your photos as soon as possible to your own device (PC or laptop) or your personal cloud storage such as Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox. Cloud servers can occasionally experience technical issues, and we want to make sure your memories always stay safe in your own hands.
Are the photos edited?
Yes, we professionally edit every photo including colour correction, brightness, and contrast adjustments. We do not over-edit or apply heavy retouching — our editing style enhances the natural beauty of each image while keeping it timeless and authentic.
Can we request black and white photos?
If you prefer more black and white edits, just let us know.
Can we use the photos on social media?
Yes, absolutely. You may use your photos for personal purposes including social media, printing, and sharing with family and friends. Commercial use of the images requires prior written agreement.
WHAT TO WEAR
What should we wear for our Bali family photoshoot?
Clothing makes a big difference to your photos. We recommend coordinating colours rather than wearing identical outfits.
For beach sessions, white or bright beige color is a classic and timeless choice that looks stunning against the blue ocean and golden sand. Bold, vibrant colours like red, coral, or yellow also photograph beautifully at the beach and really pop in the final images. For rice terraces and garden sessions, soft earthy tones such as cream, beige, olive, and terracotta complement Bali’s lush green landscapes beautifully. For temple and cultural locations, soft pastels or neutral tones work well and show respect for the surroundings.
Please avoid grey — it tends to look flat and washed out in Bali’s bright tropical light and can make the overall image feel dull rather than vibrant. Also prioritise comfort for your children, especially in Bali’s heat. If your session runs longer than 1 hour, bringing a change of outfit can add nice variety to your gallery.
What about shoes?
For beach sessions, bare feet are often the most natural and beautiful look. For temple or garden sessions, comfortable sandals or simple footwear work well.
PRACTICAL BALI TIPS
Do you provide transport to the location?
Transport is not part of our standard packages. However, we are happy to recommend reliable local drivers. A private car with driver typically costs around USD $40 to $50 for a half-day 6-7 seaters MPV in Bali and is the most comfortable option for families.
What should we bring to the session?
We recommend bringing water and snacks for the children, any props you would like to include such as a favourite toy, flowers, or a simple accessory, cash in IDR for any entrance or permit fees, comfortable footwear for walking to the location, and a light change of clothes if you wish.
Is Bali safe for family photoshoots at temple locations?
Yes, Bali is generally very welcoming and safe for families. However, when visiting Hindu temples, you must wear a sarong (wrap) to cover the legs as a sign of respect. Most temples offer sarongs to rent or borrow at the entrance. We will always advise you in advance of any cultural requirements for your chosen location.
Can you photograph during Bali’s Nyepi (Day of Silence)?
No. Nyepi is a sacred Balinese Hindu holiday during which all activity on the island — including outdoor movement — is prohibited. We cannot hold sessions on Nyepi day. If your trip coincides with Nyepi, we will work with you to reschedule to another date.
EXPERIENCE & STYLE
How long have you been photographing families in Bali?
We have been photographing families, couples, and special occasions in Bali since 2008. With over a decade of experience, we have worked with families from all over the world across every type of Bali location and lighting condition.
What is your photography style?
Our style is natural, relaxed, and storytelling. We focus on capturing genuine emotions, real interactions, and authentic moments rather than stiff or overly posed portraits. The goal is for your photos to feel like a true reflection of your family.
Do you photograph large families or multigenerational groups?
Absolutely. We regularly photograph large family groups including grandparents, extended families, and multigenerational gatherings. We have extensive experience managing larger groups while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and fun for everyone.
What other sessions do you offer besides family photography?
Alongside family sessions, we also photograph couples, honeymoons, proposals, pre-weddings, engagements, weddings, maternity sessions, birthday celebrations, and special occasions. For family photography packages and pricing, please visit our Packages & Pricing page for full details. For all other photography services including proposals, pre-weddings, and weddings, please visit my main photography website at www.iwanphotographybali.com where you will find full portfolios and packages for each service.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch via our Contact page — we respond as soon as possible