Capturing the journey — A conversation with Lisa Heidemanns

The most precious souvenirs from our travels aren't found in museum shops or local markets. They're the photographs that capture a moment's feeling — a child's delight at discovering something new, the unhurried rhythm of family time away from daily routines, the light in a new place.

Lisa Heidemanns, a London-based family photographer whose work has been featured in Vogue, understands the value of preserving these moments. Her approach to photography mirrors what I believe makes travel truly meaningful: it's not about manufactured perfection, but about capturing authentic connection and presence.

The photographs that endure

“One of my most treasured possessions are the countless photos my father took of our family when I was little — many of them when we all went on holidays,” Lisa shares. Though not a professional photographer, her father carried his Leica with such passion that he was sometimes mistaken for a member of the press.

At the time, these were simply photographs of days on the beach or first attempts at skiing. But years later, they've become something far more valuable. “They hold the feeling of those moments — the way my mum built sandcastles with me, the infectious laughter of my granny or the occasional stern look of my grandfather.”

This perspective is a reminder of why thoughtfully planned family travel matters. We're not just visiting destinations; we're creating the moments that will shape how our children remember their childhood. The photographs we take become part of their story, just as those images from our own childhoods became part of ours.

Moments, not photoshoots

The beauty of Lisa's approach is its simplicity. Beautiful family photographs while travelling don't require complicated equipment or turning every moment into a staged production. In fact, the best images often come from doing the opposite.

“Let children lead the moment,” Lisa advises. “Ask them to run towards the sea, collect shells, jump on the hotel bed, spin in a dress, climb onto a rock, or race down a path. Even something as simple as sharing an ice cream or holding a parent's hand while walking can create a beautiful moment to capture.”

This aligns with the most memorable experiences that come with family travel. It’s not always about the scheduled activities — it’s most often those unscripted moments when children are simply being themselves in a new environment.

Small adjustments, significant difference

Lisa offers a few thoughtful suggestions that can transform how we capture our family holiday memories:

Get down to their level or play with perspective. Photographs taken at a child's eye level immediately feel more immersive and natural.

Turn it into a game. Ask them to run towards you, spin around, or whisper something funny to the other parent. Laughter often follows naturally.

Give them a role. Children love helping. Let them hold a map, lay out the towel, or lead the way somewhere. It gives their hands something to do and creates a sense of purpose in the image.

Step back occasionally. Some of the most beautiful photographs happen when you capture the scene from further away — a small child walking along a wide beach or exploring a quiet street.

“Perhaps most importantly, keep it short,” Lisa notes. “Children have a limited tolerance for being photographed when they are busy discovering a new place. Take a few shots, then let them run off again.”

Understanding light

While you don't need professional equipment to create beautiful photographs, learning to notice light can make a genuine difference.

“Many people worry about photographing in bright midday sun, but on holiday that's often exactly when life is happening — on the beach, by the pool or wandering through a new city,” Lisa observes. Rather than avoiding bright sunlight entirely, she suggests thinking about how to use it. “Let the light fall from the side rather than directly onto faces, or position your child so the sun sits slightly behind them. This creates a soft glow and avoids squinting.”

Modern phones are remarkably capable in challenging light conditions, making it easier than ever to capture beautiful moments without technical expertise getting in the way.

Beyond the phone

For those drawn to something beyond their phone, Lisa shares her favourite travel cameras — all chosen for their ability to capture meaningful moments without becoming burdensome on a journey.

The Fuji X100VI has become her favourite for travel, combining beautiful image quality with a compact body you'll actually want to carry. “It's ideal for documentary-style family moments without needing multiple lenses or complicated settings. Best of all, you can apply presets directly in camera so there's no need for any editing afterwards.”

For something more nostalgic, she uses the Ilford Sprite 35-II, an inexpensive reusable film camera that produces images with the soft charm many associate with childhood holiday photos. “It slows things down and makes each frame feel more intentional. It's also fun to hand to the kids — most of the time my six-year-old son shoots with it.”

For parents who want more capable equipment without stepping into professional territory, she recommends the Sony A7 III for its exceptional image quality and performance in low light.

What truly matters

“When I look back at the photographs my father took of our family holidays, I realise how little the technical details matter now," Lisa reflects. "What matters is that someone took the time to capture those moments at all.”

Years from now, the images that matter most won't be the perfectly composed shots or the iconic landmarks. They'll be the small snapshots that preserved a feeling, a connection, a moment of genuine joy.

“Those small snapshots have become some of the most meaningful things I own,” Lisa says. “And that is perhaps the greatest gift photography can give your family — the ability to return, again and again, to moments that would otherwise slowly fade from memory.”

As someone who designs family travel experiences, I’d say that the true value of a journey extends far beyond the itinerary itself. It's found in the memories we create and preserve — the moments we'll revisit long after we've returned home. Taking the time to capture these moments thoughtfully, without turning them into an obligation, is simply another way of honouring the investment families make in travelling together.

Lisa Heidemanns is a London-based motherhood photographer capturing emotive and timeless images of family love. Her work has been featured in Vogue and international industry publications. You can discover more about her work on Instagram @lisaheidemanns