AKIN Portraiture by Khara Pringle: Real Moments, Editorial Touch
It all begins with a single idea. I wanted to do something different — to truly step outside the box and explore new creative territory. Although family portraits haven't traditionally been my main focus, I made a conscious decision to embrace this fresh direction.
For an exciting new project called Akin, I photographed a few close friends, capturing family pictures that carry a distinct and intriguing edge. The final images are clean, authentic, and slightly unconventional—reflecting the unique spirit of the families themselves.
The Inspiration Behind Akin
For many years, my work in commercial and editorial photography has taken me across diverse industries—capturing the precision of advertising campaigns, the dynamism of fashion, and the creativity of branding projects. Yet, in every professional commission, one constant always stood out: people. Their presence, their emotion, their individuality.
Akin was born out of a desire to bring that same editorial attention to detail into family portraiture. While family photography traditionally leans toward posed or conventional formats, I wanted to introduce something different: images that feel alive, timeless, and slightly unconventional.
At Akin Portraiture, our sessions are not about rigid posing but about creating space for families to simply be themselves. The result is imagery that feels personal, honest, and editorially refined.
Family Portraits with a Contemporary Edge
What sets Akin apart is not just the technical craft, but the vision behind it. We treat family portraiture as more than a keepsake; it’s a chance to create visual narratives that can be treasured for decades.
Editorial Influence: Every portrait carries subtle direction, inspired by my years in fashion and commercial photography. Lighting, composition, and atmosphere are carefully considered, giving portraits a distinctive, polished look.
Authentic Interaction: Instead of stiff arrangements, sessions are relaxed and conversational. Families are encouraged to interact naturally, whether that’s playing, talking, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Clean Aesthetics: Our approach emphasises timeless elegance—portraits that are clean, uncluttered, and focused on connection.
Explore examples of this work in our Works gallery.
The Experience: More Than a Photoshoot
At Akin, the portrait experience begins long before you step in front of the camera. Every family session is carefully planned to ensure the results reflect your personality and story.
1. The Consultation
We start with a conversation. Where do you feel most at home—our studio, your living room, or a favourite outdoor space? Each setting has its own advantages. Studio shoots allow complete control over lighting and tone, while home or lifestyle sessions capture familiarity and comfort.
2. The Session
Sessions are structured but flexible. They often include a mix of editorial-style direction and candid capture, ensuring a balance between polish and spontaneity. Families can bring along meaningful items—books, instruments, even pets—to weave their personal narrative into the portraits.
3. The Result
After the session, portraits are curated and refined with care. The editing process is subtle, keeping skin tones natural and details crisp. The final result is a collection of portraits that feel authentic and elevated.
Discover tailored options on our Packages page.
Why Families Choose Akin
Families often tell us that their decision to work with Akin comes down to a simple point: they want portraits that feel different.
Editorial Quality: Many parents want something beyond the typical studio portrait—a series of images that wouldn’t look out of place in a magazine spread.
Personalised Sessions: No two families are the same, so no two sessions are identical. Akin sessions are designed around people, not templates.
Emotional Depth: By prioritising natural interaction, the portraits capture more than appearances—they capture bonds, quirks, and dynamics.
Connecting Family and Brand Narratives
Interestingly, many families we work with also operate businesses, brands, or creative ventures. For them, portraiture has a dual purpose: celebrating family life while building professional imagery.
This is where Akin and Khara Pringle Photographic intersect. While Akin focuses on family and lifestyle, Khara Pringle Photographic continues to deliver industry-leading work in commercial, fashion, lifestyle, and food photography.
By working across both spaces, we can support individuals and businesses who want consistency between personal and professional narratives—whether that means family portraits for the home or branded imagery for corporate communications.