Every summer, Charente-Maritime welcomes families from across Europe (especially from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Holland and Germany). They come for sunshine, Atlantic beaches, picturesque villages and relaxed French holiday life.

There is one small local sign that the summer season has truly arrived: between June and August, you need to visit the supermarket early if you want a large bottle of fresh milk. By the afternoon, the shelves are empty!

The reason is simple: so many holidaying families are staying nearby, filling their fridges and enjoying long summer days on the coast.

As a family photographer based between Cognac and Royan, I have often wondered how best to help visiting families discover my photography services. I even considered creating a dedicated Facebook group for English-speaking families holidaying in the region.

Now, there is a much simpler way.

From September 2026, my family photography experiences are available to book through Airbnb.

Family holidays are full of photos, but very often they are posed and one person is missing from them. Usually, it is the parent holding the phone or camera.

A professional family photo session gives everyone the chance to be in the picture together.

It is not about stiff poses or spending hours away from your holiday plans. My sessions are relaxed, natural and designed around your family's activities: children playing, parents laughing, a walk by the sea, a village discovery or a quiet golden-hour moment.

You can enjoy your holiday while I document a small part of it beautifully.

Yes, from 2026 during your stay you can book my services through Airbnb.

It is easier for holidaying families to discover and book a session while planning their stay in Charente-Maritime.

If you are visiting in July or August, I recommend reserving your preferred date in advance, particularly for sunset sessions and weekends. Once you have booked your accommodation and know where you will be staying, we can choose the most practical location and timing for your family.

You can view my Airbnb profile and current photography experiences here:

Charente-Maritime offers endless possibilities for family photographs.

Depending on where you are staying, we can create your session in a place that feels natural to you:

• On one of the region’s beautiful Atlantic beaches
• In the streets of a historic village or coastal town
• Around your holiday home or campsite
• During a family walk at sunset
• In the countryside, among vineyards, fields or woodland
• In a holiday place - gite, chambre d'hotes, chateau, doman -make it a part of your holiday story

Whether you are staying near Royan, La Rochelle, Ile de Ré, Ile d’Oléron, Saintes, Cognac or elsewhere in south-west France, I can visit and help you choose a location that suits your family.

Children do not need to sit still or smile on the 'say cheeeeeese' command. The most meaningful photographs often happen between the posed moments: a child holding a parent’s hand, siblings running ahead, grandparents sharing a joke or the whole family playing a game together.

Just keep yourselves busy with an activity, I will deal with the rest. 

I will guide you gently when needed, while leaving plenty of space for real connection and movement.

The result is a collection of natural, warm images that feel like your family, not a formal photo shoot, althought, they will be captured as well.

If you are travelling to Charente-Maritime with children, parents or grandparents, a family photo session can become one of the most lasting souvenirs from your French holiday. 

Long after the sand has been emptied from the suitcases and the supermarket milk shelves are fully stocked again, you will have photos and albums that bring you back to that happy time together.

I am Lana Dowling, a family and wedding photographer based near Cognac.

I create natural, cinematic photography for families travelling and living in south-west France. I would love to capture a small, beautiful part of your holiday story.