Family Photo Session with Dog at Fulham Palace
A few years ago, I went to an open air cinema event at Fulham Palace, a gorgeous estate on the banks of the river, right next to Putney Bridge in West London. It was a warm summer’s evening and the palace grounds were the perfect backdrop to “When Harry Met Sally”.
Family Photoshoot with Dog
Fast forward several years, and I was back at Fulham Palace to photograph a lovely family with a dog. The grounds were even more beautiful than I remembered with lots of varied backdrounds for family portraits and dog shots. The dog was so sweet, resembling a real life nanny, looking after the baby and checking in on him.
London Children Photographer
The baby (or toddler!) was around a year old, he was finding his feet and loved crawling and walking. This made it difficult to position him at times but I’ve learned over the years that with children you have to go with the flow, and adjust your working style to suit their needs. Therefore, I was on the go a lot!
Dog Photography in Fulham
During this family and pet photo session, I worked fast to photograph the family in various locations, and get a variety of shots for my client. Here are some of my favourite images from this London family and dog photo shoot, hope you like them too!
Get In Touch
If you would like to arrange a family photoshoot with your pet, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I love working with families and pets and I look forward to working with you!
Children photography in the Surrey Hills
I am really behind on my blog posts. There seems to be a million other things to do at the moment!
This children photography session happened a few months ago, at the beginning of winter. Nothing beats winter light on a beautiful sunny day! The sun is low and can produce some spectacular effects in the middle of the day. We set out on a family walk, and I actually left my camera at home as it was overcast at the time. My husband presuaded me to go back and get it and I cannot thank him enough! As we reached the Hills, the clouds parted and we were treated to magic! It was one amazing scene after another, perfect for family photography and children’s portraits.
As Surrey family photographer, I was gutted that I didn’t have a family photoshoot on that day, but I more than made up for it with photos of my own family and the beautiful landscape in front of me.
I hope you enjoy viewing these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. On this first day of spring and on one year anniversary since the first lockdown, let’s look back and be greatful for all the nice experiences we had and hope for some more in the near future.
I will be returning to photographing children and families next week. If you would like to book a photoshoot with me, please get in touch.
Family and Children's Photographer in Surrey / Documenting Isolation
Working as a Surrey family photographer, I was interested to document the lives of families during corona virus-imposed lockdown. I set out to incorporate documenting family life in Surrey, as part of my daily exercise, always following the government’s advice on social distancing, and working exclusively outdoors, photographing from a safe distance.
I find children photography both challenging and really fun. Some situations present challenges, and these are mainly if parents or grandparents would like to do one thing, and the kids would like to do something totally oposite. Showing a bit of interest in a child’s life and letting them guide you to photograph their world can result in really natural, and ful photographs.
I photographed these two sisters playing in their back garden during lockdown. We started talking about their experience of isolation, and they both told me that they really enjoyed spending more time at home and not having such a busy schedule. When I asked them what they liked to do in the garden, they both exploaded with fun creative energy and were so keen to show me all fun stuff they got up to. Note that the T shirs are also their own creations!
This family photoshoot in Surrey (minus the parents) gave me such a burst of positive energy and whenever I look at these photos I get a warm feeling inside. Kids are amazing, so reselient and they inspire me every single day.
I have started booking in family photo sessions, pet photo sessions, and headshot or passport photography. If you would like to arrange a session, please get in touch. You can also purchase a voucher with a one year validity from my on line store.
Photographing Action in Family Photography
We are on lockdown at the momenet but life still goes on. Like many other families, me and my family are spending more time together, pottering around the house, enjoying our garden and exploring local walks. We are so blessed to be living in the countryside with so many walking paths and wooded areas on our doorstep. I realise this is a privilage and that many people in cities including my own family are finding lockdown much harder and more challenging than we are.
Like many freelancers, my work has been drastically reduced but I am using this time to practice different aspects of photography and take my camera with me during my daily exercise. Sometimes I photograph landscapes, sometimes nature details but probably most often my 3 and half year old, who is still (most of the time) a complient model!
We have been doing lots of running around and jumping on our local field so I thought I’d share some tips on photographing children in action, in case you are feeling inspired to practice photography while spending (more) time with your children.
Whether it is my child or I am photographing my client’s children, I try to get the children to play a game they like, to jump their biggest jump, go on a trampoline or spin around. This really engages the child and sets a scene for some genuine, fun action photos.
Make sure you focus the camera on your subject, and if you own a dSLR consider setting your focus to AI Servo (Canon) or AF-C (Nikon). This focusing option is useful when tracking moving objects, and keeping the focus on the little ones when they are running around.
Another point I try to consider before I take an action shot is whether I would like to freeze or blur motion. Freezing action, like in the two photographs above is great for focusing on detail. Photographing on slow shutter speed can introduce a sense of motion and fun into an image. It is also a great option when you are photographing children in a busy environment; it puts the focus only on your subject and removes distracting objects in the background. I took the photo below at the very end of the photoshoot when I was experimenting and trying out new things. I nearly threw up from being so incredibly dizzy but I love the resulting image. It shows movement, excitement, fun and absolute joy that this girl was experiencing on this merry go round.
The photo below was also taken on slow shutter speed to show movement but this time I turned my objective as the kids were running towards me. It makes me feel like they are both running straight at me!
Finally, don’t be afraid to move around and experiment with different angles. Try photographing straight on, from the side, low down, from above. We are used to seeing things one way, so moving around and finding new angles to show a familiar view will make your photograph stand out.
In the image below, I photographed action from a low angle to emphasize the jump. During this particular practice session with my daughter, I tried photographing her jump from the front and from a side angle, both of which didn’t really work. It was only when I went down low inside the ditch which you can see in the bottom third of the photograph, that it all came together. I love her motion in this photo - it looks like she’s flying!
In the following photograph, I photographed from a high angle to capture the setting of where the action was taking place. This was a family photoshoot in Sussex and after spending a couple of hours outside in the garden, we went inside for a few infoor shots. I noticed the staircase and thought it would be nice to include it somehow in the picture. The girl I was photographing loved ballet and was really interested in showing me her dance moves. It really love like how the staircase acts as a leading line to lead the viewer to the girl dancing at the bottom of the staircase, and is one of my favourite action shots.
If you would like to find out more about my family photo sessions, please visit my Family Photography page. To see more photos of children in action, visit my Children Portraits page. If you would like to book a family photo session, or would like to enquire about my sessions, feel free to get in touch - I would love to hear from you!
Surrey Family Photographer | Location Family Photoshoot
Indoor baby photoshoot
I am so incredibly lucky to have many wonderful returning cusomers who have been with me since the beggining of my photography career. That kind of support means everything to me. This photo session was my third session with this couple, and the first family photoshoot since the birth of their gorgeous baby.
The family photoshoot took place both at the family home and outside. As Surrey baby photographer, I find that baby photoshoots work well in two locations; babies tend to be more active and engaging in the comfort of their own home, and more relaxed and intrigued outdoors. So the combination of the two creates a nice veriety of situations which allow me to capture different set of shots for my clients.
The first part of the session was mainly focused on baby photography, capturing the character, actions and interactions of this little inquisitive girl. Playtime in her bedroom, interactions with her dad, mum and their pet dog, crawling and standing. Here are a few photos from the first part of the photo session.
Outdoor family photography
Following the indoor baby photoshoot, we headed outside for some fresh air, family time and family portraits. It was an amazing day, with lots of sunshine and automnal colours - perfect working conditions for a family photographer. I love shooting this time of year, the sun is lower and softer than in the summer months and colours are warm. I try to find many different backdrops during my family photo sessions, I work using a combination of unobtrusive documentary-style photography, and giving families gentle direction on posing, where to stand or what to look at. The result is a set of candid lifestyle photographs which my clients can cherish in years to come. This was such a fun, feel-good photoshoot, it is one that is very dear to my heart and I love the colours in the atmosphere in the final photos.
If you are considering having professional family photos done or organising a baby photoshoot, please contact me, I would love to hear from you!
Surrey Family Photographer / Family Photo Session in Coulsdon
I remember really enjoying taking photos when I was a kid, using my dad’s SLR camera to take photos (mainly) of my dogs. Much has changed since then, most significantly the transition from film to digital, and easy access to high quality photographic equipment, and information on how to use it.
I got my first DSLR camera as a birthday present from my parents, I would say roughly 12, or 13 years ago. It was a Canon 400D with a 24-85 mm f3.5-4.5 USM lens. It was a great little camera to learn on, as it wasn’t overly complicated for the beginner but had enough features to keep me occupied for a while. Several courses, a couple of cameras and many blurry photos later, I was ready for an upgrade. My dear friend Michael and I spent many hours talking about cameras and lenses when both him and I were deciding on buying a new camera. I went for a Canon 5D mk III, a camera which I love and still use today. I chose this particular camera because at the time I was toying with the idea of furthering photography and exploring the possibility of working as a photographer. A few months later, the same friend Michael and his then fiance Susan, asked me to photograph their wedding. If not the beggining of my photography career, this was definitely a defining moment. Soon after that I left the world of science and embarked on a journey to becomming a professional photographer, specialising in family portraiture, children, newborn and pet photography.
Family Photoshoot in Surrey
Six years, and two children later, we arranged a family photoshoot in Coulsdon, Surrey. We went on an adventure walk around Farthing Downs, exploring spring blossoms, secret paths and looking for ladybirds. It was a joyous afternoon spent with friends who have supported me from the very start. And for that I am forever greatful. Here are a few photos I took, some of them my new favourites!
Family Photo Sessions in Surrey and London
I love exploring the countryside and visiting London parks with clients, but I also work in the comfort of my clients homes. My family photo sessions are playful, relaxed and centred around kids and what they like to do. If you would like to discuss a family photo session, or to make a booking, please get in touch using the contact page on my website.
Surrey Family Photographer / Family Photo Session in Sutton
Surrey Family Photo Session
It gives me great joy doing photoshoots for return clients. Not only do I get to meet up and catch up with people who continue to support me, but I also get to see their families grow. A couple of months ago I did a family portrait session in Sutton, for a lovely family who has grown from four to five (including the family dog!).
Surrey Children Photographer
I have spent a part of the morning getting reacquainted with the older sibling who I photographed a few years ago (there was a lot of Lego talk when I first arrived), and getting to know the one year old who was on the move and ready for action! Working as Surrey children photographer, I enjoy getting to know the children who I will be photographing, finding out what their interests are and being let into their world, at least for a couple of hours.
Family Location Photography
Once the introductions were over, it was time to take some photos. We stayed around the family home and garden as the weather was unpredictable on the day. This was a great opportunity for me as a photographer, to challenge myself and find interesting backdrops and angles indoors. There were lovely splashes of colour and personal touches throughout the house and garden which I wanted to capture for the family. And the photoshoot wouldn’t have been complete without some action on the trampoline, and a few family portraits.
Here are some photos from this session - I hope you enjoy viewing them.
Family Portraits in Surrey, London and the South East
If you would like to discuss having family portraits done, in a relaxed setting, at home or outdoors, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. I offer location sessions for newborn, children, family and pet photography, and I am happy to travel around Surrey, London and South East. Photoshoots which are further afield are charged a travel cost. I hope to hear from you!
Richmond Family Photographer / Kew Family and Newborn Photoshoot
Newborn Photoshoot in RIchmond-upon-Thames
This newborn photoshoot was organised to mark the arrival of the second baby into this lovely family. I really enjoyed getting to know, and to photograph this family. The location for the photoshoot was the family home in Kew, London. We discussed splitting the photo session and doing a part of it indoors, and (weather permitting) doing the second half in the garden. Luckly, the weather gods were with us on the day, so we were spoilt for choice.
Natural Newborn Photography
At the beginning of my photography career, I tried a few different setups when photographing newborns. I found these to be quite awkward and un-natural, and I think I have finally set on photographing newborns in quite a natural way; being adored by their parents, having a curious look during their awake time, sleeping in their cot, interacting with their older sibling(s). This little baby boy was only 5-6 weeks old during this newborn photo session but very much awake and alert nearly the whole time I was there (he eventually dozed off just before I left). I was therefore able to capture a few sweet looks, and tender moments with his parents. We spent some time in the sunshine taking family photos, where I was able to not only photograph the newborn but also the older sibling, and to take a few family photos. After all those family portraits, and outdoor time, it was time for the baby to sleep and what better way to go to sleep than with a gentle kiss from your big brother. The photo, at the very end of the slide show, melts my heart!
Surrey and London Newborn Photographer
If you are interested in having some baby or family photos taken, please contact me to discuss your ideas and requirements. I work across London, Surrey and the South East photographing newborns, babies, children, families and pets!
London Family Photographer / Peckahm Rye Park Family Photoshoot
London Family Photography
I have probably said this before, but I’ll say it again - I love photographing families year after year! I first photographed this family when their eldest daughter was only a few months old. This was four and a half years ago! It is lovely to see the family grow, and the girls change with each passing year, and with each family photoshoot. We have in the past taken photos at home, in a local park, and in Ruskin park. We arranged to do this outdoor family photoshoot at Peckham Rye Park, a place I visited and photographed in on several occasions.
Location Family Photography
It was a lovely sunny day back in April, perfect for spring family portraits! I wanted to portray a sense of place and season in the photographs. Therefore, when we arrived in the park, I quickly scouted a few potential sites for photos - the formal Sexby Gardens with beautiful spring blooms, a steam with a picturesque bridge going over it, cherry blossoms, colourful shrubs, even a playground. I was really spoilt for choice. With all this on offer, I tried to use leading lines, symmetries, reflections and colours and incorporate some of these elements in my family and children portraits. Here is a selection of a few of my favourites!
Children’s photography that portrays childhood
I was also interested in capturing the girls in action, as they were so full of energy! For this, I used slow shutter speed (once again!) to capture them running, on the swings and roundabouts in the playground. This is something I recently tried while photographing my daughter on a swing, and I really liked the look of. Some of my new favourite photos are from this photo session, using this technique - I nearly got sick from spending what felt like an eternity on a roundabout, but the resulting images are worth every spin! To me, they portray a sense of movement, fun, excitement and happiness - a childhood captured in a photo!
London Family Photo Sessions
My family photography sessions are relaxed and fun. I work hard to produce a set of photographs you and your family will cherish in years to come. If you are thinking of booking a family photoshoot, or would like to discuss an idea, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you! I work all over London, but also Surrey and the South East.
London Family Photographer / Dulwich Family Photoshoot
London Family Portrait Photographer
I am based in Surrey but the great thing about my job is that I can travel to meet clients at different locations, including London, Surrey and the South East. I always enjoy going into London for a family photoshoot as I spent ten years living in South West London. Every photoshoot relives memories, or gives me an opportunity to explore a new area, not previously visited. South East London is one area which I haven’t visited an awful lot whilst living in London, but have in the last few years been lucky enough to explore, mainly though family photoshoots.
A recent family photoshoot in South East London was close to heart as I got to photograph our friends’ newborn baby. She was adorable and surprisingly alert for such a small baby. Working indoors, and with natural light, I was able to capture lovely family moments and a few awake portraits! Some photographers specialise in using props and creating super-cute photos of tiny newborn babies (which are adorable), but I love photographing babies and capturing the new bond parents and siblings have with their new additions.
After the baby photos were done, it was time to head out for some outdoor fun! We headed over to Nunhead Cemetery, for a walk and a run around. This is another place in South London I haven’t visited before, and what a gem it was! One of the (seven) great Victorian cemeteries in London, it was quiet on a weekend, with lovely paths going around the park, a chapel to visit and an amazing view! Great for photographing children running around! During this half of the session I focused more on photographing the older sibing (and my daughter who was photo bombing!), as he had lots of fun to things to show me, like jumping in puddles and showing me how fast he can run! I played around with slow shutter speed to introduce a sense of motion - something I’ve done during my pet photoshoots and now trying out in family sessions too.
If you are considering having photos taken of your family, please visit my newborn and family photography pages for more information on my photo sessions, prices and how to book. You can contact me if you have an idea which you would like to discuss - I would love to hear from you!