Surrey Family Photographer | Autumnal Family Photo Session in the Surrey Hills
Family Photography in Surrey
The second half of last year was really busy with family photoshoots. As a working parent of two children (one of them under three), I was just about managing to do the photo sessions and edits during the week. My blogging took a hit, so I am trying to catch up now that the Christmas fever has passed and we have entered a slightly quieter part of the year. Although my calendar is slowly filling up, January is the perfect time to catch up with admin, and in my case - my website!
Autumnal Family Photoshoot
This autumnal family photo session in the Surrey Hills was one of the highlights from last year. The day was sunny and mild, the family so sweet and our location absolutely gorgeous. During the session I tried to incorporate a mix of slightly directed shots where I would set the scene and let the family interact, but also capture genuine moments when the family was interacting, playing or laughing.
Outdoor Family Photography
Sunny days can be a bit of a challenge in terms of light. Since this family photoshoot was done in the middle of autumn, the sun was low so lighting wasn’t a major challenge, but there were a few instances where we had to search for shaded areas to avoid direct sun or glare. However, sunshine also brings an abundance of opportunities, like great contrast for black and white family portraits, playful shots involving shadows and beautiful back-lit soft light portraits.
Children Portraits
I always enjoy finding quiet genuine moments during the family photo sessions. We found a bench and stopped for a little rest and a few cuddles. The boy was really content and soon started looking out into the garden, and looking for birds that were chirping around us. The light was coming from behind and made a beautiful scene for a few portraits of the boy.
Family Portraits in a Beautiful Autumn Garden
Before heading to the playground, we took a moment to observe art and spend a little bit of time in the formal gardens which still had late autumn flowering plants like gorgeous salvia, and beautiful climbers around archways. These made a very photogenic setting for some more relaxed family portraits.
Fun Children Photography
Once we were finished with group family portraits, and individual shots of mum & baby and dad&baby, we headed towards the playground for some fun! I really enjoy taking photos at playgrounds, the equipment provides a lot of opportunities for creative shots, and children engage in activities therefore forgetting I am there.
I couldnt resist a few final shots of the family playing and lauging together…
And last but not least - those important shots of mum & dad, so easily forgotten with a little person in tow, but an important reminder of the love couples share for one another, even after becoming parents.
Hope you enjoyed viewing this blog post as much as I enjoyed taking the photos and reminding myself of the good time we had while writing this post. If you would like to book a family photo session, find out more about me, or purchase a photography gift voucher for someone, please scroll down.
Book a Family Photography Session in London and Surrey
If you’d like to book a family and pet photoshoot, please contact me though my website, or email at mina@minamilanovic-photography.com. I would love to capture memories of you and your family and pet enjoying each other’s company.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Surrey family photographer
Hello! My name is Mina, I am a professional family, pet and wedding photographer, offering location based, natural photography across Surrey, London and the South East.
Whether it is an important event in your life or you are just looking to update your family album, I aim to document your life events and memories in a set of beautiful photographs which will evoke happy memories, with a hint of nostalgia in years to come.
In addition to family and dog photography, I offer wedding, baptism and branding photography services across London, Surrey and the South East. My working style is professional, relaxed and unintrusive, focusing on trying to capture genuine moments using soft natural light. My photoshoots are easy going and fun, done at a location of your choice, either in the comfort of your home, in your favourite park or both!
A Photography Gift Voucher For Any Occasion
If you know a family who would like to document their family life with a set of beautiful photos, why not consider my family photography gift vouchers? You can purchase a two hour photo session, and gift a fun experience together with captured memories which will be cherished in years to come. Please visit my gift voucher page, or contact me directly to discuss your requirements. Thank you!
Autumnal Newborn and Pet Photo Session in Wimbledon | London Family and Pet Photographer
Newborn and Pet Photo Session
This was one of my favourite family portrait sessions from last year. This sweet family were gifted a pet photography gift voucher as a 30th birthday present. Because of their circumstance at the time, they asked me if they could upgrade the pet photoshoot to a newborn photo session, and postpone the shoot until the baby was born. I am so pleased that they did!
We arranged to meet on Wimbledon common as it was a half way location. It was an overcast autumnal day, the soft light perfect for family portraits. We started the shoot with together shots of all the family, to get the important shots done while the baby was awake and content. In my experience working as a professional family and pet photographer, it is important to seize the moment and not follow a well structured plan and order of shots to take.
Outdoor Newborn and Pet Photoshoot
Newborn photoshoots are often associated with cozy interiors and snuggled up babies. I do like an indoor newborn photoshoot, but there is something really nice about being outside in nature with the little one and documenting those first weeks in a new family’s life. If I was asked what is the main difference between photographing newborns indoors and outdoors is, apart from the obvious light conditions and the setting, it would be that babies tend to be calmer in the natural environment. They seem to really enjoy the sounds, smells and sights, looking more engaged, awake and interested in what is going on around them. During this particular outdoor newborn photoshoot, the baby was super calm, enjoying cuddles and soaking in the surroundings.
After a few initial shots cuddling with mum, this little girl was really content and calm so I took the opportunity to photograph her up-close, capturing those sweet looks and sleepy yawns.
It wasn’t all about mummy cuddles during this family photo session. It is just as important to capture tender moments between dad and baby, to document those initial weeks when bonds are being formed and both parents and children are discovering each other. I really like this set of photos and they made such amazing prints (more to come later in the blog!)
Outdoor Pet Photography on Wimbledon Common
A big part of the joy when doing a baby and pet photoshoot is photographing the pet (often a dog or a cat) while the baby is feeding or being changed. Doughy the cockapoo was the perfect model, posing very patiently when asked to wait and looking very handsome indeed.
A pet photo session wouldn’t be complete without a few action shots. I chose a wide path which was filled with fallen beech leaves, and bordered with trees, all in their autumnal attires. The resulting colours and simplicity of the background really made the subject stand out. I love the resulting frame of Doughy running - the expression of pure joy and freedom.
Autumnal Photo Session For the Whole Family
The next set of photographs was focused on family portraits. We found a beautifully colourful beech tree and decided to use it as a backdrop for autumnal family photography. The baby had eaten and fallen asleep; it was lovely to take a few snuggly photos and even capture a mid-sleep smile.
We finished this family photography session with a few casual shots of the family walking together, Doughy in the middle of action, and with the baby peacefully sleeping in their parents’ arms.
Who Are Outdoor Newborn and Pet Photoshoots Suitable For?
Outdoor Newborn and Pet Photo Sessions are great for people who love the outdoors and want to capture precious moments after their baby’s born, together with the whole family (pet included!).
These sessions are also great for dog owners, who in the past have considered having a dog photo session but have never gotten round to doing it. A family & pet photo session provides an opportunity to have pet portraits taken while at the same time capturing tender family moments.
For more information about newborn photography, please visit my Newborn Photography page.
What Will I Receive After the Photo Session?
After the photo session, I will edit a selection of photographs and upload them onto a private gallery where you will be able to access and view the image for two weeks. You will be able to choose which photograph you would like printed, as your complementary print, and choose any additional digital files, prints or other photography products. These can be purchased at an additional cost. Most people choose to purchase digital files, and some clients choose prints and framed prints which are great as gifts or finished products that can be enjoyed on display at your home. This lovely family chose to frame several prints. I work with a local framer who offers handmade fine art framing in a variety of finishes, with optional mount boards and anti-reflective glass. I would highly recommend framing some of your family and pet portraits as it really lifts photography to another level and provides a beautiful artwork in your home. Below are a couple of examples from this recent session.
About Mina
I am a family and pet photographer and live in the beautiful Surrey hills with my husband and children. I’ve always enjoyed looking at old family photographs and reliving the moments, or imagining the time that once was, with my ancestors being the main characters of their life. I use natural light to capture connections between families (and their pets) and joyful moments which can be treasured in years to come. I provide gentle guidance and create an environment which would provoke natural reactions, enabling me to capture genuine moments - children having fun, dogs running with ears flapping, families having a good time.
I offer outdoor and at-home newborn, family, couple and pet photo sessions across Surrey and London. Whether you would like to document the first few weeks of your new family, capture your dog on your favourite walk or to record a moment in time in your family life, I am here to help.
If you are expecting a baby, or would like to document your family, please get in touch, I would be delighted to hear from you!
Please fill out the form below or get in touch via mina@minamilanovic-photography.com.
Surrey Family Photographer | Family Photo Session in Sussex
A Family Photo Session in Sussex
I love looking back at this family photoshoot from only a month and a half ago. It feels like forever ago, when days were sunny and warm. There haven’t been many days like these this year; it feels too soon for winter to come.
A garden family photoshoot
The family photo session took place in Sussex, at the family home. We started the shoot in the garden, and followed the little girl’s lead, who was happy to have a little play and cuddle on the picnic blanket. This setup worked really nicely for family portraits. The family was able to interact, play, read books and cuddle which made for candid shots, the ones I strive to capture for my clients.
Custom Family Photography
Every family photo shoot is different, and this one required a short nap break. The little girl got really tired half way into the shoot and really wasn’t happy with being photographed. During her nap, I was able to capture a few frames with her parents together, as well as her mum together with her frandma.
Outdoor Family Photo Session
After a good rest, things were looking much brighter! We continued with a few more shots outside in the garden before moving in indoors for a few children portraits. I wanted to capture a few more natural moments of the family interacting together and playing. I love incorporating games children love playing and this photo session was no different. We included a garden story time, a play with the favouirte ball and some mummy lift ups! After all that activity, it was time to cool off inside the house.
At home family photoshoot
To see the rest of the images from this family photo session, please scroll below. I captured some genuine moments of eating, cuddling and making those special first steps. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Book A Family Photoshoot
If you would like to book a family photo session, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you! I am now fully booked until the end of the year, but I would love to help you capture family memories in the new year. Winter family photo sessions are wonderful - the sun is low, shadows long and we can even be treated to a little bit of magic with mist, fog or frost!
Family Photography Gift Vouchers
Gift a unique gift to a family member this Christmas, or for any other occasion. Not only will you be gifting a unique and meaningful present, you will also be gifting an experience which will capture lasting memories for the whole family. The family photoshoot can take place at home, in a park, on a beach or wherever it is convenient! My family photo session gift vouchers are valid for a year. Family photo shoot gift vouchers start from £195, which includes
Up to two hours shooting time
My time on the day
Travel within 30 miles of RH5
An on-line gallery with 50+ images available to purhcase (digital products sold separately; please contact me for more information)
A complementary 9x6’’ print
Family Photo Shoot in Guildford
The setting for this family photo session was Riverside Park Nature Reserve in Guildford, a wetland area supporting diverse insect, bird and amphibian life. I recently discovered this beautiful nature reserve while servicing my car in the nearby Slyfield industrial estate and was surprised to find such a gem of a place squshed between the noisy A3, the community recycling centre and the industrial estate. Amazing how nature can thrive in the most unlikely places!
We started our photoshoot with a walk along the River Wey. The powerline which runs along the path provided a dramatic backdrop for a few of the initial shots before we reached the canal. All along the canal were lovely mature oak trees which served as the perfect frame for family portraits. The parents were amazing at enterntaining and engaging this charming and smiley one and a half year old. I love the playfulness that comes through in the photographs.
Half way through the photoshoot, everyone was getting a little tired so it was time to have a play in the sand and bring out favourite toys. Out came the coala and Mr Fox, and it was back to playing games and having fun. I find games really helpful while working with children. They instantly become interested and engaged which creates genuinely candid moments for great photographs. Whether it it]s hide and seek with younger children, building a den with preschoolers and playing ball with older kids, involving them (and parents) in an activity takes the attention away from the camera and puts children and adults in the present moment which is where the joy comes through. This little girl loved spotting insects, playing with hair clips which I’ve given her, waving at boats and touching different plants.
It is nice looking back at these photos when the grasses were lush and everything was so alive. My current family photo sessions are against beautiful autumnal backdrops, a stark contrast to the warm summer days. Nature provides us photographers with the best studio and I am so grateful to do my job outdoors, and experience the beauty of each season with my clients.
I am nearly fully booked for this year, but if you would like to arrange a family portrait session for you and your family for next year, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. You can contact me through the contact page on my website, or sending me an email at info@minamilanovic-photography.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Family Photo Shoot with Dog in Surrey
This family received a Christmas dog photography gift voucher from their daughter. She thought the whole family would enjoy the experience of having their photos taken in company of their elderly dog, in their beautiful home in Surrey.
Family photo shoots with dogs are always fun! Dogs bring a different energy to the session, and I find that people tend to be more relaxed in front of the camera when dog is around. There is another being to think about, to instruct, pose and cuddle, diverting the attention away from thinking about how we look or feel in front of the camera.
When photographing dogs and families, I work to initially take a few group shots. Then, depending on the energy level of the dog I am photographing, I either take dog portrait shots, or dog action shots. Then I would move over to individual family member portraits with the dog, and finally focus on more spontanious and creative images. That way, I ensure I have a wide variety of photographs my clients can choose from.
I am based in Surrey, but will travel to your home or one of the stunning locations in Surrey and London for family photography or family and dog photo sessions.
To purchase a dog photography gift voucher as a birthday present, or a Christmas gift, please contact me to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, head over to my Gift Vouchers page where you purchase a one hour or two hour pet photography gift certificate directly from my website.
Family and Dog Photography in Surrey
January is normally a month of catching up with admin and a backlog of blogs. This January is no different, even though we are in lockdown number 3. I am finding this lockdown more challenging than the last two so looking back on some of the positive things that came out of 2020 offers a respite and hope for this year.
Last year, I started a personal photography project entitled “Family Dogs”. I photographed a lot of families and a lot of dogs but the two seemed to keep quite seperate. I therefore decided to combine my two passions and create an opportunity for photography I really wanted to do. I love capturing an action shot of a dog running or playing, or a lovely quiet portrait. But what I really want to be photographing is the interactions families have with their dogs, kids playing with their four legged friend, giving them a hug or riding bikes while the dog runs along.
The family and dog photo session shown in the photographs below is from a recent Family Dogs Photoshoot, back when there were still a few leaves left on branches. This sweet family was a joy to photograph, the boys so keen to show me their pet chickens, paddle and dig clay in the stream, and ride bikes with their dog following them. One of my all time favourite photoshoots!
As a Surrey family and dog photographer, I work all over Surrey, London and the South East. This project is for local Surrey residents only, and I welcome anyone who would like to participate. If you are interested, please contact me to find out more.
Family Dogs / Surrey Family and Pet Photographer
Family Dogs
I love taking family photographs and I also love photographing dogs. That is why I recently started a personal project called Family Dogs, with an aim to document the relationship families have with their pet dogs. To kick start the series, I photographed a gorgeous cocker spaniel Lexi with her human family. We arranged our dog and family photo shoot near Leith Hill as the family lived close by and one of their favourite things to do in spare time was to go on long country walks.
Family portraits with pets
It was a warm summer day in late summer, with sunshine coming through the clouds but with rain looming in the distance. We started our walk at the bottom of the hill, walking up the gentle slopes, sun coming through the trees. This first part of the session provided some great opportunities for group shots, the colours of the dead leaves on the ground matching Lexi’s coat. It was lovely to work with the earhy colour palette. A part of the route up towards Leith Hill has some impressive tree roots which form an amazing pattern on the ground. I knew I wanted to include these in the photographs, so I positioned Lexi for a few dog portraits. I particurlarly like black and white versions of these photographs, the textures and patterns really come through. Once we were on top of the hill, I looked around for nice spots for some more family shots. The heather was in bloom and I wanted to include it in the photos. Often when photographing families with dogs, there is quite a bit of arranging going on. Either the dog doesn’t want to sit still, the kids want to run around or both things happen making it nearly impossible to take a group shot! On this occasion, by some miracle, the family set down and just as they did so (while also looking at the camera), Lexi came from behind and poked her head through a little hole in the middle. This is one of the rare unposed, unplanned photos which just happened and turned out amazing! It is one of my favouirtes from this family and pet photo session, probably because it was so spontaneous!
Dog Portraits
Finally, a dog photo session with an energetic dog like Lexi wouldn’t be complete without a few action shots. I got Lexi to run along the paths amongst the heather and she did so with such speed that my auto focus struggled to keep up. I love taking a variety of different shots which capture memories of our pets in different situations - while frantically running around, chasing a ball, playing with another dog or a family member, or having a quiet moment. Different moments take us back and awaken memories we thought we lost.
Family Photography with Dogs
If you live in Surrey and are interested in participating in my Family Dogs photography project, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you and photograph your family and your dog(s)!
Dog Photography Gift Vouchers
If you are looking for a different kind of gift for someone’s birthday, anniversary or Christmas present, then a photography gift voucher may be the answer. I offer 1h and 2h dog photography gift vouchers. You can add extra credit to the gift certificate, which can go towards digital files or prints, or leave it up to the receipient to choose what they’d like at the end of the photoshoot. Get in touch if you have any questions!