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!
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 and Surrey Family Photographer / Richmond Park Family Photoshoot
I really enjoy catching up with return clients and finding out what they’ve been up to. It was lovely to hear from Berry, who’s Cockapoo Joey I photographed a few years ago. He was a young dog then, and was very energetic so taking portraits was a big challenge! Below is a photo from that photo session; a moment of stillness before more energetic running around!
Since our last meeting, there has been a new addition to the family, and there was a big family get together to celebrate the occasion! As London and Surrey family photographer, I work at different locations across the capital and Surrey, but it was a special treat to go back to Richmond park for this photoshoot. The biggest challange this time was to get everyone comfortable and happy in front of the camera; to arrange a large group of people and take a shot while everyone was looking! I found an old tree branch which looked like the perfect spot for a big family photo. The curves of the branch provided lovely lines for an interesting compositing, and contained enough perching spots for everyone to sit (not so comfortably!), or stand around. After a few attempts, the children and Joy looked directly at me, and by some miracle I was able to capture the big group shot! The rest of the shoot was done in the lovely tall grasses in the park, and around beautiful Isabella plantation. Here are a few photos from the shoot - images will automatically change, but do use the previous and next controls if you need to.
If you are organising a family get together, or are celebrating a special event, please get in touch, I would love to hear from you!
