family photography Mina Milanović family photography Mina Milanović

Family Photo Session with Dog in Kingston

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to overlook the simple joys that bring us together as a family. One delightful way to create lasting memories is through a family photo session, and what better way to make it extra special than by including our four-legged family member? This blog post is about one such family; it was a gorgeous autumnal family photo session with their beloved dog.

Family Photoshoot With a Dog

The day began with a mix of excitement and anticipation. I arrived at the family home to be greeted by a very excited cocker spaniel, and a very excited one year old. As we prepared to go outside to a park the family frequents, I took out my camera and started photographing the family getting ready. This enabled me to capture a few genuine expressions, as no one was focusing on me being there. I love the above photo of the girl looking at her dad while her mum was dressing her up - such intensity in one look!

Outdoor Family Photo Session

Outdoor Family Photo Shoot

Selecting the right location for this family photo session was crucial. We opted for a scenic park with lush greenery, providing a natural backdrop that beautifully complemented the family's dynamics. The wide-open spaces allowed the dog to run around freely, while a few more formal areas provided some colour and a nice backdrop.

The Unpredictable Joy of Pets

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the photo session was the unpredictable joy that the dog brought to the experience. She brought an infectious energy into the session, creating candid moments that I hope the family will cherish forever. The genuine smiles and laughter captured in these images are a testament to the joy this little furry bundle brings to the family dynamic.

Indoor Family Photo Session

Indoor Family Photography Session

After we spent about an hour outside, it was snack time so we headed back home. After a bit of a rest and recuperation, it was time to take a few family portraits at home, as well as some children’s portraits of the little girl, in her home.

This was one of my favourite family photography sessions with a dog. It was filled with laughter, love, and the unpredictable charm that pets bring to family life. It was a day of creating cherished memories, both in front of and behind the camera. As I look back at the images, I am reminded that the essence of family lies not in perfection but in the genuine moments we share, and including our furry friend made those moments all the more special. So, the next time you plan a family photo session, consider inviting your dog along for the ride—you may just capture the magic of your unique family dynamic. Please have a browse through the gallery below and contact me if you would like to arrange a family photo session with your pet.

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Family Photo Session in Bushy Park

This family photo session started in Bushy Park, and continued in the family home close by in Teddington. It was a really nice summer day (I am so behind on my blog posts!) , it was overcast which provided even lighting for my subjects.

We spent the first 15-20 min of the session chatting and getting to know each other. Working as a family photographer, I learnt that this part of the session is the most important. It breaks the initial ice so clients can relax and enjoy the rest of the session. We were looking for some nice areas for a group shot; Busy park can be a bit tricky in terms of locations as it is so open and flat. I saw an old oak tree which I was keen to include into the family portrait - a symbol of strenght, stability and longevity. After that initial family portrait, it was time for cuddles and play. After a short walk, we came to a stream which was the perfect setting to explore the surroundings and look for interesting wildlife living in the stream and on the banks. Getting children to engage with their parents is the best way of obtaining natural looking images.

I really enjoyed this family photoshoot and love some of the photos; they bring joy and put a smile on my face. I hope you like them too.

Following the outdoor session, we went back home for some snacks and quiet time. I wanted to photograph the little girl with the family dog, which proved trickier than planned, but we managed to get them sitting next to each other in the end.

At the end of each photoshoot, I like to do something slightly different and experiment. It is a time when I have fun and try out different things - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. On this occasion, I spotted a lovely painting which the family bought in Australia, while living there. I learned that it was a piece of Aboriginal art, so I was keen to include it in the photograph. It was a rather unglamorous scene - both parents holding the painging while also making sure the baby doesn’t fall flat on its face. In the end, it was a triumph - no injuries and a lovely meaningful background for children’s portraits. I hope you like it as much as I do.

If you are considering having family portraits done, either with or without your dog, please do contact me for more information and to arrange a session. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing your ideas!

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Children and Pet Photography in Surrey

I have been photographing families and pets since 2013. I very much enjoy photographing both subject but most of the photoshoots were either dog photo sessions, focusing on the dog, or family sessions where the main focus is the family. I recently started a personal photography project called “Family Dogs” where I combine my passion for two. I am interested in capturing the relationship families have with their pet dogs and vice versa.

This photography session was for a family of three. A two year old girl, a seven year old rhodesian ridgeback/boxer cross and their lovely mum. We decided to meet at Blackheath Common near Guildford which was the perfect backdrop for outdoor family and pet photography. The two girls had sa very special bond especially when it came down to treat time! The dog loved performing tricks and showing off which commands it can do and was rewarded by the girl with some yummy treats.

Below is a selection of some of my favourite photos from the day - I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

If you would like to book your dog photography or family photography ssession, or if you would like to participate in my Family Dogs project, please get in touch!

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Documenting Family Life in Surrey / Surrey Family Photographer

I started a community project to document life of families and individuals during this uncertain and unprecedented time we are passing through. All photography has been done complying with social distancing guidelines, and as part of my daily exercise.

Working as Surrey family photographer, my family photo sessions and all other sessions have ceised during lockdown. Finding inspiration in the work of other fellow photographers, I initiated this project to provide members of my community with a photiographic document of the time which we will all look back on with both fond, and not such fond memories years from now.

This family wanted to document the time they spend together on one of their local walks. They also wanted to document the time were they were still a family of four, before the arrival of the new baby.

I have now resumed with my family photo sessions, which are limited to 5 people, in accordance with the new government guidlines, and I am also doing maternity photoshoots and pet photo sessions. All my sessions are currently done outdoors. If you would like to discuss your family photoshoot, or a maternity session in Surrey or London, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you!

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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.

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Surrey Children Photographer | Morning with Densters

What do you do when your child is ill and you can’t go out of the house? Build a den or fort for them to snuggle up and play inside, they’ll forget they’re ill in an instant! Densters are a set of charming little toys, each of them designed to do a specific job during den building. Chikaboo is a strong peg, Hoopsta goes around door knobs, Grumpo is a door stop. There are more charachters to be descovered, and each of them can have another useful role when the kids are not playing with them. Zigzies are little clips which can be used to neatly tuck away cables or hold things in place, Snella is a useful smart phone holder. These child-friendly, fun toys have made our morning really fun, they’ve unleashed our creativity and have definitely kept an otherwise grumpy, whiny two year old happy and enterentained!

If you would like to learn more about Densters, hear their story, or buy a pack, head over to the Densters website. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a creative, beautifully designed and engaging toy!

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