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.
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.
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!
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!
Surrey Family Photographer | Richmond Park Family Photohoot
The best thing about my job (except documenting amazing moments in my clients’ lives!) is getting to know my clients over the years, as we meet to take photos at different stages of their lives. I love seeing my clients as single couples, parents of babies and young children, and parents raising their growing family.
I photographed Bhavisha and Ajay back in 2015 when Bhavisha was pregnant with Jasmine, then Jasmine when she was a newborn baby and this time it was family fun in Richmond park, together will little baby Sia! We chose Richmond park as it brings back fond memories for the family, and it has an amazing playground down by Petersham gate. It was great fun trying to capture action shots of Jasmine as she played, as well some more quiet and intimate family moments.
As Surrey Family photographer, I work across Surrey and London photographing families enjoy themselves and having a good time. If you are looking to have family photos taken, please get in touch I would love to hear about you plans.