Covering Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Surrounding
Seasonal Outdoor & location Family Photographer
As the crisp and cold mornings have suddenly seemed to have appeared from nowhere i’ve found myself thinking about how my next family photography sessions will be different again from the milder, warmer shoots I’ve just been doing.
I thought it would be helpful to blog about some of the very best tips and ideas as well as answering lots of common questions.
Family sessions are a really fantastic way to capture unique images that can decorate your home
Just as pieces of art, prints and posters have their place, photography is both personal and can be the focal point of many rooms in your home.
Through the year we see both cool and warm tones. Stunning hues of greens, blues, yellows, gold, reds oranges and pops of vivid colour. You can create any look you want by choosing the best backdrop and season for your session and entrusting me to capture the moment.
Family photographs outside can really capture those meaningful happy and playful moments within natures beautiful landscapes. Outdoor photography is ideal for families who prefer natural caught moments and the unpredictability of what we may find along the way!
Every season offers unique and wonderful opportunities for family photographs
I feel it inspiring that every time I go to a local place, it has transformed in to a completely different backdrop for my photographs.
I love to take my two children to our local parks and they enjoy the scenery with me, looking at all the different flowers that have bloomed at the time and the colours – it’s ever changing and it’s beautiful.
Ideas and Tips for family photographs
Spring family outdoor & location Family Photographer
The season of fresh blooms and new beginnings, Stunning fields of yellow daffodils, swathes of bluebells. Spring is a beautiful season for photographs. The weather is warming and colour is slowly and spectacularly arriving in abundance.
Look out for: Flowers in bloom, Daffodils, Bluebells, Buttercups, Blossom
Special Dates: Mother’s Day
Complimenting Colours: Pastel Hues, Whites
Be Prepared: Rugs and Blankets for leftover morning dew, A brolly for a little surprise April rainshower!
Family Session amongst the Buttercups
Summer outdoor & location Family Photographer
We all love a bit of sun! Photographs can be bright and cheerful and show off our most happiest self.
Speaking as a photographer, Summer can be our most difficult season to photograph family portraits. The sun light can be harsh on our face and it can be extremely hot without shade. I love working with backlight (where the sun is behind my subject) and this makes for beautiful light and airy photographs. Above all sunshine is my happy place although I can assure you I will jump at the chance of some shade with you! My favourite tree has to be the weeping willow in the sun.
Summer is a prime time for capturing golden light sessions where the glow of the sun creates a soft warm glow on the skin and beautiful hazy portraits. Why not head to the beach for a golden light shoot.
Look out for: Flowers, lakes, long grass, meadows, willow tree and wide open spaces beaches, sand and stretches of water to splash in!
Special Dates: Father’s Day
Complimenting Colours: Pastels, Whites, Light colours
Be Prepared: Sun Tan lotion, plenty of Water, Sun Hat
Beautiful evening light for a maternity session
Autumn outdoor & location Family Photographer
The stunning warm tones of Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to photograph.
Fun for all the family in the fallen leaves and children throwing them up in the air!
Woodland areas can make a great backdrop for your photographs with all those autumnal reds, oranges, yellows and browns. A pathway through the trees can look stunning, sitting on tree stumps or climbing on fallen trees.
Look out for: Pretty lakes, woodland areas, pathways, rows of trees, Pumpkin Patch,
Special Dates: Halloween, (its not to early to start planning gifts) Christmas
Complimenting Colours: Jewel Tones, Warm Tones, Creams, Whites and Naturals
Be Prepared: Wooly jumpers, hats and scarves, Wellies.
A scattering of leaves is always fun!
Winter outdoor & location Family Photographer
What a joy it can be to wrap up warm and have fun in the winter sun. Winter can bring beautiful clear days, bright blue skies and a stream of rich sun light to photograph family portraits in. If we are lucky we may just get enough snow to shoot in too. A pop of colour amongst a bed of snow can make for a really magical winter wonderland scene.
You can even bring along your Christmas jumpers and Christmas hats for that extra fun family photo!
Look out for: Snowy days on the weather forecast, woodland areas, Christmas Tree Farms
Special Dates: Christmas and New Year. Christmas presents for all the family and grandparents
Be Prepared: Warm Coats, Welly Boots, Hats and Scarves, Christmas jumpers, Christmas hats,
Complimenting Colours: Reds, Greens, Jewel tones
Questions and Answers:
What should we wear?
I always advise to wear what makes you feel relaxed, happy and comfortable. Coordinating with seasonal colours can make the photographs look more harmonious and impressive. Light colours, whites and soft pastels are beautiful to blend with the softness of spring and the glow of summer. Jewel and warm tones compliment the hues of autumn and winter. Jeans are always a nice combination for any member of the family. If you are all about bright crazy clashing colours, you do you!
Think about yourselves collectively, do you compliment eachother? Hats and accessories are a lovely addition. I don’t advise wearing these throughout the session to ensure you have a variety of different shots. Pack a small mirror and hairbrush etc if you feel you will need to.
I am more than happy to discuss ideas with you and plan outfits for your session.
What areas do you cover?
I cover areas within Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire. Further afield mileage fees may apply. International travel is welcomed.
What if the weather is not on our side?
Weather can be unpredictable at times however it doesn’t stop us from working with it. As the saying goes; “there’s no such thing as bad weather only unsuitable clothing”. I will always allow flexibility should the weather be against us and schedule the session for an appropriate time.
Can we bring our family pet?
Yes! You are very welcome to bring your pet along to the photoshoot. They say not to work with children and animals and I do both and especially love dogs, ponies and horses!
Please check with your location whether dogs are permitted within the area. Some National Trust parks have recently put new restrictions in place.
What products do you offer?
In the gallery I will create beautiful Wall Art displays and products for you to view. There are a wide variety of products, for example framed wall art, box canvases, prints and unique acrylic artwork.
How do I book an outdoor session with you?
Select from one of the digital package options on the Family web page.
I take a non refundable deposit of £50 for your outdoor family photography session. This holds the date in my diary exclusively for you. Balance is due a week prior to your session and within this time we can discuss and plan ideas for your session.
I offer personalised Gift Vouchers which make the perfect Gift for your family and friends this Christmas.
If you would rather have access to a cosy sofa, a cuppa tea and a warm fireplace then we can arrange the session in the comfort of your home.
Thank You for reading and I hope this has inspired you for our session together
Best Wishes
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