uk’s best children photographer

young girl on swing

Posted on in Children photography, Family photography, Portrait photography

Outdoor Children Photography

Although many of my photoshoots involve activities indoors and outdoors, there are times when my clients have a specific location in mind.  Somewhere that encapsulates an era in their children’s life.  On this occasion, the family were moving house and school.  So it seemed fitting to have an outdoor children photography shoot in the grounds of Cheam Prep school, Newbury, Berkshire, where the girls had both been at school.

We started the shoot by playing lots of games in the main grounds, using the beautiful avenue and stunning gardens as backdrops.   And then headed to the fabulous outdoor play area, which offers an abundance of entertainment.   We had so much fun.    Playgrounds are perfect locations for outdoor children photography.   I love to capture the children’s adventurous spirit whilst they explore, climb, slide and swing.  Indeed we explored every nook and cranny, climbed every ladder, slid down every slide, and swung high into the skies.   I find static swing shots can look as void of emotion as motion and prefer to capture them moving.  This is obviously more challenging photographically but nothing beats that feeling of wind through your hair as you swing high and low.

This shot was one of my favourites. I absolutely love it.  There is so much joy, energy and movement.   You can feel her excitement at reaching high into the sky.  It’s an image that is full of emotion and spirit.   It can’t help but make you smile when you look at and remind you of those exhilarating feelings of ‘flying high’ when you were little.   This is what I strive to provide in my children photography sessions.

For more examples of my children photography, please do visit my children, teenage and family galleries.   Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss the possibility of me coming to your home and photographing your children and family.

children photography with pets, Berkshire

Posted on in Animal photography, Children photography, Portrait photography

Children photography with pets

Today I am sharing an example of my children photography with pets.  I took this last summer in between lockdowns for a wonderful family, near Newbury, in Hampshire.   This was my second shoot for them.   We had so much fun and laughter together.   And as a consequence we captured some wonderful, informal, natural and fun portraits which really capture their personalities.

Teenagers can be reluctant starters when it comes to a family photoshoot.  But with 3 teenagers of my own, and 20 years of experience as a leading family portrait photographer, I’m quick to put them at ease.   On arrival, the first thing we do is sit and chat around the kitchen table, so I can hear about what they enjoy doing, what makes them tick.   Or not!  I love to include their interests in the photo shoot.   This could involve playing sport or a musical instrument, or hanging out with the family animals. This results in meaningful portraits which reflect their personalities.  It also makes the shoot fun, which ensures the images are full of spirit and character.

On this visit the children wanted to be photographed with all their favourite pets, which included 3 dogs, 2 cats and lots of chickens.   I love photographing children with their family animals, as they bring spontaneity.   This often results in fun and unpredictable pictures.  I love everything about this image: the light, the composition, the chicken’s tilted head and the boy’s expression.   It is a natural, candid moment which captures his sense of humour, spirit and love of animals.    It’s such a joy to capture those impromptu moments.

If you would like to find out more about my teenager and young children photography, please do take a look at the link.   And if you’d like to book a shoot with your family once lockdown has lifted, please do email me at [email protected]