There’s something truly special about a family session in the height of summer — longer days, warm light, and the gentle calm that comes from being outdoors together. This particular session took place in a quiet nature common in Berkshire, surrounded by open grassland, soft trees, and the unmistakable feeling of space to breathe.
I met my clients at the baby sensory classes. Mum messaged me a few weeks later wanting to book a family photo session. We looked at different location options and selected a common which was local to the family. From the moment the family arrived, everything felt unhurried. No stiff poses, no pressure — just time together. The little girl was full of character and so happy exploring the outside. Laughter came easily, small hands were held, and there were plenty of in-between moments that often say the most: a shared glance, a spontaneous hug, a child leaning in close.
Summer family sessions like this are less about perfection and more about presence. When families feel relaxed, they are able to be themselves — and that’s when the most meaningful photographs are created. In my photography, I aim to show real connections and not forced smiles. I am trying to capture how it feels to be together and not just how they looked together.
Being outdoors helps too. A natural setting encourages movement, play, and interaction. Children don’t need to sit still, and parents don’t need to direct every moment.
One of the most important reasons to book a family session is to document this stage of life — exactly as it is today. Children grow and change so quickly. The way they laugh, the way they hold your hand, the way they fit into your arms will all shift with time. As a mum of two growing girls, I am already noticing the differences in my girls’ behaviour. I am seeing how quickly they are growing. It is important to me to ensure that I take images of them today and now to remember every stage of their life.
Photographs become a way of holding onto these fleeting details. Years from now, these images won’t just show faces — they’ll bring back memories of personalities, relationships, and the rhythm of family life during this season.
A summer family session isn’t about creating something perfect for the camera. It’s about pressing pause, being together, and preserving the beauty of your family just as you are, right now. If you would like to find out about the services I offer and book a family session, please do get in touch. I would love to connect with you and create beautiful memories for you and your loved ones.