Why? Why did I wait so long to have our own family photo session? You are probably reading this and wondering what is she talking about? You might not believe it but we never had a family photo session before. In this little post, I would like to share with you my experience from our first family photo session and explain why we waited so long!
I would love a family photo session
As a family photographer, I take lots of pictures of lovely families. I capture their love, their first moments as a family. My IG posts, Facebook and my website blogs always say how important it is to take family photos. I, therefore, can’t quite understand why I haven’t booked a family photo session for my own family! Don’t get me wrong, I take a lot of pictures of my own family. I always create yearly albums from holidays and little trips documenting our life. However, we have very few pictures or all four of us as typically either Mike or I are behind the camera.
Family albums and the photographs I capture each year are important to me but for a long time, I was longing for a family session. I wanted to feel the way you feel during your session. To cuddle with my girls and laugh with them. I wanted to lift them and throw in the air and just enjoy family time. Plus I also missed photographs with Mike. The last time we had photos taken of us was on our wedding day (and it rained all day!).
I’ve been thinking about a family photo session for a long time now, but something would always come up or I would make excuses we don’t need it. The recent situation with COVID-19 made me realise even more how crucial it is to capture the life now. I want my girls to see how much love and fun we had as a family. I want them to see us and remember our family and how much love we had for each other.
Holiday on the South Coast
Our last family holiday this year was in March and then we went into lockdown. During that period my camera was on pretty much every day, but mainly to capture the girls. When the restrictions lifted we started thinking about time off. We both worked extremely hard looking after girls and also working in our full-time jobs. We needed a break. Finding a place for a mini-break was challenging. Because most people decided on a staycation so lots of places were already booked. Thankfully after lots of research, we managed to book an Airbnb on the South Coast with a short walk to the beach.
Once we have booked a place I thought to myself why not book our first family photo session. None of the photographers I follow were local to where we were staying, so I had to Google one! I immediately came across Charlotte Amy and as soon I saw her website I thought I must book her. Her style just shouted to me pick me and her photography is so natural and beautiful. I also dreamed about a photo session at the beach and I saw Charlotte’s pictures and I just wanted the same! After messaging Charlotte on her Instagram she replied straight away. I asked whether she is free on the weekend we were visiting and she was! I straight away got a good vibe and already couldn’t wait for our session.
Getting ready
Once I’ve booked the session I thought I now have to find outfits! I don’t often dress up so immediately thought I will never find something nice. Thankfully I have recently purchased a few dresses that I wanted to have as a client wardrobe. One dress, in particular, was so lovely and I thought it’s perfect for the beach. Once I have sorted myself it was time to plan girls and Mike’s outfits. I really enjoyed matching it all up and laying the options on the bed. Selecting outfits felt exciting and I couldn’t wait to dress up and put some make-up on too. Girls had two dresses each too which was so lovely to see.
Family photo session
We were blessed with great weather on our holiday and the day of the shoot didn’t disappoint us. Charlotte picked a lovely sandy beach and I knew we would have lots of fun. Because we have arranged for a sunset family session I made sure girls are rested and both napped on the way to the photoshoot which was just ideal. When we met Charlotte she was so lovely and relaxed and made us feel really comfortable. Sophie was shy at first but once we started running on the beach, she started giggling. Hanna was her usual self, cheeky and full of energy. Our session was very relaxed and I felt we just focused on us which was great!
After the time in the sea, we went to the sand dunes and took some lovely photos there. I particularly love the picture of me and Mike and I will treasure it forever. All of us had great fun and I am so pleased I managed to find Charlotte. I will remember this session and pictures are already selected for the family album.
My thoughts
Our first family photo session made me realise even more that what I do as a photographer is SO SO SPECIAL and important. If I managed to make families feel during the session like we felt during ours then my job is done! Those family moments are so important and I don’t believe anything, not even a selfie, can replicate the love and connection. I loved our session and I will for sure be booking family photographers for our photo sessions from now on. Thank you Charlotte for creating memories for us, I will be forever grateful. If you are on the South Coast (Rye/Camber sands area) then I would highly recommend Charlotte and you won’t be disappointed.
If you are reading this as a family photographer I would say don’t make the same mistake as I did. Document your family life and be brave and go on the other side of the lens! It’s so fun! Get in touch if you are local to Basingstoke and I would also love to be your family photographer too!
Till next time
Ewa x
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