I get it.

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You treasure photos of your kids, but you are very rarely in them, you always find yourself behind the camera, dodging the lens, capturing everything for everyone else.  And photos with the whole family in them – never! Maybe a quick selfie or two (hundred), with occasionally one that you are happy with.
 
You can’t bear the thought of a stranger jumping in, alongside you and your kids and telling you to pose like this or that, leaving you feeling out of place and with those “What am I doing here thoughts?” shouting at you inside your head.
 
You aren’t fussed about perfect outfits, pretty pictures and those posed, everyone facing the camera and ‘cheese’ photos.
 
You want real photos of you all, those that tell stories of who you are in that moment, not insta-fake, manufactured ones.
 
You want to look back on photos and remember those glimpses, that cheeky smile where you knew exactly what he was thinking, those connections, that hand hold, the expressions, the spirit that made you ‘you’, those gorgeous spirits caught in that moment of time.
 
You want to capture the good stuff, the everyday moments that will whizz past in a flash, but the rollercoaster that is everyday life just keeps on going and finding time to take a breath, let alone think about grabbing a camera and actually being in the photos is, well, kind of too much. 

I get that. As a mum too, I understand.

As someone who avoids being on the other side of the camera too, I do totally get this. And regularly hide on this side of the lens, like you!

But I also love looking back at photos of my childhood, and seeing the odd glimpse of my parents in the photos is just special.  I know they were there in the other shots, they were just behind the lens. To see them actually there, frozen in time, transporting me back to being a kid is so precious.  And something you need to give to your kids too.  (And I’m talking about the the real, no thought into whether your hair is perfect, whether the clothes match or perfecting that pose.)  So, no worries about posing here,  photo shoots with me are a pose free zone; a few gently suggested arrangements maybe, but always while chatting or climbing or doing something!
 

Have you heard anyone say they regret having family photos taken ?  I think it’s more that they wished they’d grabbed those moments earlier on and not waited for that extra pound or two to be lost, or when the kids were a bit older that they’d behave better – and being a primary teacher, I can usually find a way around the grumps anyway!  It’s freezing time on those moments with you all there, before they are gone, that is the thing.  My two are 20 and 18 now and whoosh, it has gone so quickly.  When I look back on the photos, it is that emotion that blows me away, their spirit and energy.  And the connection between us.  I don’t see the muddy top I’m wearing or the wind blown and messy hair.  It’s the spark of love and enjoyment that was taking place, just then.  And the treasure is having that magic captured to look back on.  

Not insta-perfect, but perfect, ordinary, everyday magic.

I’d love to create some images for you this summer that show what’s inside your family; honest, creative photography that celebrates real life, telling your story, capturing your moments this summer.

Mini shoots : 20 minute snappy shoot, somewhere local, edited digital gallery, choice of 2 digital images with further digitals and prints from £18.

Full Shoots: 45-60min shoot, somewhere local, edited digital gallery, choice of 4 digital images with further digitals and prints from £18. 

The Wonderful Everyday: shoots at home, in the garden, capturing that magic in those everyday moments – eating breakfast together, dancing in the kitchen, zooming cars along the corridor, snuggling on the sofa with ted, building blocks in the bedroom, bare feet on the grass.  I’ll come to you and capture what happens.  60min+ plus sessions, edited online gallery, 30 images included as digitals.

Adventures Further Afield: half day led adventures around Padley Gorge / Surprise View.  Welly boots on, splashing in the river, scrambling over rocks, a sneaky chocolate and cookies, exploring together.  Edited online gallery, 40 images included as digitals. (Open to suggestions of different venues.)

Check out my availability here and let me know what works with you.

Mini Shoots: £64  

Full Family Shoots: £120  

The Wonderful Everyday:  from £164 

Adventures Further Afield:  from £380

Deposit of £25 to secure dates.