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HELEN BARTLETT / FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

A Portrait in a Magnificent Setting

The Joy of Exploring New Places

I’ve always really enjoyed the variety of locations that I visit as a family photographer.  I travel all over London, and increasingly all over the country, to meet my clients and take beautiful portraits of their children. One day I might be in a stunning mansion house in West London, the next day in a basement flat by the coast.  I visit parks and beaches, woods, urban areas and the sights of London as we find new opportunities for pictures.

Each photo shoot I have done with Melinda and her wonderful family has involved exploring somewhere new and it’s been such an adventure.  We always have such a brilliant time.

On our first shoot back in 2015 we photographed in the family home and then the local park, having a wonderful time together.  Our second shoot took in the sights of London, visiting St Pauls, the Tower of London and the South Bank of the Thames, a fabulous day in the autumn sunshine.  Last year we ventured further afield and went to Brighton.  We started early being out on the beach at 7am and taking pictures in the early morning light before returning to our hotel for a full English breakfast and then more pictures at a couple of different locations.  Each shoot has been so unique and a wonderful opportunity to see new places and explore.

This year Melinda chose to head out to Oxfordshire, and we were rewarded for our efforts with one of the few dry weekend days. We had such a great time exploring, utilising the incredibly architecture and enjoying the fabulous maze.  Melinda’s idea of using the annual photo shoot as an excuse to explore new places definitely works so well, it’s such fun to go to new locations.

This shot was taken right at the end of our session before we headed to the pub to warm up and for a well-earned (and delicious) lunch.

Looking up towards Blenheim palace from our place on the path the sweep of the grand architecture really comes into its own, it’s an incredibly building, truly magnificent.  The kids struck a pose and I love the effect. They are framed within the path and looking so cool and yet relaxed in this portrait.  It was such a brilliant day, I’m already looking forward to next year, I wonder where we will go.