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HELEN BARTLETT / FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Family Photography in Cranleigh

Family standing with ponies on a country path during a family photo shoot in Cranleigh

A Cranleigh family photo shoot in Surrey

I spent the most wonderful morning recently on this family photo session in Cranleigh in Surrey. I’ve always done several family photo shoots in Surrey each year, but this was my first time photographing a family in Cranleigh. It was a beautiful part of the world and an amazing family to photograph alongside ponies, dogs and all the fun of family life. It was a perfect morning, and I’m thrilled with the photos. Today I’m sharing a sneak preview so you can see the joy of this natural, relaxed family photography in Cranleigh capturing real moments at home and outdoors with children, pets and everyday family life.

Two sisters standing with a toy buggy and dog during a family photo shoot in Cranleigh
Sisters playing with bubbles together in the garden
Toddler looking up with curiosity in a natural light portrait

Planning a family photo shoot in Cranleigh

When we set about planning our photography session we talked about all the things that everyone loves to do. I was thrilled to hear that the family had ponies as I always love it when there are animals involved and there is something so special about the relationship between children and their ponies.

I wasn’t disappointed. The ponies were the cutest Shetlands and watching the girls delight as they took them for a walk on the bridle path was absolutely joyful. Because we were up and out early, we had lovely light and the place to ourselves which was perfect for these family photos in Cranleigh.

 

Young girl running along a path leading a pony during a family photo shoot in Cranleigh
Father smiling at daughter riding a pony along a country path

Including pets in a Cranleigh family photo shoot

It wasn’t just the ponies that were keen to get involved. The family dogs and cats were also very photogenic and an important part of the story. The children’s interactions with their dogs was a highlight for me and I loved seeing how well they all got on and how much the children adore their pets. These relationships are so special and the kind of moments families love to look back on.

Toddler gently holding a dog’s tail while walking together on the grass
Mother sitting on the grass with child while dogs play nearby

Children’s play and favourite toys at home

Back in the garden it was time to have a play. The girls clearly had their favourite toys and it was lovely to include them in the pictures. The youngest had a buggy that she pushed around the garden all morning, running through the grass with a cuddly unicorn peeking out from the pram.

The eldest had a theme to her toys as plastic ponies joined the real ones and when we were playing with her giant toy elephant indoors later on in the session it was tacked up with a saddle and bridle, keeping to the pony theme. We had a brilliant time playing together in the garden.

Toddler pushing a toy buggy across the garden during a family photo shoot in Cranleigh
Girl sitting in a tree holding toy horses during a family photo shoot

Natural portraits during your family photography session

While we are playing games and having fun, I always make sure to take beautiful portraits of all my young subjects. Close up headshots are always so popular with parents and there is something so compelling about a black and white portrait.

like to take these images as we are playing and enjoying the moment as that is when the magic happens and I’m rewarded with genuine expressions.

Toddler looking up with curiosity in a natural light portrait
Toddler holding a wire fence with a playful grumpy expression outdoors
Two sisters holding hands and running across the garden together

Indoor family photography in Cranleigh homes

On my photo shoots I like to mix indoor and outdoor images when the weather allows. The pictures we take indoors are always so different to those taken outside and the variety creates a wonderful story for my clients.

This house was an absolute joy to work in with stunning natural light and thoughtful interior design.

I loved seeing the girls play the piano, a gift from their grandfather, and one they were both keen on. It was lovely to see how they were learning and enjoying something new together.

Soft close up portrait of a young girl looking down with natural light
Toddler playing piano keys indoors during a family photography session

Bed snuggles to finish a family photo shoot

We finished with some bed snuggles in the master bedroom which is always a fun way to round off a session. Energetic little ones love the chance to jump on the bed, play hide and seek in the curtains and snuggle together in the duvet.

It always takes me back to my own childhood and the games we played at home. I love the thought that when these girls are older they will be transported back to these moments, with all the joy and laughter captured during their family photo shoot in Cranleigh.

Sisters laughing together on a bed during a family photo shoot in Cranleigh

Book your family photography session in Cranleigh

This session was an absolute joy from start to finish and the girls were such fun to photograph. I can’t wait for our next session, perhaps one in the summer where we might incorporate the swimming pool for something a little different.

If you have enjoyed todays blog post and would like to book your own family photo shoot in Cranleigh or elsewhere in the UK then do drop me a message via the contact form or give me a call on 07713329090 and together we can plan the perfect photo shoot for your family.

Family portrait outdoors with leafy background during a Cranleigh photo session