An action-packed toddler photo shoot on Hampstead Heath
A busy summer of fun family photo shoots
I’m writing this blog post in late July, in the middle of the busiest summer I’ve had in my twenty years as a professional family photographer. It’s been an amazing few weeks, and I’m really looking forward to what my next photo shoots will bring. I have been rather neglecting the blog though, and so I apologise to regular readers for the slight hiatus in posting.
Today I want to share some pictures from a delightful morning I spent recently with one of the most fun little subjects I’ve seen this summer. A morning of exploring, of climbing, of hide and seek, and toy trains. All the things I love in a family photography session.
Choosing activities for a family photo shoot
I always suggest that when choosing activities for a family photo shoot that we do things a family normally does – this way the pictures will be full of memories, not of the photo shoot itself, but of the days, weeks, and years spent in favourite places with favourite people and favourite activities.
I was thrilled to hear we would be going for a walk on Hampstead Heath and then some time playing at home. Hampstead is one of my favourite places for family photography and I also always love to include some pictures at home, whatever the weather. Pictures are home are so full of memories, especially as often the family home changes over the course of a little one’s childhood and so being able to look back at pictures and talk about where they used to live is a lovely thing.
Enjoying nature
My little subject was such great fun, with an adventurous spirit he was keen to explores as soon as we got to the heath, dashing off even before we had got as far as shoes!
Once we had sorted out the required footwear, we headed first into one of the beautiful meadows of long grass and flowers and it wasn’t long before we found a ladybird. I love how carefully he takes it from his dad’s hand – an image all about connections, about being kind and nurturing from father to son and from son to the natural world. Watching parents teach their children to care for the world around us is a wonderful thing.
Climbing trees and hide and seek
Then we headed into the woods to find some trees to climb, always a favourite activity and there are so many amazing trees to choose from on Hampstead Heath.
From climbing trees, we moved onto a game of hide and seek with so much joy and laughter in both the hiding and the seeking. These images make me smile so much; I hope they will make you smile too.
Action shots on our family photo shoot on Hampstead Heath
Action packed activities followed with some running around – who needs to join a gym when you have children to entertain – and some throwing in the air which is always a brilliant subject for a silhouette and resulted in my favourite picture which opens this blog post.
Indoor images
By this point we were all in need of a cup of tea and a bit of a break and so we headed home for a snack and some quiet indoor activities including a fantastic electric train and some fun watering the garden.
Finishing with a book we had had a brilliant morning with so many lovely pictures to choose from. I can’t wait to share the full selection with the family but in the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this sneak preview from this joyful family photography session.
Book your family photo shoot now
If you would like to book your own family photography session this year, then do get in touch as August is incredibly busy and September and October have very few weekend slots left. November has more availability but I’m expecting this year to be sold out so get in touch sooner rather than later to secure your date.
