Too often as parents we concentrate on capturing the milestones: the pregnancy, the first few weeks with your newborn, the first birthday party and so on.
But while chasing the milestones we often forget about the everyday moments. The moments that are just as important, but so much more easily forgotten in the haze of the first few years of parenthood.
Moments that are unique to every family. You might be the outdoorsy lot, out in sun and rain. You might prefer a quiet Sunday afternoon lounging on a sofa with a pile of books and a TV on. You could be crafty, or beach-lovers, or enjoy spending your time baking.
My mission is to make sure every family remembers not to chase “perfect moments” or “perfect family photos” but instead takes the time to document the little everyday things that are unique to you – things that one day in not so distant future will become the big things, and the things you miss the most.
So right now, as I’m watching the last days of the summer fade away – and already missing it! – I decided to post these fifteen things you can choose to do for your family photoshoot in the next couple of months. If you’d like to book your family session involving one or more of these activities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Here we go!
Photos at a Pick Your Own Farm
Head to your local farm – or your own garden or allotment and pick berries and dig up carrots. Make a pie after! A fun day out, special memories created and gorgeous pictures guaranteed.
Beach Day Photos
Take advantage of the late summer heatwave, load up the car and head to the water! Finding the perfect spot and enjoy the water and sun. Build a sand castle too!
Photos on a Camping Trip
Or glamping. Or camp in your back garden. Of build a den in the woods. Get a BBQ going. Light a fire. Whatever you do, have fun!
Riding a Bicycle
Go for a family bicycle ride in the countryside or along the river. Stop and have a picnic and feed the ducks.
Have a Picnic
There are some fun photos to be made on a big family picnic! Don’t forget to pack some games such as kites, balls and rackets to keep the kids entertained!
Hot Day Water Fun
Perfect for a hot day! Running through a sprinkler, visiting a splash park, backyard pool shenanigans, water balloons, bubble fun, water gun fight – you name it!
Document Your Day Visiting a Castle
From Hampton Court to Ham House, and Arundel to Hever, there is an infinite choice of castles and historic houses to visit in the summer. And some of them even put on re-enactment days. What a fun way to capture childhood!
Capture Memories While Mushroom Hunting
Visit a local forest and hunt and identify mushrooms. Or, build a den from fallen branches and leaves (handy tip: there are plenty of building materials in Bracknell Forest, near the Lookout).
Cross The Channel and Book a Vacation Photoshoot
Go on a day trip – the French Coast of the old town of Brugge. Wander around, eat ice-cream and be in your holiday pictures.
Funfair Photos are… Fun!
Or an amusement park (Chessington’s my favourite). Or a zoo. You get the idea.
Go Boating
Got a boat? Travel along the rivers and canals for a relaxing day out, stop at the riverside pubs and walk the dogs. Enjoy!
Apple Picking
Visit a local orchard (Garsons in Esher is my favourite) and pick apples. Invite the grandparents over and make an apple pie together.
Play a Board Game
For the days when it’s raining, get together, pull a favourite game out and have fun as a family!
Cuddle Up and Read
Here in Britain not all summer days are filled with sunshine! Sometimes it’s perfectly ok to stay indoors, wear pajamas all day and read together.
Go to a Playfarm or Your Favourite Playground
My favourite is Bocketts Farm in Surrey – with animals big and small, pig races, playground and an inside play area it’s a big hit with the kids. Make a day out of it and capture some special family times.
