After photographing Amy during her final weeks of pregnancy, for a maternity portrait, her baby boy arrived sooner than expected, and I visited their home in West Sussex, when he was around 9 weeks old, to meet him and the growing family.
Amy had booked me as her newborn photographer during her maternity session but as nature often takes its own path, her dates were rescheduled and the photoshoot became a family and baby session.
The weather was a little less predictable in August, so we started the shoot at her house to capture some cuddly moments between her older daughter and the new baby, while the rain subsided. I always allow at least two hours for my baby and family photoshoots that include other family members, so after a half hour warm-up at her West Sussex home, we planned to set off to a nearby park for relaxed, playful outdoor shots with the whole family, with plenty of time for a variety of locations.
I began by capturing 'lifestyle' shots of Amy's 3-year-old daughter cuddling with her new brother. These candid moments showed the lovely bond between the siblings, with Amy gently placing her son on the sofa and her daughter eagerly snuggling up beside him. Her daughter's excitement and affection for her baby brother were very clear as she showered him with kisses.
As a Horsham baby photographer, I am surrounded by the beautiful Sussex countryside and whether shooting indoors or outdoors, I use natural light and a 'lifestyle' approach to help everyone feel relaxed and at ease in front of the camera, especially dads, who often prefer a more candid style of photography.
My lifestyle newborn, baby, or family photography captures real-life moments as they unfold, blending elements of documentary and a gently curated style in my photos. While I guide families to the best available light and settings, my focus always remains on natural interactions and genuine emotions.
During the outdoor part of our photoshoot, we were kept on our toes by the typical English weather, with unpredictable bursts of rain which sent us running to the trees for shelter!. But I always come prepared for these eventualities and took umbrellas that we could huddle under if caught out.
Once under the tree canopy, I took advantage of the softened light and captured a natural group pose of the family. And even with the weather challenges, we made use of one of the umbrellas for a colorful, practical moment between locations.
Amy's daughter's vibrant personality shone through in many photos, her expressive eyes adding warmth to the family portraits. Moving through different locations, we paused for a couple of group shots, ensuring everyone felt relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
Throughout the photo session, I found opportunities to capture tender moments between Amy and her baby son, focusing on the bond of motherhood. These intimate portraits, which were completely candid captured the tender emotion and connection between her and her new baby.
I hope this glimpse into our baby photoshoot conveys how I document real-life stories with authenticity and warmth. If you have questions or want to discuss capturing your maternity, newborn or family moments, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to hearing about your plans and creating lasting memories together.
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