Autumn Family Photography – Stockhill Woods
When I initially planned this shoot, I had a picture in my mind of vibrant autumn leaves. However, whilst I scouted for a location, I realised that I was looking for soft autumnal tones and I was over the moon to discover the unique beauty of Stockhill Woods. It was a little further from Bristol than I usually travel but I knew this family would be up for an adventure! It is the perfect balance of dense woodland and open moorland with the additional bonus of beautiful ponds.
Family Photography – Outfit Choices
Although I am always keen to reflect every client’s individuality, I have begun to realise the value of planning outfit choices. Having a cohesive look and considering colours and patterns in clothing can have a huge impact on the overall look of your images. I am not suggesting for a second that you all wear matching outfits but rather think about complementary colours and patterns. This family fully embraced this concept and I think the success is reflected in their final photographs.
What to Expect from a Family Photography Shoot
I will always visit a location before a shoot as this allows me to find and plan the best spots. I have worked with children as a Primary School Teacher for over ten years and I know that when working with children plans need to be flexible! I usually start off with a group shot of you all together, but I really don’t ask you to pose or even look at the camera. My goal is to capture your natural interactions with each other. That means there is time for fun, adventure and play! This family were amazing and totally up for a relaxed experience. When they got cold, they sprinted up and down the paths and when they got bored, they had a fight with autumn leaves. These kids are bike crazy, so we even snuck in a cool shot of them on their bikes!
When to Book a Family Photography Shoot
I love to shoot at ‘golden hour’, the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset as it produces beautiful, soft diffused light. I know this can be a challenge with young children, but I promise you that it is worth it. I am REALLY not a morning person but for that light, I will do it! Luckily, this was a sunset shoot and even though the forecast was for rain we managed to escape the downpour and end up with some striking moody skies.