West London-based Wedding & Portrait Photographer Anna McCarthy

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The perfect Mother’s Day gift: An On-location Documentary Family photography Session

It was one of those perfect summer days the day I got together with Rachel and Nick and their three children for their third family photography session. So perfect in fact that we wisely decided to split the the day between a morning at their home and in the woods nearby, then breaking til that high summer sun lowered a little for a late afternoon outing into the countryside finishing up with fish and chips at sundown by the sea.

Everything about my family sessions is child-led and real. It’s not a photoshoot; it’s a day in your lives enjoying time together with me tagging along with my camera. With the exception of group family portrait where we come together and I will direct a little, and some individual and group portraits of the children, I just spend time with you capturing images that celebrate your relationships, personalities, and togetherness; genuine pictures with artistry and beauty and a record of memories just how your were, just as it was at this moment in your family lives.

Here are some of my favourites with a little bit of context to explain and demonstrate the kinds of images I will capture for you at your family session.
These are all in black and white but you will have every image in glorious colour too.

As soon as we got into the woods, the older children immediately climbed into the trees, with the usual consequences of course.

Pictures of siblings together, captured naturally about 30 mins into the session after they had forgotten I was there and just did their thing

Real memories of things you used to do with your children. They may not remember these activities but the pictures will tell them the story.

Siblings together showing togetherness and connection - in different ways

Suggesting a place for a group family portrait, then watching for moments afterwards

Family togetherness, off-guard

Engaging in quiet activities - in this case helping to pick some dandelions for grandpa

Quirky fleeting moments that describe character and traits

Finding a background and some beautiful light for some quick intimate portraits. They might have been taken in the studio except they weren’t - these are in the family kitchen just before heading out to play.

Family fun and games and the obligatory humiliation of mummy

Pictures with your children in special places you’ll remember

Doing just what they want to do, when they want to do it

Waiting for natural moments of contemplative togetherness

And moments of high antics and older brothers making the pecking order clear

As the sun dips down, shadows fall and it’s time to find some fish ‘n’ chips

I am available for Family Photography in London & throughout the UK any day of the year. Sessions can be anywhere with no time constraints - just you with your family doing what you want to do and being you.