What a beautiful family. Meet Sophie, Sean, Jude and Florence.
We spent a wonderful day together, at their home, in a shoot to welcome baby Florence to the world. I’ve known Sophie for years. I first met her back in the days when I worked in hair and makeup and since then I’ve done a few photography sessions for a close friend of hers. When she was pregnant with Florence we chatted a lot about family shoots and booked one in for when Florence arrived. Sophie and Sean had known throughout their pregnancy that Florence had Downs Syndrome and, as Sophie told me, there was never a choice to be made. They just wanted to be prepared.
Bristol Newborn Photographer
Sophie and Sean loved my relaxed, unposed style of newborn photography and were initially keen for an outdoor shoot. Their three year old, Jude, would be joining us. He is an absolute bundle of energy so they were thinking it would be great to go somewhere that he could run around and let off some steam! The weather wasn’t on our side though and our outdoor newborn session just wasn’t meant to be. We didn’t let that deter us and decided to do a shoot at their home instead.
Now, Sophie and Sean, as well as having just had a new addition in the family were also mid house renovations too! They were concerned that this would impact the photos but, as I tell every family I work with, that’s not something to worry about. A house doesn't need to be perfect, it’s all about the family in front of my camera. I can move things, cover things up, hide things. No one ever needs to know! As it turned out though, the bare plaster walls made a beautiful backdrop.
Family Focused Newborn Photographs
Jude was a real livewire. A joyful, energetic little boy with the most beautiful smile. As always I kept the shoot very relaxed and led by them. We just took our time. We devised lots of games for Jude involving karate kicks, jumps, running about and cuddles for his baby sister. He was so affectionate towards Florence and adored kissing and cuddling her. The connection between the two of them was so lovely to capture.
Sophie just loves being a mum, and you can see the love in her eyes whenever she looks at her kids. She told me that since having Jude and Florence she’s more patient and organised. It’s made her realise what’s important in life. I think every parent out there can agree with all of that.
When it comes to lifestyle family photography I always tell parents ahead of time to just go with the flow. I never promise anything, I’m open to whatever happens and I capture whatever goes on. Well, we had the most wonderful unplanned moment on their shoot. I was upstairs with Sophie and Florence when Sean came up to tell us that Jude had fallen asleep on the sofa. Bless him, he looked so cute, all tucked up there. We decided to move him upstairs and, by sheer coincidence Florence had just dropped off too. Jude and Florence cuddled up together on Sean and Sophie’s bed. I captured some beautiful, cuddly, sleepy photos of the two children. It was just gorgeous! Us three adults were so emotional looking at them. What an adorable moment!
If we’d gone for our original idea of an outdoor shoot we would never have seen those sleepy cuddles. Sometimes going with the flow, changing it up and opting for Plan B is exactly what is meant to be!
“Thanks so much. We are eternally grateful that we chose you, and have these images to last a lifetime!”
If you’ve got a new addition to the family and would like some unposed, laidback newborn photographs by a Bristol newborn photographer in Bath or across the South West then please get in touch.