Family photography in Lyme Regis, Dorset

Today's blog is the first of two posts from Ed's fabulous 40th birthday weekend. I've been lucky enough to know Ed for many years now, since my first history lecture at Cardiff University when he sat down next to me and introduced himself. He has been one of my closest friends ever since and I was thrilled to be invited to his 40th birthday extravaganza at his parents' house in Lyme Regis in Dorset over the Easter weekend.

Ed's family and friends gathered from all over the country (and from America for his big brother and his family). It was going to be fantastic.

I suggested that we arrange a family shoot during the weekend - it's not often that everyone gets together and I know how dearly Ed loves his brothers and their families, I've been hearing all about the nieces and nephews for years. My offer was gladly accepted so I looked like I was moving into the B&B when I arrived with suitcases of clothes for Tom and I, and enormous bags of cameras.

Good Friday was bitterly cold but it didn't rain! I was amazed, thrilled and frankly very surprised - it's been such a wet spring.

We started our day indoors with a bit of play and some egg decoration while baby William had his nap, and some general chilling out as the cousins enjoyed each other's company and the brothers caught up after months apart. It was a wonderful atmosphere and I was so pleased to be a part of it.

To be able to capture a big family group photo, we did need to get outside as there simply wasn't room in Ed's parents beautiful cottage to get a nice shot of everyone together so hats and coats were put on and we went down to the beach. Oh it was bitterly cold but perfect as the beach was empty and it really felt like a British childhood holiday - a bit on the chilly side, but a stiff upper lip and all that!

As always, the older children didn't notice the cold at all and holes were dug in the sand and fun was had.

To warm up, we headed to the pub for ice cream (!?!) and chat before heading home.

It was a wonderful start to the weekend and I'm so thrilled with capturing this set of family photographs for one of my dearest friends.

I do hope you like them. More pictures shall follow from the rest of the weekend - after all, how many birthday parties involve a re-enactment of a scene from Jane Austen's Persuasion!

Children's birthday party photography in Parsons Green, SW London

I love children’s birthday parties – they are such wonderful events to photograph, and I was thrilled to visit Parsons Green in South West London for Stella’s first birthday party.

It was the most amazing day. I arrived before the party started to capture a few portraits of baby Stella on her first birthday, and also some family photographs before the guests arrived.

Stella was, as always, an absolute delight. Smiling, happy and absolutely beautiful. It was the most wonderful party with so much laughter and love as extended family and friends gathered to celebrate Stella's first birthday.

Here are a few favorites from Stella’s first birthday party photography in Parsons Green in South West London, I do hope you like them.

If you would like me to visit and capture some pictures of your own family, please contact us - we would be thrilled to hear from you.

Children's birthday party photography in Wimbledon, London

Two blog posts in a row featuring the same family - slightly radical, but it will all make perfect sense! After our morning family portrait session in Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon, I grabbed a bite to eat before returning to Kristina’s beautiful Wimbledon home to photograph her daughter Violet’s fourth birthday party.

I love photographing children’s birthday parties - they are always huge fun and it’s always an interesting challenge for me to capture lots of great pictures while not intruding in any way so that the children don’t even notice that I am there, allowing them to enjoy the entertainment and have a wonderful time.

Violet’s birthday party was a joy to photograph and the wonderful Fairy Jane provided fabulous entertainment for all. Here are a few favorites from Violet’s fourth birthday party photography in Wimbledon in West London. I hope you enjoy them.

Christening and family photography in Holland Park, London

I always reflect on how lucky I am to have so many repeat clients for my children family and baby photography in London and throughout the UK. I first met Belinda back in 2005, and have visited Belinda and her growing family every couple of years since then. It’s such fun to watch the children grow and to get to know the family over the years.

I’ve photographed two London-based christenings for Belinda now and they have both been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Thomas’ christening in Chelsea was no exception.

When photographing christenings, I tend to meet my families at home first to capture some family shots and pictures of the children as you never know how the little ones will react to a christening and to all the people at a big family gathering afterwards. Also, everyone has a bit of time beforehand, while afterwards there are guests to entertain, champagne to be drunk and - in this case - a brilliant children’s entertainer to watch.

So first of all a few family shots, as always the children were great fun and full of giggles. Then off to the church to meet family and friends. Unlike weddings, christenings are often quite restricted on when you can take pictures but I was allowed a couple of shots in the church which is lovely to have.

Then back to Belinda’s beautiful London home for some photographs of the christening party. I’m thrilled with the pictures and I do hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Christening photography in London

I truly think the best thing about my job is seeing families again and again, building up friendships with the parents and the children, and recording milestones in their lives. I love being the 'family photographer' who everyone gets to know - it is a privilege and a pleasure.

So I was thrilled when Karen called and asked if I was free for Ava's Christening - it was such a pleasure to see everyone again, and to be part of such a special day.

Unfortunately I was not allowed to photograph during the ceremony but I took lots of pictures before the christening, at the church and during the party afterwards when family and friends came together to celebrate with Ava. It was a cracking party and even had a band and dancing in the afternoon, which was great fun. The jerk chicken which I was invited to share was spectacular (those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that my love of photography is closely followed by a love of cooking).

I had a wonderful time capturing all the special moments of the day, such tenderness and love in such a wonderful family. I hope you will enjoy these photographs of Ava's Christening in London.