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A family shoot in sunny Sidmouth

A new four-legged family member provided the perfect excuse for some updated family portraits



When Gemma got in touch to book a family photo shoot, my feelings were mixed. She's a talented amateur photographer, you see, and someone whose work I follow and admire. So to be chosen to capture her family memories was humbling and nerve-wracking in equal measure!


Gemma's main reason for booking a shoot was a recent addition to her family, in the shape of Rolo the puppy. Although Gemma had taken lots of photos of him already, she wanted some portraits that included the whole family - and to be in front of the camera for a change. At just 13 weeks old, Rolo was finally allowed to go out and about, so we seized the opportunity.


Planning the shoot

Gemma knew that she wanted her family portraits to be taken outdoors, but didn't have any fixed ideas about where. After discussing a few options, we settled on a location that I had used previously in Sidmouth. I knew that it would offer a good variety of backdrops, which would result in a diverse selection of images to choose from.


Whenever I'm planning an outdoor photo shoot, my first consideration is the light. Specifically, I need to think about where, when and how I will shoot the portraits if it's a sunny day. In this case, I picked some spots that I knew would offer some beautiful filtered backlight in the early evening. We planned the shoot around this, with a back-up plan of meeting slightly earlier if the forecast sunny weather didn't materialise.


The shoot

As it happened, we were in luck. After several weeks of rainy, changeable weather, the sun decided to make an appearance.


I started by taking a selection of posed portraits, before moving on to some more natural shots of the family's interactions. I also wanted to capture the lovely bond between Rolo and Gemma's son - and, of course, take some portraits of Rolo himself. And, because it's important for a family shoot to be fun, we finished off with a bit of running and tree-climbing (well, when I say 'we'...!).


Here are just a few of the images I captured for Gemma and her family:














The feedback

Gemma and her family were delighted with their photos, and left me this wonderful review:


"Whatever photoshoot you choose you will not be disappointed when you choose Sarah.


From the very first contact Sarah strives to provide you with the images you want, from suggesting the best locations and wanting to know a little about all participants so the shoot best reflects you and your family.


Not only is Sarah a fabulous photographer she is also calm and patient with children and pets and knows exactly what to say/do to provide you with beautiful natural or posed images.


I am so glad I chose Sarah to capture our family."


Thank you, Gemma - it was my absolute pleasure!








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