This gorgeous Bedfordshire autumn photoshoot is one of my recent favourites,  A family of three, soon to become four, the shoot doubled as a mini maternity shoot, and with an inquisitive toddler on the march I was kept on my toes as we explored beautiful Rowney Warren woods near Shefford.

The weather was kind, the light was sublime, and with no agenda and no script we set off, cameras strapped to my back, to enjoy a woodland walk with photo opportunities along the way.

I favour candid moments over forced posing, but I know that group shots are often the mantlepiece winners. So, as much as I’ll be snapping away as the children happily do their thing, I’ll always have an eye half open for spots ideal for the perfect group shot to frame and hang on the wall. 

This shoot was no different. There was plenty of exploring and hiding behind the bracken and ferns, with oodles of cuddles from mummy and daddy and more than enough gorgeous family moments to treasure.

And with mum sporting a stunning baby bump we made the most of the opportunity to capture some memorable maternity photos too. How special to have these photos to look back on and show baby Number 2 how utterly beautiful his mummy looked whilst she was carrying him.

Gosh I loved this shoot.

Of course, the most important thing for me is providing an all-round outstanding client experience. It’s not enough that the photos are loved and treasured (goes without saying), but the whole process – and especially the shoot itself – has to be enjoyable. After all, nobody wants to look at photos of a time where they felt awkward and uncomfortable. It’s why I shoot unscripted – no two families are the same and every child is different. I work hard to quickly get to know my lovely families so I can help put the kids and parents at ease from the outset.

It’s an approach that helped Maria and her family. On the day she told me that they’d never had professional family photos taken and as we walked back to our cars she confessed that she’d been concerned about how the shoot would work with an independent toddler keen to run and explore. She hadn’t expected the shoot to be as relaxed or as enjoyable or as easy as it was – music to my ears.

After each shoot I spend hours processing and editing the images before the gallery is finally ready to deliver. It’s not unusual for me to have a flutter of nerves and to blow an imaginary good luck kiss at the screen as I press the send button. It goes without saying that I treasure positive feedback, and the response I received from this gallery is no different.

Rowney Warren near Chicksands and Shefford in Bedfordshire (less than 20 minutes’ drive from Bedford) is a gem of a woodland, with bracken and ferns, dens, rope swings and beautiful walks. With plenty of easy tracks it’s ideal for Bedfordshire family photoshoots, whilst those keen for more outdoor adventuring can enjoy the hillier and more undulating terrain. With easy access from Hitchin, Shefford, Bedford, Stotfold, Baldock and Letchworth, Rowney Warren is a local gem and a firm favourite of mine, whether I’m out shooting with my cameras, or out for a family day with my own little pickle.

Find out about how I can bring your own family story to life with an unscripted photoshoot of your own > Discover more about my family photoshoot packages.