Under the Boardwalk

Now for the second part of my recent photo weekend. Day two was to be a more gentle affair. After all, day one was a bit frantic and we were all totally exhausted. I decided that a relaxing stroll along the pier was in order. If you've never been to Penarth Pier then I urge you to do so. It is the most beautiful of Victorian landmarks and (for me) just perfect for photo sessions.

Today's models were a great family that I had the pleasure to photograph last year. Not only are they all stunning but they are naturals with the camera - perfect for my visiting photographer friends to get their hands on.

Yet again, I didn't photograph too much. I preferred to sit and chat to mum whilst looking after the bags of kit scattered over the pier. After all, I've photographed on the pier LOADS of times. I already had lots of great images of these children. It was new and exciting for my visitors but my portfolio is full to bulging with these types of images. But ... I had a plan. I often get pictures in my head. I knew EXACTLY what I want to shoot. I wanted to go under the pier with the eldest of the family - a stunning almost 15 year old. I could envisage something funky using the beautiful diffused light and the textured surroundings.







Photographing older children (or should I say young adults) is always a pleasure for me. I capture so many babies and toddlers that it's always refreshing to try something a little different. A bit more funky. A touch more urban and hip.

Finally, a HUGE hank you to all of my wonderful models for your patience. I hope you had fun - I know we did!

Cardiff Family Photography { Fun in the Leaves }

Gosh, I'm behind on this old blogging business at the moment. So many lovely family sessions to showcase, a girl doesn't even know where to start. I thought I would start with a session I've wanted to shout about for a while and some gentle autumnal sunshine is just what I need right now as I can't feel my toes and my fingers are so numb that I can hardly type :(

We met in Thompson Park in Cardiff one Saturday morning. The girls were great and SO creative. The eldest of the two spent sometime giving me the synopsis of her impending novel whilst her younger sister entertained me with a conversation about Harry Potter.

The best bit about sessions for me is taking the kids off on their own (if that's OK with Mum and Dad) for a chat to relax them whilst I take some candid shots which capture their natural personalities and avoiding unwelcome forced smiles. Cheese? No thanks!



We finished the session off by calling Mum and Dad away from their game of frisbee for some family shots. I just LOVE these images - to me it just shows the natural fun of this family.

My Little Star!

You may remember a while back I ran a contest to find a Little Star. The winner was picked by the public via Facebook and it was an amazing success. Over 800 votes in total, an astounding 207 of those were votes for one boy in particular - my little star of 2010!

After a few chats with Mum we arranged to meet half way between their home in Carmarthenshire and my home in Cardiff - Swansea seemed to be the perfect place.

I can honestly say that this little chap certainly is a star! He was so cool and calm for a 3 year old. We played hide and seek, a bit of footie, leaf throwing (all be it a bit soggy!) and finally over to the beach for some treasure hunting.

Mum and Dad were super organised with about a trillion outfit changes which was just as well as we all got a bit muddy round the edges. Congratulations little man for coming in first place - you certainly proved that you are a very worthy winner.

" No! THIS is how you do it!"




Big sister came along too for some moral support. I love shooting teens and she was absolutely amazing with the camera.





Thanks to all for a great morning session! Many more to come ...

South Wales Family Photography { Barry Island? Tidy! }

Barry Island - love it or hate it; it's one of my favourite locations for a funky photo sessions with older children and families. We arrived at 6pm, just as the lifeguards were going home and the holiday makers packing up after a day of sun, sand, sea and ice cream.

This session was a gift from an uncle who was looking for a unique gift for his niece. She was apparently dramatic by nature and a bit of a star so I just knew we were going to have some fun.

Accompanied by her older brother and sister; we ventured to my favourite 'secret' spots and ended the session on the deserted beach save a few seagulls looking for some tasty late evening snacks.

With a memory card full of great shots and sand in my shoes, I headed home to an evening of X-Factor (yes, I am sad!) and the odd glass of wine. The end to a great day.

Thanks so much to this great family who made the session so much fun. Here are a few previews as promised ...

Little Fashionista!

Up in Aberdare this afternoon with this fantastic young lady who was born to model and knew exactly what she wanted and where she wanted to be photographed (even up a tree!). So many photos to go through but, whilst I am editing the rest, here is a sneak peek for Mother and Daughter. Thanks for such a great afternoon!

Pure Attitude

I don't get to photograph this age as much as I would like. So much attitude and charisma from this chap it was amazing. Maybe the look had more to do with the fact it was raining than anything else :)

The Hat!

Over half way through the summer holidays and not sure how I have managed to keep a 10 year old and a 2 year old (sort of) occupied. Just as surprised that my eldest happily posed for some portraits this afternoon, I usually have to pay him! I think it might have something to do with his new hat which rarely leaves his head these days :)

Down on the Farm

The photo shoots in Weston this weekend gave me the perfect excuse to visit my family. My Mum keeps a horse in a local farm so (true to form) I dragged my eldest along to take some pictures. Can you believe I had to pay him??! That's 10 year olds for you!

Teenager in the making.

He is growing up so fast now - almost 10 and acting like a teenager already! I love this image of my eldest son and further backs up my love of graffiti and brick walls as an excellent backdrop for portraits. I have just confirmed a portrait shot of a beautiful 23 year old girl and you will be seeing lots of urban backdrops for that one - I can guarantee it!! :)