I recently met up with Chris and Emma and their gorgeous kids Kai and Nyah for a lifestyle photo shoot. We used Ashton Park in Preston,Lancashire to give us some green background, and to let the kids have some space to play.  I’m used to working as a wedding photographer, which I love, but I do enjoying lifestyle portrait sessions almost as much. I was excited about this shoot as I just LOVE letting kids charge around big open spaces such as grassy fields. But adding to the fun they also have a new dalmatian puppy called Lulu. I can honestly say that at times, a family session can be just as stressful as working as a wedding photographer. But as a mother of a toddler myself, I understand completely that you need to let kids be kids. I always go to a lifestyle session with some ideas in my head of what I’d like to try, but the reality is that often they don’t work exactly as planned, as the younger kids may not want to cooperate. So I like to snap away at the kids doing what they do best… being themselves! I try to keep it as low pressure as possible for all involved, especially the parents. If they see that I’m relaxed and going with the flow, they’re more likely to relax themselves. Then everyone’s happy all round!

We had a great time together at Ashton Park. Kai is a proper little adventurer, he was miles ahead of us the whole time. Emma had to keep asking him to come back, so by the end of the session he’d done a fair few laps! I’m sure he slept well that night.

Nyah is so full of life, she loved charging through the Autumn leaves. Keeping up with her was a challenge!!

Chris and Emma, thank you both so much for asking me to capture your lifestyle photography for you. Here’s some of the pictures from our session,  enjoy!