Ashling originally contacted me to book a maternity shoot, but unfortunately I was booked out in the timeframe she needed, so she was keen to book a family shoot for Liam's 6-month milestone.
Like 99% of families I photograph, the fear of being "not very photogenic" was the number one concern. Ashling wanted a photographer with the right type of energy to produce "natural and authentic photos" as she had experienced a photographer who had focused too much on the technical stuff. This is where my prompts, not posing method has proven to be soooooo effective. Keeping the shoot flowing without awkward pauses, the family relaxed and the energy light-hearted and fun is an absolute must for naturally looking portraits.
“I specifically chose Joanna Kate Photography as I can see she captures well taken photos that capture real moments nature”
Originally Berlin (the family's 7 year old border collie) was coming to the shoot, but Ashling fell in love with some family photos I shot at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, so Berlin missed out this time. Mt Coot-tha was the perfect location, not too far from their family home in Teneriffe, and one of my favourite because of the variety of backdrops and soft, filtered light.
Liam wears hearing aids, so we chose a quiet mid-week session to avoid the hustle and bustle of weekend picnics in the gardens.
I'd timed the session to start just as the sun dipped behind the trees and treated us to a backdrop of soft golden light. The concrete paths were great for the stroller, so it was easy to move between locations as we followed the available light as it moved around the gardens.
Ashling and Dan had brought Liam's favourite sensory toy, which was perfect to bring his eyes to the camera for the close up shots. They sang songs and Liam giggled as his eyes sparkled with pure delight! Can you see where he inherited those gorgeous smiling eyes?!
As the afternoon came to an end, I was in no doubt that Liam is loved to infinity and back. I left the shoot with a warm heart and filled with gratitude that this loving family chose me to document their family love story.
