Rutland Water Family Photography

I cannot believe it was around about this time last year I was delivering photographs to a Rutland family from a family photography session at Rutland Water. It was far more like winter than the crazy warm weather we have had very recently. The session had been freezing but everyone was wrapped up, there were only one (possibly two) muddy puddle incidents with only one child losing a boot and no, no-one climbed a tree.

They were strategically placed there by a very tall father!

Rutland Water, I'm a #loyalfan

I am a massive fan of Rutland water, not just because of the weddings at Normanton Church and the beautiful wedding photography you can capture there, but also as a place to have a family photography session. Rutland Water is easy to get to and there are so many areas to explore. Water, sandy shores, rocks and boulders, thickets of trees and flat ground with paths to walk and cycle on - all of these places to explore with children and pets make for great family photos.

What is lifestyle outdoor family photography?

Very simply, lifestyle family photography is a style of people photography that aims to capture and document real-life situations and events in an artistic manner.

It’s a session where a family will hang out, against a well-loved backdrop (be it at home or outdoor) and where I will document the events. The session can include the odd posed photograph and may even be able to capture a portrait (if a child can sit still for long enough!) but the majority of photographs are of the family in action and interacting. I believe these make for far better family photographs as they really lock that moment in time and tell a story of the day. You will look at those photos and see how happy you all are and how much you love there is between you all. There is no stress that someone isn’t looking at the camera or worry over a double chin. You won’t flick through the photos and simply remark ‘oh that’s a nice photo of you all’ but rather, be thinking ‘What was it that made him laugh so much?’ or ‘Do you remember when he lost his boot in the mud?’ and possibly the best thing of all – you’re all in the photo. It’s not up to one of you to take the photos on your mobile phone camera.

What do you do in a family photography session at Rutland Water?

Before the photoshoot, I send you a questionnaire to get to know you a little. We’ll discuss what it is you’re after and if you have any favourite backdrops and family activities you like to do. As I am based in Rutland and am often meeting local families, it’s natural we end up at Rutland Water. However, I have done family photography sessions outdoors in Uppingham, in the family home in and even at East Carlton Park in Corby which is really not very far and just as picturesque. We’ll also discuss outfits and what you will do with the photos after (gifting, printing) and book two dates. One for the session and one as a back up in case it really rains or, I dunno, snows in July. It could happen!

Rutland Water family photography sessions

My sessions are really informal and fun. Rest assured, I don't start snapping as soon as I see you! After a walk and chat, I normally start photographing the younger ones by themselves and then get the parents involved. I photograph you interacting and having fun. Simply enjoy and be distracted by the little ones and each other. Just have fun, be silly, tickle, play games. The best results are when you all interact and try to forget the camera is there!

You may see me pop amongst some branches, create some distance or even be there next to you to capture the perfect portraits. You may also find that I will give a little direction at times just to ensure everyone looks comfortable, but more often than not, I am capturing you all interacting as a family as your time unfolds.

What makes a good family photography session?

A good session happens if you and your family are prepared. Arrive fed, comfortable and throw your nerves away. Being hungry, needing the loo and not up for movement and laughter with me will show in your photos. It’s also a much better session when all the adults involved WANT to be there! If someone has been dragged against their will, swap them for someone else!!

Have a look at my galleries beforehand. Know my style and see a typical full session so you know what will be expected of you. Come with a bag of tricks that you know will get the kids laughing. Pick them up, throw them around and enjoy a walk. Re-enact ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ if you have to! Talk about what you’re going to have for dinner, talk about what you did last weekend. If you are stuck, don’t worry, I’ll have a few suggestions.

Dress appropriately. If we’re going for a walk at Rutland Water then leave the heels at home. If you’re at home then walk around in your socks and no need to wear a watch or swanky jewellery (unless that’s really how you roll!)

Try not to look at the camera unless I ask you to! This will only happen in a posed group shot, the rest of the time….I am NOT there.

Avoid worrying about your kid's behaviour. This is not about your ‘Sunday best’, this is about capturing you all as you naturally are.

And lastly, if you are booking on behalf of someone else or as a gift, do be sure it is something they are after and are comfortable with doing. Photography sessions are a lovely idea as a gift and often we all have different ideas as to what a photography session is. My style is a documentary approach so just ensure that whoever you are booking on behalf of know what this means and that they are prepared to have FUN! In fact, point them to this very blog!

If you know you want outdoor or indoor family photography in Rutland then do get in touch to discuss. No obligation to book. Many families consider family photography as an annual event, as a way to document their life as a family. If this is you, then let me know as I would be happy to discuss a package that could accommodate this. More information on my family photography can be found on my Rutland family photography page.

Gina xoxo