I love looking through old photo albums from generations past. The stilted families in formal studio settings with everyone in their Sunday best – starched white collars, choking cinched ties and stiff itchy crinolines forcing skirts out in daringly bold angles. I smile as I wonder how the children felt about this unnatural environment – and how the parents struggled to get them into those clothes.
There were no uncomfortable outfits, sweltering lights or stringent rules in a family shoot I did recently. We went to a gently slopping hilltop adorned with a gnarly old tree. It's branches spread wide and it dusted the ground below with a gorgeous palette of autumn leaves. I came prepared with a rake, some baskets, bubbles and apples. As the two older siblings raked and tossed leaves, played hide and seek and blew bubbles, I took photos.
This is the season when Mother Nature offers us the perfect backdrop for family photos – rich warm tones and gorgeous lighting. 'Seize the season' and book your family portrait now.
