I met Ruth and Tony at an NCT class almost 5 years ago now. We’ve been friends ever since. We have watched our babies grow into pre-schoolers and have supported each other through the ups and downs of this adventure called parenthood.
Given all that history, it was really lovely to photograph them. Ruth wanted some natural photographs of their daughters being themselves and playing with their cousins. We agreed that Father’s Day would make a great occasion for a family portrait session as the whole family would be getting together to celebrate.
This was a truly documentary family photography session. We didn’t pose anything and the children didn’t have to behave for the camera. Instead I spent a couple of hours at Ruth and Tony’s house in Palmers Green, observing and documenting all that was happening. I watched the girls jump around on the sofa, rescue ladybirds and hide blueberries all around the house for grandpa to find. I photographed little Carrie waking up from her nap and being all cuddly and sleepy. I took pictures of the family watching Peppa Pig together.
I take photographs to keep hold of memories that might otherwise be lost. For me, it’s all about capturing real moments and documenting the ordinary yet precious moments that make up our lives. The photographs from this family session hopefully do just that. They show the energy, the love and the chaos that come with having young kids. When Ruth and Tony look back on the pictures in years to come, they will remember how beautiful and crazy life was in 2016.
