Embrace the Outdoors: The Benefits of Child-Led Family Photography in South Essex

Capturing precious moments with your family is priceless. Every mother cherishes the little moments that are gone in a flash, but if you are anything like me, you also want to remember the everyday beautiful in-between moments. That's why having a family photoshoot is such a special experience. It's a time to document the love, the memories, and the joy with a sprinkling of chaos that your family shares. 

One of the best ways to have a family photoshoot is outside in the great outdoors, grounding yourselves in the earth and embracing all that our world has to offer. The benefits of an outdoor family photoshoot are numerous. It's the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and connect with nature. Natural light is incredibly flattering and can enhance your photographs in a way that studio lighting simply can't. And ultimately it provides a beautiful backdrop for your family photos.

One thing to keep in mind is that an outdoor family photoshoot is not about perfectly posed portraits. Rather, it's about capturing the essence of your family, the connections between family members, and the natural beauty of your surroundings. Child-led photography is the perfect way to achieve this. This approach allows your children to be themselves and for their unique personalities to shine through in the photos. 

Embracing child-led photography means giving your little ones the freedom to explore, play, and interact with their environment. This allows for more spontaneous moments that capture the true spirit and personality of your child and family. Whether it's jumping in puddles, collecting flowers, or playing in the sand, the results are often more authentic and genuine than posed photos.

Now, let's talk about some of the best locations in South Essex for an outdoor family photoshoot at golden hour. 

1. Hockley Woods: With its tall trees and open spaces, Hockley Woods is a great location for a family photoshoot. The dappled light filtering through the trees creates a magical atmosphere that's perfect for capturing storytelling, and relaxed family portraits.

2. Two Tree Island: This nature reserve located in Leigh-on-Sea is a beautiful location for a family photo shoot at golden hour. The views across the estuary are stunning, and the vast open space provides the perfect backdrop for your family photos.

3. The Beach: The beach is always a popular location for family photoshoots, and for good reason. The soft sand and gentle waves create a natural and timeless setting for your family portraits.I always love to capture the rocky backdrop and sand dunes too to offer some variety and gorgeous visual interest. 

4. Hadleigh Country Park: With its picturesque lake and rolling hills, Hadleigh Country Park is a wonderful location for a family photoshoot. The scenic views and tranquil atmosphere make for some stunning family portraits.

Now that you know some of the best locations in South Essex for an outdoor family photoshoot, it's time to prepare for the big day. I have a blog I’ve written for you here, it gives you 9 tips to help you prepare for your family session during golden hour. Ultimately make sure your children are comfortable and happy by dressing them in comfortable clothing and by bringing snacks and water. Plan ahead to ensure that everyone knows what to expect, and be open to the spontaneity and joy that comes with child-led photography. 

An outdoor family photoshoot is a wonderful way to capture your family's memories and milestones in a natural, relaxed, and authentic way. Embracing child-led photography and exploring the beauty of South Essex is sure to create cherished family photos that will be treasured for years to come.