MELANIE GRACE

Tag: family photography

  • Photograph your older kids | Why it’s never too late to start

    Photograph your older kids | Why it’s never too late to start

    Photograph your older kids | Why it’s never too late to start 

    Many people are really focussed on getting the photographs of the first year of their children’s lives. Documenting and capturing, especially when it’s their first. But as life can get busy and needs more intricate you can often forget to photograph your older kids.

    I have seen people have a lightbulb moment when they say they look back at their teenager and can’t believe how they have changed in a year. 

    So when should you be taking the time for professional photographs of your family? Is it just for when they are round and tiny? Absolutely not.

    The best time is now. 

    Family of four sit with back to camera and look out to sea
    paretns and teenagers look out to sea. Photograph your older kids
    teenage sisters piggyback at the beach Photograph your older kids
    teenage sister play in the sea
    Sisters run on the beach as parents walk behind looking on

    We keep this love in a photograph

    Our kids, they never stop growing, they are forever changing and evolving. Even if you think you have missed the perfect window, let me tell you that you’ll always look back and see a difference in them. Their faces suddenly slimmer, their eyes wiser. It is not exaggeration to say blink and you miss it.

    Take it from me, as a mother to teenagers and almost teenagers. As they grow older the distance between you and them increases, moments together are temporary and like anything that grows they are being primed for life away from us. Their own life. So I say capture them in this time. There will be no regrets having these memories of your big kids to look back on. 

    profile shot of family looking out to sea
    family hold hands and walk towards the ocean
    family hold hands together and put them together in a star shape
    Mother and teenage daughters smile at the camera
    Dad with teenage daughters smiling at the camera
    parents cuddle as they watch daughters playing in the sea Photograph your older kids

    Photograph your older kids

    I know that this beautiful family adored their time in Woolacombe, Devond connecting, laughing. Knowing that they had also found the time to focus on their family for a little time and share the experience of a photoshoot together was special in itself, as well as capturing their family in photographs.

    Truly there is no time when they are too old. Our lives are a former growing and evolving journey. I certainly am not the same person I was a few years ago. 

    So I urge you to remember, the best time is now. A family photoshoot takes a couple of hours of your life. But what it will give you in return is so much more. Find an hour or so to capture memories these together. Photograph your older kids! We can make it work. 

    Connect with me now for your discovery call.

  • Family Photographer Devon | Dreamy Wild Horses session

    Family Photographer Devon | Dreamy Wild Horses session

    The back of Mum and Little boy as they call a wild horse to them during Family Photographer Devon Session

    Ah September sessions, I love those first signs of autumn. The subtly changing colours and the bite in the air. Signs of cosy blanketed evenings and early Sunsets. Perfect for getting in a photoshoot before bedtime! 

    This shoot with Blanche, Dean and Otto was beyond magical. As far as a family photographer Devon based goes, this was a true dream. What more could I need than a sunset on Dartmoor, stunning light, wild ponies and a beautiful family?! 

    I find it incredible by the way that Ponies have lived on Dartmoor since prehistoric times. In spite of this they actually have owners and are rounded up once a year. A little local fact for you.

    black and white shot of the backs of the heads of mum and little boy sharing cuddle
    Two Wild horses on Dartmoor National Park
    Family shot of Dad holding little boy whilst mum leans in and both look at camera during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Woman leans into camera with arms up wearing orange spell and gypsy dress during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Mum and son share a kiss as Mum holds him during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Stunning moody sunset sky with hints of pink cloud during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Mum stroking wild horse whilst little boy looks on during Family Photographer Devon Session
    hand stroking muzzle of wild horse

    Continuing your story

    This was the second time that I’ve shot Blanche and Otto, as I photographed Otto as a baby during one of my first sessions after I moved back to Cornwall. So lovely to look back on and two years on and It gave me all the feels to see how much he’d grown. Times flies and I know that Blanche is so glad to have these photographs to serve as special memories. 

    Mum swings little boy in front of wild grasses
    Little blonde boy smiles into camera with beautiful light highlighting him during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Little boy snuggling into Mums arms during Family Photographer Devon Session
    little hand holding on to mums arm
    Mum and son near beautifully lit wild grasses during Family Photographer Devon Session

    Family Photographer Devon

    Recording your family laughing and loving in the moment is something I am passionate about. It makes my heart flutter capturing those candid interactions and moments that make up your family’s stories. I especially love when you share your creative vision with me for your photographs.

    Your session is yours. When you book with me, we’ll chat about your vision. This is your opportunity to create that moment you’ve dreamed about. Maybe it’s a barefoot and wild session on the beach and waist deep in the sea. Perhaps ethereal pregnancy dreams and a lazy morning cuddled up in bed with your babies. Or even, like Blanche, Dean and Otto – a sunset and wild horses.

    Dad holds son over shoulder and boy leans back with a smile during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Dad holds son up during Family Photographer Devon Session
    close up of Little boy holding Dads fingers during Family Photographer Devon Session
    black and white images of mum and Dad swinging son during Family Photographer Devon Session
    mum and Dad swinging son during Family Photographer Devon Session during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Mum holds son up with beautiful scenery of Dartmoor National Park behind during Family Photographer Devon Session
    Back of couple and child looking off into moody skies sunset

    Send me a message HERE and tell me your session dreams, and we’ll make it happen. The best thing is you’ll have photos of these moments to keep forever. 

    Woman wears orange dress and twirls in a circle

    Blanche wears the Buttercup dress, available in the studio wardrobe.


  • Lifestyle Family Photography | Sand Dunes and Salty Air

    Lifestyle Family Photography | Sand Dunes and Salty Air

    family of four children hugging during ifestyle family photography session

    I love to connect with you and the wonderful Jess over on instagram is no exception. We have a shared love of relaxed moments and slow living. I was delighted when she booked me in for some lifestyle family photography.

    Slow and relaxed was exactly the vibe that Jess was seeking in her natural, candid, family photographs. She wanted to be able to capture the personalities of her beautiful children naturally and in the moment, exactly as the are now.

    This was especially pertinent as like most of us, it was such a different Summer for their family during Lockdown, a time that absolutely should be recorded to look back on.

    family of four looking over a bridge at the beach during lifestyle family photography session
    mother and two children climbing up the sand dunes during lifestyle family photography session
    family walk towards camera with little girl in foreground at the beach during lifestyle family photography session
    little boy rolls down the sand dunes during lifestyle family photography session
    wild grasses and blurred family lifestyle family photography session
    overhead shot of little girl playing on blanket on the beach during ifestyle family photography session
    mother plays with son on blanket in the sand dunes during ifestyle family photography session
    close up shot of little girl playing with a shell during lifestyle family photography session
    Father and son sit on blanket in the sand dunes during lifestyle family photography session

    Ask yourself “What do you want to remember?”

    I connected immediately with this beautiful family whose love and joy were truly palpable. The children didn’t stop giggling and playing. It was truly heartwarming to be able to be in the background, capturing the family at play.

    We also took some time to capture Jess breastfeeding Sebastian. Remembering these precious and intimate moments is really important to Jess. 

    I asked Jess what else she wanted to remember during this time, she shared this with me;

    “How happy we are, despite the exhaustion and chaos. Especially how happy we are this year because we’ve been lucky to have so much extra time together through lockdown. It feels like we’re all thriving at the moment and I want to bottle it!”

    Jess Emmett

    What a wonderful outlook on these past few years.

    family of four sit on beach laughing with each other whilst toddler nurses from mother
    mother breastfeeds toddler whilst looking out to sea
    family of four paddle in the sea during lifestyle family photography
    blonde curly haired girl points out to sea during lifestyle family photography session
    mother holds toddlers hand as they paddle in the sea during lifestyle family photography session
    lifestyle family photography dad throws son up in the air whilst both laugh
    two children play in the sea during lifestyle family photography session

    Your stay in Cornwall

    Incorporating a lifetsyle family photography session during your holiday in Cornwall is a fantastic idea to capture your family at their most relaxed.

    The family stayed in Cornwall in the fantastic Bedruthan Hotel and Spa which is wonderfully accommodating for family stays in the beautiful Cornish clifftops.

    This shoot was taken at Holywell Bay, one of my all time favourite places to shoot. There is so much to explore and it’s the most beautiful place.

    It is so special ending a shoot watching the sun go down. Here we walked away surrounded by a beautiful pink light. I’m always amazed at how beautiful and changeable the light is here, making for unique and beautiful photographs for your family to truly treasure.

    lifestyle family photography toddler snuggles into mothers neck black and white image
    lifestyle family photography walking couple carrying a child each on sandy beach at sunset
    lifestyle family photography family walking away from beach with beautiful pink sunset sky

    Get in touch to book your family session

    Lifestyle family photography is my passion and I hope you love these nostalgic images of Jess and Simon’s beautiful family as much as I do. If you are looking for a similar photoshoot then please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can talk through your options.


  • Welcoming Raffy

    Welcoming Raffy

    Outdoor Newborn Photography at Stoke beach, Noss Mayo, Devon.

    I first met Jasmine and Pete in February 2018 after they had welcomed their first baby Tigerlilly. Their session was one of my first newborn sessions after moving to Cornwall. It was truly a beautiful experience and their photos are still some of my favourites now. I loved it so much because we all just had a lovely time together. I still remember driving home feeling so exited about the moments we captured together.

    Fast forward to summer 2019, and the beautiful Pilar family are now a family of four! So, of course, it was time for a newborn shoot, and this time we headed down to one of their favourite beaches in (Stoke Beach) Noss Mayo, on the Devon coast, to celebrate the arrival of baby Raffy. It was such a joy to capture this beautiful family again and to be part of their lives as they grow and change. It’s times like these. I’m really grateful that I get to do what I do.

    Want to know more? Connect with me here.

  • Summer Magic

    Summer Magic

    Devon Family Photographer

    Family of four plus three Bulldogs? Sure! The gorgeous Messenger family below. These guys returned clients; I can’t believe it’s been so long since they welcomed their second daughter, and I photographed her as a newborn. Time really does fly. It’s always such an honour to be asked to document a family again.

    This time we chose a beautiful secluded spot dotted with wildflowers. The session was everything and more. Nothing makes me happier love, adventure, long hair, white dresses and some gorgeous light, and that’s exactly what we got.

    Want to know more? Connect with me here.

  • Chasing sunsets with you

    Chasing sunsets with you

    Cornwall family photos – Tips for sunset family photos

    I get it; there’s so much to think about when you’re considering a family session. The most important thing is that you just let go and enjoy the process with the people you love. All I want is for you to feel comfortable and content. Here are some things to think about to help you have the best time possible.

    Golden hour magic

    A couple of hours before sunset or sunrise is my most favourite time of day for family photos; when the sun is low, and the light is warm, it creates a beautiful softness in your images that’s just magical. This can be challenging for younger children, but I recommend you go with it and adjust naps and bedtimes for that day to allow for a later night. It’s also worth considering the time of the year when booking a family session, and you may want to avoid a session in the summer and opt for Spring or Autumn instead when the sun sets earlier in the day.

    Connection always

    This is where the magic happens, you just being you and loving on your family. Holding hands, stroking your little one’s cheek, nose rubs and playing with hair, it’s these little moments of connections that makes the photos. So always be touching your loves. The result will be photos rich in love and connections and will give you all the feels. Trust me!

    Taking the stress out of what to wear.

    Please don’t over-think this. Plan what you’re going to wear in advance; you don’t want to be rushing around on the session’s day. We want the experience to be easy breezy, right?

    I always suggest sticking to neutrals and simple, relaxed styles that work with the shooting environment. I will also help you plan your outfits and look through my client wardrobe during your session’s planning stages.

    Collaboration

    The best sessions are a collaboration of ideas between you and me. What makes you guys you? I want to know. Come at me with your ideas, and let’s get planning for a beautifully unique experience.

    Let go and enjoy!

    Please don’t worry about a thing; even if the kids are running wild, trust the process. When you let go and enjoy just being together, true magic happens.

    There’s never a “perfect” time to book your Cornwall family photos, but the best time is right now because life is happening right now.

    Melanie x

MELANIE GRACE
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