Submitted by Darren on
Family photography at Compton Verney, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
Today I want to tell you a little bit about a shoot I had with a returning Family Amy, Stuart, Gracie, Tilly and Lyra.
I first met them four years ago when their little girl Gracie was about 18 months old, and they were looking for some family photos from a local Warwickshire photographer. They’d had studio shoots but weren’t too happy with the end results – Gracie wasn’t responding to the environment and the camera too well, and the experiences had been more stressful than fun. They’d approached me as they wanted a more natural approach where Gracie might feel a bit more chilled. We’d headed off to Coombe Abbey, near Coventry, and got some shots of the three of them playing in the woodland there.
Fast forward 4 years later and Amy got in touch again. She and Stuart had two more kids and wanted to do another shoot to get some new images of their growing family to help furnish and decorate their new home.
As a photographer I love to have that continued relationship with a family – I’ve written before about the benefits of maintaining relationships with a photographer as they get to know a little about you and what works for you. It also means that Amy and Stuart get some consistency in style for the pictures they’re going to use in their home.
This time, we headed to Compton Verney, near Stratford upon Avon, where Amy and Stuart often go with their girls. For family shoots I like to go somewhere that will evoke special memories, and Compton Verney is that place for Amy and Stuart. Set in the gorgeous Warwickshire countryside, it has a beautiful rolling Capability Brown landscape which is just perfect for letting off steam and enjoying the sun (when we get it).
We met first thing in the morning, and although of course Gracie didn’t remember me from our previous meeting I recognised her smile instantly. I got to meet her two little sisters – Tilly, aged 3 and a half, and Lyra, who’s just turned 1. They were relaxed, thrilled to be getting out for an adventure and to show me around their favourite haunts.
The countryside around Stratford is really gorgeous, and so being at Compton Verney was not only lovely, but it helped the shoot go brilliantly as well. Gracie and Tilly were so happy to have a person to show around this place they knew so well, there was no talk of photo shoots or nerves around the camera – they just wanted to show off their favourite haunts! Tilly, who is the epitome of a livewire, was especially excited to show me their favourite tree with a big hollow base, that her and her sister could fit into. This was the first of many secret dens I was privileged enough to be shown that day! It made for a some brilliant images of the girls totally relaxed and high on life!
After some all-important snack breaks, we adventured through the fields, and over the water on Compton Verney’s stone bridge. We found another favourite spot – a huge boulder set in the landscape – and there, I decided to take a few pictures of the girls next to this enormous edifice. It’ll be a great reference for Amy and Stuart to look back on when they’re all grown, and as they keep coming back for family days out they’ll be able to check out how much bigger they’re getting! I love being able to use these ties of people to special places in my photography.
After a fun day packed with energy, Amy, Stuart, and the girls took a few moments to unwind on the deckchairs overlooking Compton Verney’s beautiful lake. For them, I hope, it didn’t feel like a photo shoot – just a normal day out with the kids, enjoying some family time and the glorious Warwickshire countryside.
Stratford Upon Avon Family Photography
