I’m so glad that you have visited my website because this means that you’re thinking about an outdoor family photo session. So, you have come to the right place!
I love outdoor family photo sessions because they allow children to relax and be in a place that they feel comfortable. There is no pressure to “perform” and you’ll be surprised how quickly they start to pose for me, because they’re having fun.
Outdoor session venues
Do you have a favourite place to go? If so, let me know and we can discuss whether it is possible for me to travel to your favourite area, or I can choose a suitable place for you.
There are so many beautiful areas in Sussex! Mine has always been Tilgate or the beach but recently a client introduced me to Leechpool Woods, in the Autumn, which was stunning!
Or, if you have a favourite area to walk your dog, let me know as we may be able to head there for your photo session.
Being outside is ideal for families because it enables your children to be free. They are able to be themselves and play, ensuring natural images.
Who’s invited?
Its your session, so it’s up to you. I love it when I get to meet, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nephews etc..
The questionnaire
If you decide to book with me, I will send you a questionnaire to gather information about your family and what you would like to out of your session. This enables me to ensure I meet you needs and that you get the most out of the session.
I also ask for information such as children’s names, ages, hobbies etc, as it’s allows me to chat with them, when we meet and put them at ease.
I have my own children, so I am not expecting yours to be little angels. Don’t worry if it takes them a while to get used to me. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is for the children.
As well as photography, I also work in a school for children with special needs, so please do let me know if your child has any additional needs. I will ensure that the session is adapted to their needs.
How does the session work?
Prior to the session, we arrange a date to meet up, which will only be cancelled if the session is heavily raining. A little bit of rain just makes for a fun session!
The session will last an hour but you can book a double session if you prefer a bit longer. I also offer indoor/outdoor sessions where you can have a studio style session and then head out for a walk. Click HERE for more details.
We will discuss who is attending your session because you can bring pets or other family members. The more the merrier.
I will also email over some clothing ideas. This includes information about ideal colours and using as few patterns as possible, to ensure you have timeless photos. Ultimately though, as long as you are comfortable, anything goes.
These sessions are about you and your family, so it’s important that you wear something that represents who you are.
Once we meet for the session, we will head off for your walk, allowing the children to have fun. I will take a mixture of photos, some natural, photographing the children as they play and interact with you. Plus, some more formal ones by stopping along the way, making the most of the stunning backdrop.
Dogs are an important part of any family, so they are always welcome to come along for the session.
If you have any questions please do visit my family page by clicking HERE and complete the contact form or email me at clairewildersphotography.co.uk
I hope you like my photos, I would love to have the opportunity of creating some fabulous memories for your family.
Southwater Infants Academy Christmas Mini Sessions, Horsham, West Sussex.
Southwater Infants Academy is a very special place of me. Having worked there for many years I have so many wonderful memories. It was also the place where my children were first welcomed when we moved back to the UK. This is why I can’t stay away.
I’m very excited to be back at the Christmas Fair providing mini sessions.
I know many of your children, so this really helps them to relax and this means you will have some beautiful photos. The session only lasts 10 minutes, so it’s quick and was but you will have some wonderful family photos.
Why not get organised now and book your mini session now, so you can gift stunning photos as gifts to your friends and family.
Where is the session?
These sessions will be run in the staff room at Southwater Infants Academy.
You will have a choice of two backdrops, either a festive one that will look great with your christmas jumpers. Or an elegant grey one which makes a stunning backdrop for your family photos and will compliment your chosen colours.
Who can be in the photos?
A maximum of 6 people can be in the session. This can be parents, children, grandparents, cousins, the choice is yours. If you wish to have more people included, please get in touch so that we can discuss the options.
(The reason to limit the numbers is due to it being a mini session. If you have larger numbers please book two sessions back to back to give yourself enough time.)
How does the session work?
You will arrive at the staff room 5 minutes prior to your session. This allows us to start promptly and for you all not to feel rushed when we start. Enabling us to get fun, smiley images.
Clothing plays a large part of the photos, therefore, I will give you some guidance on what to wear. Although, ultimately, as long as you are all comfortable, it really doesn’t matter.
Being relaxed and having fun is definitely a main part of the session, as we really want to capture the love and happiness within your family.
How do i book a session?
To book or view additional information about a session please click..
After the session I will edit your photos and provide you will an online gallery. You will be able to choose your photos from the comfort of your own home, at your own leisure.
I do sell wall art and additional prints if you wish to purchase and photos for gifts.
For more information about Claire Wilders Photography please click HERE or you can email me at clairewildersphotography@gmail.com
Lockdown for photographers has meant we’ve had a crazy year with very little work. Being a non essential business we had to close down early and still aren’t open.
lockdown life..
In amongst home-schooling, providing snacks, entertaining my children, walking the dog, updating my website and keeping the house from turning into a complete bomb sight, I decided to enter some of my photos to a very prestigious photography competition.
what is the portrait masters award?
.
Sue Bryce is one of the worlds biggest names in portrait photography and her work is AMAZING! As a photographer trainer, The Portrait Masters Award was created to allow photographers to submit their work to be judged by a panel of international expert judges. Enabling them the chance to win prizes, accreditation points, and awards. The accreditation program, is for portrait photographers of all genres and is recognition of ‘high professional standard.’To find out more about this award please click HERE to visit Sue Bryce Education website.
why enter?
Entering competitions is a great way to help us grow and rather than competing against other photographers. It is about improving your own ability.
Photographing a family is about capturing a feeling. To me, it’s more about the love between a family and spending time together. Recording a precious moment in time. It’s not about getting the perfect pose, it’s about your family connection. Capturing YOU together and creating a memory for you, to look back on with happiness!
Whereas, for a competition all the details need to be perfect, right down to the smallest part.
Because I was in lockdown, I chose to include 2 photos from newborn sessions and 2 photos of my children. Not everything is perfect but I do love these photos. (For example my sons socks definitely did not match the rest of his outfit).
the results
Choosing these four images meant it showed a variety of work that I do. Each photo is judge by 5 different photographers from around the world and the result is an average of these scores. To be awarded a Bronze you must score over 70 points.
Waiting for the scores to come out was very tense. But I couldn’t believe it, I was SO excited! I had been given a Bronze in all four images. I was expecting to be given a score under 70 but really hoped I’d get at least one bronze. So I was completely shocked to get four! And even more surprised that one of them was only one point away from a Bronze distinction!
This means that my photographs have been recognised to be of a professional standard by some of the worlds top photographers.
I am so proud of myself and my two amazing children, who are always there to support me. They are often dragged out to help me and rarely complain!
Next time, I will definitely set out to capture some “competition specific” photos to see if I can improve my score, so feel free to watch this space…
If you would like to book a photography session, when we come out of lockdown please head over HERE to my main website where you can find more information.
A hobby is so important for children and this is why I love doing sports and hobby photography in Horsham.
I am a true believer that all children should participate in sport and that it is an important part of their well being. We were very lucky that my daughter went to Southwater Junior Academy, Southwater, Horsham, Sussex where they have absolutely fantastic PE facilities. Their teacher is dedicated to providing the children with a wide range of sports to try plus they attend a huge amount of sporting events each year. Taking far more teams than any other school to ensure sport truly is for all.
There is nothing like participating in something you love surrounded by your mates.
If children are dealing with issues or stresses at school or home they’ll always have the support of their team mates and that is so IMPORTANT! Or if they participate in a solo sport it is a great way to relieve the stress of the day.
Sports also teach children resilience, to work hard and respect others, as well as helping them to focus.
It also helps them to keep fit, healthy and can even improve brain power.
BUT it’s also fun! And that’s the main one for children. They need to enjoy it.. the rest is just an added extra!
Care is needed when photographing children with special needs
Here is a lovely review a friend wrote recently:
The background story.
A friends son has Autism and Tourette’s, so found it too overwhelming to have photos taken at school. The environment was too noisy and he didn’t like having his photo taken in front of other people.
This was too much for, lets call him Peter, so his siblings have their memorable school photos but he doesn’t because the environment wasn’t suitable for him.
Photographing a school photography session for a child with special needs.
This is why last year, for the for first time they came to Claire Wilders Photography in Southwater, near Horsham. For a bespoke school photo session. Peter came in and took his time to settle in slowly. The session was then taken as his speed. He was a little star and had his photos taken with his siblings and together they got some lovely photos of them ALL together. It took a bit longer than the “allotted time” but that’s okay because it’s about creating a memory for the family and they deserve to have that photo, just like everyone else.
So now they have that “normal” school photo.. like everyone else.
BUT…what is normal?
Is Peter not normal because he doesn’t like his photo being taken or is he completely normal because he doesn’t like his photo being take? He just has extra needs. Every person on this page has had completely different needs because no child is the same.. even twins!
MOST children HATE having their photo taken..
Children, like Peter that have special needs may find having their photo taken a struggle because it’s too noisy and too intrusive. Others hate sitting down too long BUT don’t most children? Things children don’t like about photo sessions include having to look at the camera, hating their outfit or not liking a stranger making them do this and do that. Some just hate having to be near their brothers and sisters!
But this doesn’t mean they can’t have their photos taken. It’s about adapting to the children.
This could include; playing with their toys, running around the woods or reading a book. Helping them to settle in, in whatever way they need. The session can be at your house, the park, their sports lesson, wherever they feel comfortable. (It also doesn’t cost you more if it’s in the local area)
Any photographer will tell you kids photo sessions are very rarely a dream because children are not little robots.. BUT you will have some gorgeous photos at the end of it, showing their personality!
Mini Family Photo Sessions in Horsham.
Mini sessions are great because these only take around 20 minutes so families aren’t expected to “perform” for ages. Outdoor Mini Family Photography Sessions allow your children to burn up some energy on the walk to the location. It’s also possible have a quick play and relax before the camera comes out.
Please do get in touch or feel free to head here to have a look at the Families Photography Page.
None of the children on this page are models.
It’s about capturing emotions and personal moments. Whatever they are; cuddles, splashing in a puddle, wearing a princess outfit.
Together we will decide the best environment to capture the perfect photos of your family.
UPDATE…
Peter asked his mum if I can take his photos again this year because it’s much calmer for him and he prefers this to the crazy school environment.
If you wish to keep up to date with future offers and information you can also like my Facebook page by clicking Claire Wilders Photography
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