Adventure storytelling family photography across Yorkshire (and occasionally beyond)
Family photographs for the wild-hearted, the adventurous and those who would rather make memories than stand still for the camera.
What if your family photo session wasn't really just a photoshoot? What if, instead, it was an adventure? Imagine a family trip to a beautiful woodland or a moor, running through meadows, watching sunset together while exploring new corners of Yorkshire. And somewhere along the way, I'll be there with my camera, quietly documenting it all. Just your family spending time together and making new memories while I quietly document the moments that matter most.
This is adventure storytelling family photography - relaxed, emotive outdoor sessions for families who feel most themselves when they're outside and together.
Your family doesn't need to sit still
Some children are natural little models. Others would rather be climbing a tree, looking for bugs, throwing stones into a stream or running as fast as their legs will carry them. If the latter sounds like your children and you stress about them not “behaving” during the session, don’t worry - there is no pressure to hold a pose or smile for the camera. I want your children to be able to explore, play, have fun and be completely themselves.
Because the photographs we love most aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera. They're the ones where your child grabs your hand and pulls you towards something exciting. Where siblings are laughing so hard they can barely stand. Where your partner scoops your little one up into their arms. Where everyone stops for a moment to take in the view.
Those are the moments that tell your story.
Let's turn a family day out into photographs you'll treasure
My adventure storytelling sessions are built around doing something together. Perhaps we choose a beautiful woodland and spend the afternoon exploring its paths. Maybe we head to the llkley Moor or Yorkshire Dales for dramatic landscapes and big skies. Or maybe your perfect adventure is much simpler - walking through a meadow, picking flowers, eating a picnic and watching the sun go down. There doesn't need to be anything extraordinary about what we do, being together and remembering this season of life years from now is what really matters.
Your session, your kind of adventure
Not every family wants the same thing.
Maybe you're happiest hiking up a hill with your children, wind in your hair and the landscape stretching out around you. Maybe your children are little explorers who love woodland adventures. Maybe you have a favourite place where your family spends time together already. Or perhaps you simply want to discover somewhere beautiful that you've never visited before.
I'll help you choose a location that fits your family, your children and the kind of photographs you dream about. Some sessions might involve a proper little adventure. Others might be slow and gentle. There are no rules.
What does a storytelling session actually look like?
Imagine this - you arrive at the location, we get to know each other a bit and then we start walking. Your children run ahead and then come racing back. They find sticks or flowers, someone spots a rabbit. You hold hands. We stop for a group cuddle. Maybe there's a picnic. Maybe we play a few games. Maybe we climb a hill. Maybe we simply sit in the grass or a rock and watch the light change.
I'll gently guide you throughout the session, giving you little prompts and ideas when needed, but I won't be directing every single movement. I'll be watching and waiting. Looking for those little moments that happen when you're simply being a family. That's where the magic happens.
The photographs will be about more than smiles
Of course, we'll create beautiful portraits of everyone together. But I'll also photograph the smaller stories within your family - the way your daughter looks at her dad, the way your son holds your hand, siblings running ahead together, a tiny hand wrapped around yours. The way your children laugh but also the quiet moments between all the excitement. And you, too. Because mums and dads deserve some beautiful portraits too.
You don't have to be "adventurous"
The word adventure can sound like something involving mountain climbing and muddy boots. It can but it doesn't have to be. Adventure can be as simple as taking your children somewhere you've never been before. Walking through a field, exploring a woodland, finding a beautiful place and spending an evening together without rushing anywhere.
The important thing isn't how far you walk. It's that you are present together.
And yes, children are allowed to be children
I don't expect perfect behaviour or smiling for the camera. And I definitely don't expect toddlers to cooperate with my carefully imagined shot list! Your children can run, explore, get distracted, be silly, climb, jump and occasionally have a little meltdown. That's real family life.
I'll work with your children rather than against them. Often, giving them the freedom to explore is exactly what allows their personalities to shine through in the photographs.
What should you wear?
For an adventure storytelling session, I want you to feel comfortable and yourself. Think clothes you can move in, natural textures, beautiful layers and colours that work harmoniously with the landscape.
You don't need to match. In fact, please don't all wear identical outfits! Instead, we'll think about the overall feel of your photographs and choose clothing that complements both your family and the location.
And don't worry about getting a little muddy. Some of my favourite photographs happen when families stop worrying about keeping their clothes pristine and simply enjoy themselves.
What if it rains?
We're in Yorkshire, so let's be realistic - there might be rain. And sometimes, the weather makes the photographs even more beautiful and unique. Cloudy skies, wind, mist and a little drizzle can add atmosphere and emotion to an outdoor story.
I will of course keep an eye on the forecast and, if the weather is genuinely unsuitable or unsafe, we'll reschedule.
Sometimes, the adventure goes beyond Yorkshire...
Most of my outdoor storytelling sessions take place across Leeds and Ilkley, and sometimes the wider Yorkshire countryside. But every now and then, I'll travel further for a story that deserves a little more adventure.
Perhaps you're planning a family trip to the coast. Maybe you have a favourite place in the Lake District. Perhaps you dream of photographs in the Scottish Highlands, by the sea or somewhere that holds a special meaning for your family.
I'm open to occasional destination storytelling sessions across the UK, subject to availability and booking well in advance.
If you have somewhere special in mind, tell me about it. I'd love to hear your idea.
