Exploring for autumnal treasures must be a top favourite activity for many families, there is nothing like collecting brightly coloured leaves, toadstools, nuts and berries … but you know that point in a day when a switch suddenly turns and things get raucous – you know this point right?! A battle broke out, berries became pellets and I found myself ducking for cover. It’s often like this, starting with a little trepidation, conscious of the camera, but the more time I spend with you with the more everyone relaxes eventually forgetting that I’m even there. It’s impossible to anticipate what will happen, every family is so different and has their own sense of fun and ritual, and it’s that unpredictability that is so wonderful … by quietly observing and recording the action, the heart of each family shines through and their story finds its way into pictures and memories.

… On a side note, you may have noticed that those berries were rather lovely sloe berry specimens … I did return later the same day, this time armed with punnets and my tribe of helpers to forage for juicy sloes, and subsequently made a successful batch of sloe gin which was well received by my family at Christmas!

I am a family photographer based in St Albans, available for family and newborn photoshoots in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London … and further afield if you wish! If you would like to book your own Emma Collins photoshoot, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. You can email me at hello@emmacollinsphotography.co.uk, or visit my contact page.