Why do we need to be in photos? It is something many of us avoid, but people are precious, and the bonds we have with our loved ones are irreplaceable, without pictures our memories fade and the details we promise ourselves we will remember forever become blurred and forgotten.

This beautiful mum is the sister of a friend, she had always wanted to have family photos taken, but put it off as she wanted to lose a little weight first. One day everything changed, they received the crushing news that her husband had only a short time left. I went to their home 2 days later and took their photos in their garden. It was physically too much to spend a long time with them, so it was all about capturing the bond they had with each other to preserve lasting memories. They were amazing, I have never witnessed such love, humour and support.

It’s a story that is hard to tell, but a story that highlights the importance of capturing your beautiful family on camera. We need to put aside our own insecurities and stop worrying about what we look like. Everyday we observe our own families, we see all their expressions from happy and joyful to sad and moody, everything that makes them the people who are so special to us. We don’t love someone less because their tummy is a bit soft, or their nose crinkles when they laugh, or their teeth are too wonky – in fact these unique characteristics make us love them more! It is easy to make excuses and to put it off, but you and your family are beautiful right now, don’t wait, life is too short.

St Albans teen family photographer, Emma Collins at Emma Collins Photography

I am a St Albans lifestyle photographer, available for family, children and teen photo sessions 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.