COTSWOLDS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER golden hour family shoot
This was a golden hour family session in the Cotswolds, photographed in Lower Slaughter. Lower Slaughter, a few minutes from the iconic village of Stow on the Wold, is always a beautiful place for a family session. Stone cottages, quiet lanes, the meandering river and open fields just a short walk away. This shoot was with a family of four, timed for golden hour, when the light softens and everything feels a little slower.
We started with a wander, letting the children lead things in their own way. Running ahead, stopping to look at whatever caught their attention, coming back in and out of the frame naturally. No pressure to stand still or perform for the camera. Golden hour also does a lot of the work. The light is soft and warm, and everything feels a bit slower. As a Cotswold Family photographer, I always recommend shooting during Golden Hour as the result is just so incredibly worth it.
There were small moments throughout such as hand holding, the children finding little bits of adventure in the grass, parents just watching it all unfold. Nothing big or staged
By the time the light faded, everything had naturally slowed down. The session didn’t really feel like it had an “end” as such, just a gentle finish as we wrapped up and headed back.
These are the kinds of sessions I always come back to. Simple locations, gorgeous natural light and families just spending time together. I have been a Cotswold Family Photographer for well over 10 years and I still go giddy for a golden hour family shoot.
What makes my family shoots unique…
PLAY , DON’T POSE
Children don’t need to sit still or smile on command. I build the session around games, exploring and little adventures that keep them engaged and having fun. That means real smiles, genuine laughter and photographs that feel like your family.
NO AWKWARD POSING
No shouting “cheese”. No matching white shirts. No uncomfortable poses that don’t feel like you. I’ll gently guide you when needed, but most of the time you’ll simply enjoy spending time together while I capture it naturally.
NATURAL & AUTHENTIC STYLE
No stiff, staged and stuffy family portrait photos here! My approach is fresh and modern, and my editing style reflects this too. I’m going to capture authentic moments and edit them naturally, whilst giving them a little ‘pop’ and ‘life’ in the process.
FUN FOR EVERYONE
Yes, even the dads who arrive convinced they’ll hate every minute. My sessions are relaxed, easy-going and over before you know it. Many of the families I photograph come back year after year, and watching their children grow is one of the best parts of my job.
