The Lydford Family


There’s something so special about photographing a family outdoors. Away from the pressure of everyone sitting perfectly still and smiling at the camera, children can simply be themselves, running, playing, cuddling and exploring together.

That’s exactly what made the Lydford family’s family photoshoot in Wareham Forest so lovely.


Set amongst the beautiful woodland and natural surroundings of Wareham Forest, we spent time capturing the little moments that make family life so special, as well as taking some beautiful photographs of Mum and Dad, Ashleigh and Ethan, together.



A relaxed family photoshoot in Wareham Forest


When I photograph families, I want the experience to feel relaxed and natural rather than like a series of posed photographs.


Wareham Forest is one of my favourite types of locations for this kind of session. The woodland gives us plenty of space to explore, beautiful natural light filtering through the trees and lots of opportunities for children to simply be themselves.


Rather than expecting everyone to stand still and look at the camera, I encourage families to interact with one another. There are cuddles, games, walks, tickles and plenty of opportunities for those completely unplanned moments that often end up being some of my favourite photographs.


And, of course, there is always time for a few photographs where everyone looks towards the camera too!

Happy family of four sitting on a blanket in a pine forest, parents smiling with two young boys on a sunny day.
Smiling young boy with brown hair wearing a white button-up shirt, posing for a portrait outdoors.
Black and white photo of a romantic couple smiling and leaning foreheads together outdoors among pine trees.
A woman in white holds a toddler for a tender nose kiss in a sunlit forest setting.
A joyful mother lifts her smiling baby in the air outdoors surrounded by tall pine trees.
Family walking on a gravel path outdoors, lifting a toddler while holding a baby, surrounded by lush green trees.
Black and white photo of a mother breastfeeding her newborn baby outdoors on a blanket in a forest.
A blonde woman in a white top gazes lovingly at a child outdoors among tall pine trees.
Black and white photo of a smiling baby sitting on a parent's lap, both dressed in white clothing outdoors.
A smiling man holds a happy baby in a sunlit forest setting, both dressed in casual summer outfits.
Family of four in white outfits enjoying a sunny outdoor moment on a dirt path surrounded by lush green trees.
Young boy in white shirt and khaki shorts sitting on stacked logs outdoors in sunny woodland setting.
Happy family of four in white outfits sitting on a blanket in a forest setting for a professional photo.
A joyful mother kisses her laughing young son while sitting on a blanket in a sunny forest setting.
Romantic couple sharing a tender kiss outdoors among tall pine trees, woman with blonde hair wearing a ring.
A blonde woman kisses a baby boy in white outdoors among trees on a sunny day.
Black and white family portrait of parents with two young children smiling outdoors in a forest setting.
Newborn baby breastfeeding while gazing up at mother in soft natural light.
A smiling blonde woman holds two young boys in white shirts in a sunny forest setting.

Capturing the connection between parents and children


One of the things I love most about family photography is capturing the relationship between parents and their children.


These are the photographs that tell a story years later.


The way a child curls into their mum for a cuddle. The way a parent looks at their child when they think nobody is watching. The laughter that happens when someone gets tickled. Tiny hands, messy hair, big smiles and all the little details that are so easy to take for granted when you're living in the middle of busy family life.


During the Lydfords' session, there were plenty of those moments between both parents and children and their love for each other really shone through.


There is something about photographs like this that feels so much more meaningful than simply having everyone looking at the camera.

Don't forget Mum and Dad!


One of my favourite things about this session was that we also made some time for Ashleigh and Ethan to have photographs together.


It can be very easy for parents to disappear from the family photograph.

You spend so much of your time taking pictures of the children that before you know it, you're left with hundreds of photographs of them, and hardly any of the two of you together.


That's why I love including a little time for parents during family sessions.

It doesn't have to be a huge part of the photoshoot. Just a few minutes to slow down, stand close, laugh together and remember that you're not only parents, you're a couple too.


These photographs are often some of the ones that parents treasure most.

Natural family photography in Dorset


My approach to family photography is all about connection, emotion and the real relationships within your family.


I don't expect children to behave perfectly, and I certainly don't expect parents to spend the whole session saying, "Smile!"


Instead, I want you to spend time together.


We'll walk, explore, play and cuddle, and I'll be there to capture everything as it happens.

Sometimes the most beautiful photograph is the one where nobody is looking at the camera at all.


For families who are looking for a family photographer in Dorset, Wareham Forest is a beautiful setting for an outdoor family photoshoot. The woodland creates a lovely natural backdrop without distracting from the people who are actually at the heart of the photographs.

Family photographs you'll want to keep forever


Children change so quickly.

The little faces, the cuddles, the way they fit perfectly into your arms, none of it stays the same for very long.


That's why I believe family photography isn't really about getting the perfect photograph.

It's about preserving this particular chapter of your family's story.

One day you'll look back at these photographs and remember not just what everyone looked like, but how your children felt in your arms, how they laughed, how small they were and what it felt like to be together at that exact moment in time.

And that is what makes these sessions so special.


Thank you so much to the Lydford family for allowing me to capture this beautiful chapter for you.


If you're looking for a Dorset family photographer for relaxed, natural and connection-focused photographs, I'd love to hear from you.

I photograph families throughout Dorset, including Wareham, Wareham Forest, Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, creating natural photographs that celebrate your family exactly as you are.

No forced smiles. No complicated posing. Just you, your people and the moments you'll want to remember.


Nikki House Photography

Dorset Couples, Maternity & Family Photographer

Capturing love, connection and all the little moments in between. 🤍

Book your family photoshoot here