A day in the life - documentary family photography

THE HAYWARDS - PART 2!

 

So here we go, part 2 of my brilliant 24 hours with The Haywards!     If you haven't seen my Part 1 you can find it here!   http://www.emmachandlerphotography.co.uk/blog/documenting-real-parenthood

Our day started just after 6.30.    I had already woken, and could hear hushed noises around the house, and then my bedroom door slowly opened as Elsie creeped in to say hello  : )

So I was up, still in PJs, but with camera in hand, and that's when I started snapping!    We had sleepy morning hot drinks, breakfast, a concentrated dressing session (then a change), and then it was off to the park in the sun.   Such great, NORMAL, special family times; all captured.

Here are some of my faves from the morning hope you enjoy them.

And do let me know if you are interested in something similar for your own family.   They won't be little for long....

x

 

A Family Day Trip to Legoland

I LOVE theme parks, and as of this summer I still hadn't had the chance to go to Legoland even though it is only down the road from me!     I'm not lying when I say I was probably the most excited person in the park the morning I set foot in Legoland with one of my best friends and her amazing family.    Not only did I get to spend the day going on all the rides I'd never normally have a good excuse to go on without a child in tow, but I also got to document it!   WIN WIN!!

The awesome thing about photographing kids when they are somewhere they love is that there is a constant stream of inquisitive, curiousness, play and laughter to photograph, interspersed with spontaneous hugs!   Okay so I did witness quite a few tantrums going on around us, but hey, what's a family day out without a mini tantrum right?   

Here's some of my favourites!

Going on a day out or an adventure with your family?    Let me be part of your family for the day and photograph it for you!

Highclere Castle Vintage Garden Party

On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September, Lord and Lady Carnarvon hosted a fabulous Vintage Garden Party, and I was privileged to attend and photograph the first day of the weekend.    Both guests and staff entered into the spirit of things by wearing 1920s outfits, and I could not help but notice how many visitors had travelled from abroad to visit the Castle for the special occasion!

The Gatsby Girls entertained everyone with their Charleston steps, and many visitors got to their feet to learn a fun routine taught by the girls and guys.    With a fabulous vintage carousel, a little Citroen van serving cocktails, croquet on the lawn, a classic car display, a brass band, a best dressed competition judged by Lady Carnarvon, and in true British fashion, a display from the Yateley Morris Dancers, the rain clouds couldn't dampen anyone's spirits! ... they did make for some dramatic backgrounds!

Inside the Castle, a pianist played on the Steinway in the dining room, and there was a display of historic clothing.    As photography for visitors is not permitted within the Castle, I won't be sharing any of my images from within side (they are for the use of the Castle only).   There is only one thing for it... you will just have to make a visit so you can see the grandeur and splendour of Highclere Castle for yourself!

So, with Lady Carnarvon's kind permission, here are a selection of images from the day!

A day in the life - documentary family photography

The Haywards - Part One!

 

I LOVE family photography.    Not cheesy, posed, set up shots, with uncomfortable smiles and bribed children, but real, raw, truthful family moments, captured as they happen.    How often to parents get to be in the photos themselves... particularly all you mums out there...    How many photos do you actually have of of those little moments with your babies and children?   You know the ones I mean... their laughs, the reassuring hugs, the helping hands... and yes... the tantrums!    

So most of my family shoots are a couple of hours at a time...   sometimes at home, sometimes out walking, maybe at the beach....   but I'd been wanting to do a day-in-the-life shoot for aaaaaaaaages.    So I got thinking.   Who did I know who would entrust me to come into their life for a full 24 hours, to capture family life and parenthood in its true reality?     Mrs Hayward that's who.    If you are a mum (or a wanna-be-mum who fancies reading about the times to come!), you should check her out.    She won Top London Mummy Blogger 2017 you know!

Allowing a photographer into your home is a big thing.  At any time.    To allow a photographer into your home, "access all areas" is an even bigger step.    I know Mrs H was a little apprehensive about me popping my head around the bedroom door, and photographing her makeup free (even though she is gorgeous).  I GET it.   But the thing is, this allowed me to photograph some really special times with the kids.   Times I don't think would ever normally get captured....

So a date was set, and I arrived Friday afternoon with cameras in hand and an overnight bag.... and just got snapping.    There was no more than a couple of minutes of uncertain gazes from Mrs H's beautiful girls, and then we were besties!     The Haywards just cracked on as they usually would...  playtime, dinner, bath, bed, breakfast, getting ready to head out, park time... and I was with them to document it all!

Needless to say, I took a LOT of photos.   I've been told before not to overload a blog post with images, because people just get bored looking through the photos, and it means so much to me this family session, that I reaaaally don't want that to happen!    But I have struggled to pick my favourite images, in a way that still reflects this family's story.     So I have decided to split this blog post in two...   today you get to see Friday, and soon... you get to see what happened Saturday!

I do hope you enjoy the photos...    this family ROCKS.

x

Burbage and Easton Royal Cricket Club Golf Day 2017

On Friday 4th July 2017 Burbage and Easton Royal Cricket Club held their annual golf day, hosted  Upavon Golf Club in Wiltshire.   This was to raise funds for the club, and also provide the perfect opportunity to hold a raffle in aid of Prospect Hospice.   The hospice is an incredible charity that provides support and care to patients and their families at the most difficult of times, and it is only with continued donations that they can sustain this amazing service.     

The day began with bacon rolls and a briefing from the club professional Richard Blake, before players headed out to their tees in anticipation for the shot-gun start.   

Once players had completed the 18 holes, everyone returned to the club house for dinner, followed by presentations and the raffle.     The raffle raised an amazing £700 pounds for the hospice, which would not have been possible without those who generously donated prizes : DBA Sports, Pure Cricket, Julia Chandler, Marlborough Golf Club, Upavon Golf Club, Dyson, and Manchester United Football Club who donated a signed football.

Many thanks also to all the tee sponsors for the day: Thrings Solicitors, Macer Cricket, Tom Rosier Physiotherapy, Pewsey Vale Coaches, RNB Plastering, Acorn Builders, AB Electrical, Dave Britton, Delagua, Moonrakers .... and myself : )

The day wouldn't have been possible without all the hard work of Jon Chandler with his trusted aids, Nobby Wotton and Leigh Hawkins.

Special thanks to Richard and his team at the club, for all their hard work and support to make the day a success!

Wedfest at Wasing Park!

WEDFEST AT WASING PARK !

Sometimes I meet couples who I can't help falling in love with ... Sarah and Jon were one of those couples, and their Wedfest themed wedding at Wasing Park within the Secret Walled Garden was EPIC.    I knew it was going to be good when I rocked up and was handed my own VIP lanyard!   An outdoor ceremony, ferret racing, face painting by the Neon Fairy, hog roast, table tennis, hula hoops, pancakes, popcorn, and the 1940s harmony group The Belladonna Brigade....   

I popped down to Wasing Park the evening before the wedding to capture a few pics of the preparations.   The awesome tipi tent by The Stunning Tent Company was already up, and Jon and Sarah were in full swing of wedding prep.    The amount of time and thought Sarah and Jon put into their day was incredible.    The wedding favours were Wedfest CD's with a carefully selected track list of their top tunes  : )

On the day of the wedding Sarah had a relaxing morning getting ready at the venue with her bridesmaids, who put on gorgeous blue dresses from Lindy Bop.   Sarah's dress was from Fleur de Lys Bridal, and her ever so pretty bouquet was made by Daisy Chain Florists.    The boys looked awesome in their braces, with matching sunnies and lego men in their pin holes ... and the lego theme continued with their snow themed cheese cake topper!      

Sarah and Jon's ceremony took place outside, surrounded by hundreds of origami birds they had handmade, hanging from the trees, then after a brilliant confetti line, the guests were entertained with a spot of ferret racing - now that was something I have never photographed at a wedding before   : )

One of my most favourite times of the day is the time I get to spend with just the newly married couple, and Wasing Park offers so many different beautiful places for photographs.     We went for a walk around the gardens and grounds, and I got to capture the huge amount of love between Sarah and Jon!

Another really special part of the day was when Sarah's sister and bridesmaid transformed into the gorgeous Imogen of The Belladonna Brigade... the girls sang their first dance, and entertained all the guests with the most popular and majestic hits of the swing and boogie boogie era of the 1940s.    I can't recommend them enough for your own wedding or any other event you are holding!

I hope you enjoy looking through these photos as much as I enjoyed capturing this amazing day x

 

 

BERCC at Windsor Races 2016

On 7th August 2016 I joined Burbage and Easton Royal cricket club set on their annual trip to Windsor Races.  I had heard tales of the legendary picnic lunch and the military operation that is undertaken when the coach arrived and it was all true ... there was food galore...  including a full cheeseboard!      After filling our boots we headed into the races where there was dancing, singing, beer drinking, fairground rides, ice-creams, the occasional bet (of varying success) and a whole lot of laughter.    I had my trusty 35mm with me and captured a few pics during the day.  I was particularly fond of the flying elephants : )

Have you got an event you are running or attending?   Let me capture it for you!  : )

The Rangers

BURBAGE RANGERS 1ST XI

I have a confession.   I am a bad cricket wife.   I don't get to as many of Mr C's games as I should or would like to...  this was duly noted last week when I got my own fine for taking four weeks to put in an appearance this season!

I don't have any other club to compare Burbage to, but it was very clear to me the first time I went along that there is something very special about this club.   That's because they are more than just a team... they are best mates and family.    On day one I was welcomed with open arms (and trays of jaeger bombs) by the players, the coaches, and the wives and girlfriends alike.   Somehow, on the first night Mr C introduced me to everyone, I ended up standing on a chair leading a chorus of Bastille's Pompeii...

As an official sponsor for the 1st XI this season, when I realised I could make last Saturday, I thought I'd go cameras in tow to document the day.    And it was a great day.   Burbage had another win, which was duly followed by a few beers...    I think these photos probably give a good idea of how awesome it is to be part of this club.

Long live the Rangers.   You legends.