I’d been looking forward to meeting Emma’s little family for ages, so it was wonderful to meet up with them at their home in April. I’d known Emma for several years, so it was lovely to see her with a beautiful daughter with a big personality and a sweet baby boy, and to meet Pete, of course!

Emma and I had spoken on the phone beforehand so that I could run through how their documentary-style Jersey family photography shoot would work. It’s important to me that I capture the spirit of a family and the dynamics of those relationships. To enable me to do this, I want the family to be themselves while I quietly observe their family life. It’s always a good idea to choose a favourite outdoor activity.  It’s also a great idea to invite grandparents along for part of the shoot (maybe some bedtime storytelling?) so that they are involved. I know I’m sentimental, but I can’t express enough the importance in later years in looking back in time at interaction and times with significant family members.

To the West of the island, St Ouens Bay is a favourite location for Emma, Pete and their children. They often head off in their campervan with a picnic. Living in St Ouens myself, I know it’s a unique location with it’s a vast stretch of beach and clean sand which is cleansed by the Atlantic surf. So that day, we headed off together with a picnic of healthy pasta and strawberries! I love the wildness of this coast and the rural surrounds. After some paddling, we headed back to their home to be met by Emma’s parents and tea time. It’s a joy and privilege to capture the relationship between Seraphina and her grandparents.

Here are a few of my favourite images from our time together.