The Belton Family – Family Shoot, North Frith Farm, Hadlow
I’ve known Hannah and Dan for maaaaaany years now, and they’ve been part of my business journey since I first went self employed. From printing my very first set of business cards when I started out on my own, to creating my gorgeous new brand and website in more recent years, they’ve been with me as my business has grown, and over the years we’ve become good friends. I photographed their wedding back in 2015 and it was lovely to be with them on such an important day!
I was so happy for them when they welcomed their gorgeous little girl, Evie, at the beginning of last year! It’s always so special to see my couples start their own families; even more so when those couples are friends.
Since Evie was born I’ve been waiting for a chance to photograph them as a family - and this autumn, on their fifth wedding anniversary, that’s exactly what I did. Almost five years to the day since the beautiful October day they got married on, we headed into the woods together for a family photo shoot. We went for a walk around the stunning private estate they work on, which was so pretty as the colours were just beginning to turn autumn-y. And the light! It was so golden that I nearly missed a breath. We timed our shoot incredibly well as it rained solidly for a good week after our shoot and the colours were decidedly less pretty after that! The woodland is interspersed by sheep fields, which didn’t phase Evie one bit; she ran full-pelt up and down the hills without a second thought. Her mop of blonde ringlets bobbed along as she hurtled through the woods, leading the way and keeping us all in order!
I’ve loved getting to know Hannah and Dan and becoming good friends over the last twelve years. We’ve always kept in touch, but over the last year rarely a week goes by when Hannah and I haven’t spoken - though perhaps these days it’s less about business and more about mum life! Our WhatsApp is a constant chain of trading war stories of sleepless nights and baby sick with the moments of unbearable cuteness when either Evie or Nellie have done something adorable. Still lots of business advice though; she’s my business guru!
So thank you, Hannah, Dan and Evie, for letting me join you for one of your woodland walks. You’re a beautiful family and I’m honoured to call you my friends xx
Here’s what Hannah had to say;
“If you’re considering getting some photographs of your family, I really rate Helen, and not just because she’s our friend - she has a knack of both being invisible yet bringing an energy that draws out the best of adults and small people alike. She pranced around the woods like a little paparazzi pixie while the three of us goofed about - it was so much fun!”
