Being invited into this stunning house on the banks of the River Thames in West London to photograph this family for their grandparents birthday gift was an absolute honor. When you have so many generations under one roof there truly are memories happening before your eyes.

The sun streamed through the huge windows in this Chelsea town house as we chatted over a cup of tea about how the shoot could flow. I had approximately 2 hours before they settled down for their Birthday lunch and with two grandchildren under 2 to take into consideration, It was important that we arranged the session in such a way that they stayed chirpy but still kept it as natural and organic as possible.

So often in life we rely on quick snapshots and selfies to record our family memories. However, even with consumer level cameras and mobiles improving in their capabilities year on year, nothing can compare to having an experienced photographer recording your family connections.

It takes a lot more than knowing how to work a camera to photograph a family authentically. I call myself a memory maker as well as a picture taker because emotion and connection are paramount to a good photograph.

This West London family photoshoot displays beautifully how your family photographs can have real memories behind them. Something the grandchildren can look back on and treasure. Remembering how Grandad used to throw you over his lap and make you scream with laughter and how Gran would snuggle you so tightly and smother you in kisses and how that gorgeous work of art in the lounge became one of your most favorite toys!

Sitting and looking at a camera is great for recording what you look like, but interacting and playing with each other in familiar environments tells you more about your family then any white background, generically posed portrait ever will.

These cousins, although tiny, gave us so much personality throughout the whole photoshoot. I’m sure their relationship will continue to flourish and I know that these photographs will give more than just smiles to them as they grow up. The whole photoshoot will solidify a sense of belonging and worth into them that they may not even realise.

If you’d like me to record some real memories of your family with your grandparents – maybe as a group birthday present, they really are an unforgettable gift that just keeps on giving.