On Wednesday night we threw on our jumpers and headed to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a quick sunset wander. The light was soft and golden, that perfect last hour where everything feels calm and a little bit magical.
The spring show put on its best dress – daffodils in bright clusters, sweet little snowdrops along the edges, and a haze of bluebells in the shade. We kept to the paths and open spaces, but the kids still had a ball playing tag, darting between patches of colour and circling back for piggybacks. There was plenty of laughter, time for a few candid photos, and those in-between moments I love most – wind in their hair, cheeks pink from running, the proud grin after a fast lap.
On the way back to the car we detoured to the great big mosaic armchair. It’s impossible not to climb it. The kids took turns choosing the “throne” with Bella dubbing herself “Queen Bella” and Jamie “King Jamie.” It was such a simple outing, but that’s the magic for me – no rush, no pressure, just being together. These are the kinds of memories I want to capture for families.
When I run portrait sessions, the focus is always on keeping things fun and relaxed so you can forget about the camera and enjoy each other. I’ll guide you with easy prompts and little games, but mostly I let the genuine moments lead. That way, when you look back at the photos, you remember how it felt to be there – the warmth in the light, the hand you held, the laugh you couldn’t hold in.
