Only my clients get to discover this secret place for the best Autumn leaves near Stamford

I know the best place near Stamford for Autumn leaves family photoshoots.

The great thing about family photoshoots in Autumn is the light is often fantastic. The sun hangs low in the sky so it gives a beautiful golden glow to the photographs.

The secret wood I use is nice and secluded so you won’t have lots of people watching you while you enjoy some quality time with your family. Hence why I keep it a secret!

Try not to think of it as a photoshoot, it’s just a fun walk in the woods. I won’t ask you to say cheese, I won’t count 1, 2, 3 and I won’t ask you to smile. It’s all down to me to get those natural expressions… naturally.

My motto is ‘I act the fool so you don’t feel like one!’

If your children are grumpy it’s my job to entertain them. I use my 11 years experience of photographing children to subtly get them to do what I want without it feeling forced. Mostly it’s just a series of games and fun chit-chat with the children.

Some children take a little longer than others to photograph, but I won’t be defeated and I love the challenge! I never want a parent to feel stressed if their child seems like they’re ‘not performing’. Parents are often shocked at how many lovely photograph I capture during what I call the ‘controlled chaos!’

It’s not a question of ‘if’ we’ll get beautiful photographs, but ‘when’. But it rarely takes much more than 90 minutes.

Why this wood is perfect for family photoshoots

I’ve already mentioned that it’s nice and quiet so we won’t be disturbed, but there are many other reasons I love this wood for Autumn leaves family photoshoots…

…There are 3 types of tree that are all perfect for photography: beech (best for Autumn leaves), and silver birch and conifers which are both great for repeating lines that are excellent for photography as you can see in the photograph below.

The conifers are in the same wood as the beech trees to give you some variety in your photographs

…The wood doesn’t get muddy (although I still recommend appropriate shoes - or a spare pair)

…the Autumn leaves lie thick on the floor all through the year (although I don’t come here once spring arrives because it gets too gloomy)

Clothing tips for your family photoshoot

I don’t want to sound like the fashion police but clothing can dramatically affect how your family photographs will look.

It’s not just about whether you look good, it’s about whether you look good together and whether your clothes photograph well, and whether they’re distracting.

You don’t have to all look identical as that looks false, but here are a few tips for you….

I’d avoid bright red or neon coloured coats, or really busy patterns.

I’d actually avoid any bright or saturated colours altogether.

Wear tones and colours that harmonise with each other. You don’t want one person in light blue (light tone), one in black (dark tone) and one in orange as they won’t work together. It often helps to hang up all the clothes you’re thinking of using and seeing how they look together. You can either photograph them and send it to me to see what I think.

I recommend bringing a few layers because in the Autumn the weather can be changeable and sometimes we’ll be quite active and getting warm, while other times we may be sitting for a little while.

I always have a planning chat with my clients and part of that conversation includes clothing choices. Clients are always welcome to email or text me photographs of clothes they’re considering to help put your mind at rest.

Finally, I also suggest bringing snacks for small children because I’ve seen a banana transform a grumpy toddler into an angel in 2 minutes flat!

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