Isobel - Norwich Family & Newborn photography in a Norfolk forest
I met this sweet family on a rainy evening. Against the forecast’s prediction, it rained pretty heavily as we sat in our cars, parked by the location. Everyone always hopes for a sunny day on their Norwich family photoshoot day, and whereas I love shooting in the sun, I know that a cloudy day can create pretty incredible photographs. The light diffuses, softens. Suddenly every angle works, every pose is game. And the mood turns more intimate, more magic.
We talked about whether we preferred postponing the session, but as soon as the rain began to slow down - not stop -, we decided to go for it. We ventured into my one of my favourites Norwich forests, where the trees are tall, the air carries the scent of pine needles, and the squirrels are alarmingly confident.
We started the shoot slow, with plenty of cuddles, allowing the reserved toddler the time to get used to myself and get a sense of the new environment - we ended the shoot by chasing an empowered little girl on a mission to find sticks, dispensing 0.3 seconds smiles in my general direction only to zoom off again like a tiny forest ranger.
PS: When photographing toddlers, you don’t direct - you negotiate.
Meanwhile, tucked in a basket was the newest member of the family. Newborn perfection, alert and wide-eyed with wonder.
And then came the best part: that moment when everything slowed down. Sitting underneath a giant oak tree, mum cradling the baby while dad held the toddler onto his lap. A gentle stillness settled in, the kind you only get when everyone stops worrying about whether the outfits match or the hair is right, and just… is. The birds chattered. The trees swayed. The family sat together on the leafy ground, laughing at nothing and everything, wrapped in the beautiful, chaotic blanket of early parenthood.
I clicked quietly, capturing not just smiles, but stories. The tired joy in Mum’s eyes. The way Dad looked at her while pretending not to be elbowed by a rogue toddler foot. The soft curve of baby cheeks peacefully resting against a chest, feeling safe, loved.
These are the photographs that matter. The honest ones. A little muddy. A little wild. A whole lot wonderful.
As we walked back through the woods, Mum carried the baby, Dad carried the toddler (clutching her beloved stick), and I carried a camera full of joy.
These are the Norwich Family Photography sessions I live for. The ones that feel more like an adventure than a photoshoot. Where perfection isn’t the goal, but presence is. Where everyone leaves with muddy boots, warm cheeks, and stories to tell.
And maybe one excellent stick.
Until next time, forest friends. 🌲✨
Love,
Rose Sol x
