Spring Light & One-Year Milestones | The Teasdale Family

There is something about spring that feels like a quiet exhale.

The light softens. Blossom drifts on the breeze. The earth wakes up again. And somehow, in the middle of all that gentle change, our children grow — almost overnight.

When I met up with the Teasdale family for their spring mini session, baby Max was on the cusp of turning one. It was the second time I had the honour of photographing him, and I found myself doing that thing I always do… mentally flicking back to our last session and wondering how time could possibly move so quickly.

Just a few months ago he felt so tiny. Now he is curious, steady, determined — sitting independently, exploring textures, gripping his tambourine with complete concentration, reaching for petals and pebbles with those dimpled hands that won’t stay little for long.

And his parents? Watching them soak him in — that quiet pride, that soft laughter, that “can you believe he’s nearly one?” look between them — that is the real magic.

There is something about Half Moon Bay that feels like it was made for motherhood stories.

Soft sand underfoot. Weathered rock faces glowing in warm light. The wide, endless sky stretching above you. It’s a place where everything slows down — where little hands naturally reach for yours and where the world feels beautifully simple.

Last Mother’s Day, I met Anna and Isaac here for one of my Mother’s Day Mini Sessions, and it was pure magic from the moment they stepped onto the beach.

One of the questions I hear most from families and mothers before a photo session is: “What should we wear?” And it’s completely normal to feel unsure! Your clothing can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.

Here’s my gentle guide to help you plan your outfits for a family or motherhood session, whether it’s a Motherhood Mini at Half Moon Bay, a cozy home session, or an outdoor family shoot.

There’s a quiet magic in everyday life—the way a child’s fingers curl around yours, the warmth of a morning cuddle, the way your little one gazes out at the world with curiosity and wonder. These moments are fleeting, often so small that they pass in the blink of an eye. And yet, they are some of the most precious memories you will ever hold.

There are some moments in motherhood that feel quietly monumental — the weight of a child settling into your arms, the way small fingers curl around your hand, the familiar rhythm of breath against your chest. They are ordinary moments in real life, but extraordinary in memory.

On a soft, still morning at Half Moon Bay, I spent time with Rebecca and her two children, Ayla and Finn, for a Motherhood Mini Session. We weren’t chasing perfection or stiff smiles; instead, we followed their natural connection — pauses, glances, and the gentle choreography of how they move together as a family.

Photographing motherhood is never just about beautiful images; it’s about preserving connection. It’s about giving mothers a visual memory of how it felt to hold their babies at this age, to remember the softness of their hair, the way their bodies fit against yours, and the simple joy of being together in nature.

That’s exactly why I created my Motherhood Mini Sessions — to offer mothers a gentle, meaningful way to step into the frame with their children, even when life is busy, messy, or overwhelming.

Some sessions become even more special with time — not just because of the images, but because of what they come to represent.

This motherhood mini session with Bridget and Max at Half Moon Bay was the beginning of something I didn’t fully realise in the moment. Since then, I’ve had the joy of photographing them again at my spring mini sessions, and it feels incredibly special to know I’ve played a small part in documenting Max’s first year of life. Watching families return — and seeing how much has changed and yet how much remains the same — is one of the quiet gifts of this work.

Half Moon Bay gave us everything that day. Wind in the air, soft coastal light, and that feeling of wide-open space that invites you to slow down and hold your child just a little closer. I love these images of Bridget snuggled up with Max — cosy knits pulled tight, a blanket wrapped around them, his favourite snuggle toy tucked in close. There’s such a sense of warmth in contrast to the wildness of the shoreline.

Max was right on the edge of so many firsts. Sandy toes exploring the ground beneath him, tentative steps taken amongst the rocks, that beautiful mix of curiosity and reassurance that comes from knowing mum is always nearby. These are the moments that can feel small at the time, but mean everything when you look back.

What I love most about beach motherhood sessions is how natural they feel. There’s no pressure to perform, no expectation of stillness. Just movement, closeness, wind-tangled hair and real connection. From the responses I shared on Instagram Stories, it was clear that many of you feel the same — that a Mother’s Day session at the beach feels far more you than a traditional studio setting.

If you’d love a gallery of Mother’s Day images like this — windswept, tender and full of feeling — I’d love to hear from you. My Mother’s Day Mini Sessions will open soon, and they’re designed to celebrate the bond between you and your child in a relaxed, meaningful way.

✨ Get in touch to find out more or to book your session. I’d be honoured to help you document this season.

Some sessions stay with you long after you’ve packed your camera away — and this spring mini session with the Porter family at Trowbarrow Quarry was one of those.

I know this family through my son’s school, which always adds an extra layer of meaning. Being trusted to capture a family you know — not just photograph — is such a privilege. There’s a quiet intimacy to it, a sense of being invited into something real.

Trowbarrow Quarry was the perfect backdrop for their session. Soft spring light, textured rock, pockets of calm and adventure all in one place. The boys instantly made it their own, turning the quarry into a prehistoric playground as we hunted for dinosaurs hidden amongst the rocks. Those little in-between moments — the searching, the wondering, the storytelling — are where the magic always lives.

Kaelan, with his blonde curls and the most angelic expressions, has a way of completely stopping you in your tracks. There’s such a gentleness about him — one of those children who seems to glow quietly rather than demand attention. Reuben, in contrast, carries the unmistakable energy of a big brother who knows his role well: wonderfully protective, attentive, and full of warmth.

We slowed things down for portraits with mum and dad — tender, close moments that felt unposed and honest. The kind of photographs that don’t shout, but whisper. Hands resting, glances exchanged, children leaning in exactly where they belong.

We finished the session with a little picnic nest tucked into the quarry — marshmallow treats, giggles, sticky fingers and that end-of-session calm that comes when everyone has relaxed into being themselves. It was simple, playful and completely them.

Sessions like this are exactly why I love what I do. They’re not about perfection or performance — they’re about connection, presence, and preserving the way this season of family life feels.

If you’d love a gallery of images like this — full of tenderness, personality and real moments — I’d love to hear from you. My Spring Mini Sessions for 2026 will be opening soon, and they’re perfect for families who want something relaxed, meaningful and quietly beautiful.

✨ Get in touch to register your interest or ask any questions — I’d be so happy to chat.

There’s something so special about this time of year — the golden leaves, cosy jumpers, and that crisp autumn light that makes everything feel just a little bit magical. I had the absolute joy of welcoming the lovely Burbidge Family back for their autumn mini session at Fenham Carr, and what a treat it was!

I first photographed mum and baby Toby when he was just a tiny bundle, so seeing him again — now full of giggles, curiosity, and energy — was such a joy. We spent the afternoon exploring, hunting for pumpkins, snuggling up on picnic blankets, and sharing popcorn and laughter amongst the rustling leaves.

Fenham Carr was the perfect backdrop, with its warm, earthy tones and peaceful woodland paths. The Burbidges made the most of every moment — from playful family cuddles to those quiet, tender looks between parents that speak volumes. It’s these in-between moments that make autumn sessions so special: a mix of warmth, fun, and love captured forever.

I always aim to bring all the joys of the season into my autumn mini sessions — from the vibrant colours and soft light to those cosy, heartfelt family memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

If you’d love a beautiful gallery of autumn images like this — perfect for Christmas gifts and holiday cards — there’s still time to book! You may just be able to sneak into one of the last remaining slots.

I had the honour of documenting Lynne & Lottie on a beautiful day in May this year. Motherhood photography holds such a special place in my heart and I love connecting with mothers and documenting their individual motherhood story. These fleeting moments — tender, vulnerable, powerful — are where the story of motherhood begins and I love capturing the intimacy of each motherhood season — the closeness, the connection, the love that fills every small detail. One day, these little hands will be bigger, and these memories will be the ones that bring it all rushing back.
xx

This summer we had a wonderful holiday at my Dad’s caravan in Bracklesham and I documented our days on film. I am really enjoying film photography and find the process is reigniting my creativity and saves me time on editing / sitting at my laptop. Whilst I love to edit, I have felt a little burnt out and using film for my personal work has given me the break I needed.

All images are shot on my Canon EOS500 film camera which I picked up on Ebay for £2! I am still experimenting with different film stocks but am currently loving Kentmere Pan 400 for black and white work which I find affordable, versatile and beautifully grainy for a nostalgic style.

There’s something so timeless about photographing motherhood. The quiet moments, the little hands held, and the joy found in simply being together. This recent motherhood mini session at Half Moon Bay was such a privilege for me to capture — not only because of the gorgeous backdrop and golden light, but because of the special bond I’ve built with this family over the years.

I first met David and Annie when I photographed their wedding, and later when their beautiful twins arrived for their newborn session. To be invited back time and again to document their journey as a family is the greatest compliment I could receive. Watching little ones grow, change, and develop their own personalities — while seeing parents embrace each new chapter — is exactly why I do what I do.

This session was filled with warmth and tenderness: sandy hands full of treasures, cosy cuddles against the early spring chill, and sweet nose-to-nose moments that speak louder than words. Half Moon Bay gave us the perfect natural backdrop, allowing the focus to stay on the connection and love between mother and child.

My two boys enjoying the end of summer days at the brook. I am keen to share more of my personal photos on this little blog to give you an insight into how I spend my mothering days.

These photos were taken on my Canon EOS-M6 with the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM lens. I shoot most days out on this camera because it’s just so small and easy to carry for documenting and quick snaps for our family albums. There’s something so precious to me about these moments - capturing life as it is in just a single frame.

These images were all edited with the ‘Find Your Style’ presets from Unraveled Academy.

The first of my Shades of Motherhood sessions with the lovely Alana & baby Alana from December 2023 — how have I not shared this special session yet?! A week into the newborn bubble and I felt so honoured to be allowed into Alana’s beautiful home to capture these moments. Despite the exhaustion, you can see how happy Alana is with her baby girl. This session just gives me all the cosy, winter vibes with that wintery light and baby snuggles by the Christmas tree.

The sweetest family mini session during mid May, roaming the rocks at Trowbarrow Quarry.

This was a super special session, catching up with my old Fine Art pal, Vicki. We studied painting together at Lancaster University 2002-2005 and it was so lovely to chat about these days and meet her beautiful little boy, Harry. These gorgeous couple have been together since they were students and their love just glows like the wonderful sunshine we had on this spring day last year. Hunting for dinosaurs, fun and frolics with mum and dad, ending with a picnic of mini marshmallows and of course some keepsake polaroids.

A day I’ll never forget!

xx

Words can’t even begin to describe how much I loved documenting Jessie and her boys at their Motherhood Mini Session at Half Moon Bay last year. At the time, Jessie’s youngest - Finley - was just 3 months old and both boys looked super cute in matching tops. Even mum had her own version and they all looked adorable.

We met on a bright spring morning, the sea breeze blowing in our hair and the waves providing a calming soundtrack. As this was a motherhood mini session we focused our time documenting Jessie and the boys, however, I let Dad get in a few shots at the end as I couldn’t let them go without getting a few shots of them altogether.

Charlie was a little shy to start with but I think those first few photos of him cosying up to mum and Finley are some of my faves. It was such a relaxed mini session - just capturing them in my favourite location together and nothing makes me happier than that. Here’s to more of this - drift wood seats, golden grasses, a beach full of pebbles and shells, rosy cheeks and eskimo kisses.

xx

The sweetest morning celebrating these two adorable beings with an at-home session in Lancaster. I jumped for joy when this lady agreed to model for my Shades of Motherhood project with her beautiful baby boy. Cassian was such a chilled baby, happy to snuggle with his mum, enjoying lots of toe tickles and just the most heavenly dark eyes and hair combo I’ve seen.

Hannah came to my home for the shoot and we drank endless cups of tea, chatted all things motherhood and took so many gorgeous photos it was difficult to choose the best shots for her gallery.

xx

A spring mini session for my favourite duo :)

I’ve known Alex & Willow for a couple of years now, and they’ve become one of my best mother / daughter duo’s to photograph! It’s such a privilege and so sweet to witness the strength of their bond, and on top of that - to document it as well.

My spring mini sessions took place at Trowbarrow Quarry on one of the hottest days of the year. We played ‘hunt the fairies’, snuggles amongst the rocks and finished with a picnic treat of marshmallows with mum and Auntie. They’re some of the sweetest memories!

Love these two so much, and so honoured to photograph them for a second time!

xx

One of my sweet past mother and child sessions f0r my Shades of Motherhood project.

I love documenting mothers through all seasons of their motherhood - those early newborn weeks being some of my most favourite. I had the privilege of documenting Nicola & Ava’s Shades of Motherhood session last summer when Nicola kindly made the drive to visit me whilst my car was broken. This beautiful babe turns one in April and getting to preserve this short season of motherhood was one of my absolute favourites!

Also, I’m super excited to say that two photos from this session were accepted by Photo Vogue last year! (Pinch me!)
xx

There aren’t enough words to convey how much love I have for this little family! I’ve known them for a few years - and they’ve become dear friends. I’ve seen both their girls grow-up from little toddlers to beautiful big kids. I’ve photographed them as a family one autumn a few years ago and took some portfolio photos for Jhuliana’s mobile salon business.

I’m super excited to be offering heirloom bespoke albums for my clients in 2024.

A photograph isn’t truly finished until it’s printed. Don’t let your family memories sit on a hard drive…