A 10-Minute Story: The Bernardis Family & A “Pinch Me” Moment with Heartful Magazine

Some sessions stay with you long after the shutter clicks.
Not because they were perfectly styled or meticulously planned—but because they were real. Honest. Full of life.

The Bernardis family session was exactly that.

Last year, I offered a series of Childhood Mini Sessions for the children of Gaza—short, 10-minute sessions with a simple intention: to raise funds for organisations like War Child and Save the Children. Instead of a session fee, families donated, and together we created something meaningful beyond photographs.

The Bernardis family were one of those families.

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’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.

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

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