A Relaxed Family Photography Session at Somerset Forest, Coleraine
Family Photography Coleraine | Documentary Family Photographer Northern Ireland | North Coast Family Photographer
One of my favourite things about documentary family photography is that no two sessions are ever the same. Every family brings their own personalities, energy, and little moments that make their story unique. Recently, I spent an afternoon with a lovely family exploring Somerset Forest in Coleraine with their two children, a three-year-old daughter Lara and her one-year-old little brother Charlie.
Why Somerset Forest is Perfect for Family Photos
Somerset Forest is one of my favourite woodland locations for outdoor family photography in Coleraine. The winding paths, open spaces, and natural surroundings create the perfect environment for children to be themselves. Plus there is a 1-2km loop with covered canopies, bridges, and open spaces that is just perfect for little legs and little minds!
Instead of asking children to sit still and smile for the camera, the forest gives them room to explore, discover, and play. Those genuine moments often create the most meaningful photographs.
Taking Things at Their Own Pace
Like many young children, little Lara was understandably shy at the beginning of the session. Meeting a stranger with a camera can feel like a lot when you're three years old.
That's one reason I love a documentary approach. There's no pressure to perform or pose. We simply started with a gentle walk through the woods, letting the children set the pace.
As the session continued, curiosity began to take over. Before long, she was confidently exploring, investigating every interesting stick and patch of mud she could find. By the end of our walk, she had completely warmed up and was happily leading the adventure.
The Magic of Everyday Family Moments
Some of my favourite photographs from this session weren't planned at all.
They happened during the quiet moments: holding hands along a woodland path, sharing a laugh together, helping little legs jump over the logs, and stopping to investigate whatever creatures they could find hiding in the forest floor (Lara is still on the search for a pink caterpillar!).
These are the moments that often mean the most years later. Not perfect smiles or carefully arranged poses, but memories of what life actually felt like during this season of family life.
When the Rain Arrives
As is often the case in Northern Ireland, the weather had the final say.
Just as we reached the end of our session, the rain began to fall. Rather than seeing it as an inconvenience, it felt like the perfect ending to a family adventure in the woods.
The children had explored, played, and led us through the forest, and we finished with that familiar Northern Irish experience of making it back just before the weather turned.
Documentary Family Photography on the North Coast
If you're looking for relaxed family photography in Coleraine or anywhere along our Causeway Coast, my goal is always to create photographs that reflect your family.
Some quality time together, whether that's exploring Somerset Forest, visiting your favourite beach, or spending a quiet morning at home.
Your family, your story.