Family Shoot - Whitehall Park, Darwen - 16/08/2020

Taking time to get to know your family a little before your shoot really helps me to get beautiful relaxed and natural portraits for you. Never was this more clear than on a recent shoot with the Sciambarella family. This was another shoot that was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Sara booked her family’s session with me back at the start of the year so we could catch the bluebells when they flowered. Obviously that was not to be and we ended up having to wait until August to finally meet up.

Instead of the usual pre-shoot meet up in person, Sara and I chatted over the phone during the lockdown. We talked about the whole family, dad Giuseppe, eight year old Samuel, and toddler Ellissia, discussing possible locations and what kind of images they were looking for. Samuel is autistic so Sara told me all about his likes and dislikes too so I would be able to make sure he was as comfortable as possible. One thing that is very special to him is his blanket called cat so of course I made sure that cat had its own portrait taken too!

We had a great morning at Whitehall Park in Darwen catching special moments of the family together at and around the Catlow fountain near the top end of the park. Did you know it was originally installed as a drinking fountain in 1906? The water came from a natural spring in the park. I love discovering little gems like this about history of where we live, almost as much as meeting wonderful families who also call it home.

Sara left me this lovely review after receiving the family’s pictures: ‘Katrina has been brilliant throughout the entire experience. She really understands families and tries her best to get to know as much as she can about everyone; which is why the photo shoot itself was so relaxed and fun. The quality of the pictures she took were stunning and we were all so happy with them, I will cherish them on my wall forever! I really couldn’t recommend her enough! If you’re looking for someone to capture your family in a unique way that’s personal to you, without being too staged but can also give you a professional finish, then you have certainly found that in Katrina. Her advice and services even after the shoot guiding you through the photos and going through the various packages was so helpful. The quality of the prints were amazing, I’m so glad I let Katrina print them rather than doing it myself, they are just beautiful. I’d just like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to this lady for such a fab experience and the most perfect family photo’s.‘