Good Evening and Happy first of June 2020!

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What an amazing and heart warming May I’ve had.

On the 13th May, I started my doorstep journey, traveling around Ashtead, Epsom, Leatherhead and Tadworth, riding around on my push bike mostly, and with camera bag on back!

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I saw a few photographers advertising doorstep photographs nationally and thought it would be a brilliant thing to offer in my neighbourhood and surrounding areas! So I put a post out on ‘Ashtead unhinged’ group and if any interest from local residents, I asked for a foodbank donation in return.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the generosity of you all and the great response I received!

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During my first three weeks photographing families at their doorsteps, life has given us the birth of 2 babies, I’ve met 13 ‘fur balls’ / ‘wooflies’, (no, I can’t say cats and dogs like normal people) and a total of 44 lovely families (and still counting) who all share with enthusiasm, the desire to record their beautiful family to remember this time by!

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That is of course the essence of reasoning behind this. To give back to the community, give some happiness in a time that is so uncertain and well, frightening, and to help families capture a time that will definitely be one to remember. Especially while we are all back together more often!

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Due to these photographs being such a hit, I’ve decided to delve into the reasons you may like a doorstep family photo or even why you may choose to book a location or studio family photography session, post lockdown!

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Doorstep vs Family Photography

Doorstep:

Pros:

+Time

I allowed up to 20 minutes for each family as these were meant to be a quick way to receive some beautiful portraits. Less scheduling in and time away from activities, work or that home school-ing that you would otherwise be doing!

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+Location

Familiar surroundings. Photographs from the home where children feel most comfortable has definitely had its benefits, from getting the pets involved to kids telling me about their ant farm that they’ve been looking after!

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+Clothing

Anything goes - yes, even if you strolled out the door in your pjs, or were stuck doing gardening, it’s still a great memory and chance to get those photos of the family together! Did you know most mums are the ones taking photographs so are rarely in family photos - let’s change that! You need to be remembered too (as morbid as it sounds)!

Cons:

-Time

Up to 20 minutes, yes this is also a con. Less time for the children to get comfortable with a new perosn, and get those natural smiles!

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-Clothing

Only one change of clothing. May be something great to look back on but not necessarily something you’d like to hang on your walls!

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Family Photography

Pros:

+ Time

No time limit! I usually spend 1-2 hours on a shoot but this can vary depending on children’s ages, attention span and how they feel about having their photograph taken! Quite a challenge to help them feel at ease, but one we can no doubt overcome. One thing I like to do is ask the children to tell me about their favourite food and then get them to shout ‘I love broccoli’! It can work both ways, some children do genuinely love broccoli, can you believe it?!

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+Location

Endless possibilities. I use a studio in Epsom, but my photographic equipment is also portable! So my studio can come to you! Epsom common is also a great place to get photographs where kids can feel more them selves and less pressure to stay in the same space at one time!

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+Clothing

You may be more inclined to dress up so will feel more pride in showing your photographs off to your friends or displaying around your home. I advise families to dress in coordination with each other as it can make such a difference! I will delve into this more but for now, the Bridges, in my last blog post are a great example of this! One thing I always point out is that no two families are the same so what works for one family may not in the slightest for yours.

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Cons:

-Time

This is also a con as too long can also make children irritated and fed up, likely to act up - its about finding a great balance. This is also why I love location photography as children get to play outside while having their photograph taken, win win?!

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-Location

Hopefully children will feel more at ease from my personable approach, goofy monkey noises to make them giggle or even baby shark singing. However this can be a down side, especially if children are not used to having their photographs taken or are camera shy.

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I will delve into the pros and cons of each a bit more in the next few months, but I hope that’s given a bit of clarity to what would be a good match for you!

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So for now, please feel free to soak up some beautiful memories below, created by the residents of Surrey and lets all have a moment to reflect on the testing time we have faced as of late, and be proud that we are strong and most of all an amazing supportive and humble community!

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I think whats become more apparent in this time is that photographs are in fact important and high quality professional ones too. Recording those who are dear to you is now even more of a necessity and hopefully if one good thing comes out of this pandemic it will be that we appreciate each other more and make more time for things that matter most!

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On a final note, weddings and family photography is what I specialise in, so if you are looking for a Surrey based wedding or family photographer, please do get in touch!

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Thank you so much for taking your time to read!

Have a brilliant week!

Zoe x

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Doorstep Photography!