3 MONTHS IN: WHAT STARTING POEM PHOTOGRAPHY HAS TAUGHT ME (SO FAR)
If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be running my own family photography business, I probably would’ve laughed (nervously) into my tea. It's taken a whole lot of courage to go out on a limb and set this up but here we are — three months into Poem Photography, and what a whirlwind it’s been.
Since launching in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire I’ve photographed 14 lovely families, two weddings, a couple of headshot sessions, and some branding shoots. I’ve learned an enormous amount — about photography, business, and myself. And yes, there have definitely been moments of imposter syndrome (hello, old friend). But there have also been so many moments of joy.
One of the biggest surprises? Just how important location scouting has become to what I do. My most popular shoot has been my Woodland Wonder mini package which has involved a lot of searching for great spots in local woodland.
WHY LOCATION REALLY MATTERS
My style of family photography is natural, relaxed, joyful and completely unposed. I want to capture your family just as you are — the in-between moments, the quiet cuddles, the full-on giggles. And for that to happen, we need to be somewhere that feels right.
WHAT I LOOK FOR IN AN OUTDOOR LOCATION
Whether I’m heading out with a family for the first time or revisiting a spot I love, here’s what I keep in mind:
1. The Light
Light is everything. I often revisit locations at different times of day just to see how the light falls — whether it’s soft and golden in the evening or gently diffused in the shade of trees. The right light brings warmth and softness to your photos — it’s what makes skin glow and leaves look golden.
2. Room to Roam
Little ones rarely want to stand still — and honestly, I’d rather they didn’t. I look for locations that give them space to run, jump, explore, and just be kids. When children are busy having fun, the photos take care of themselves.
3. Texture and Character
Long grass, blossom, fallen tree trunks, pretty paths — these are the details that bring depth and interest to your images. I love a location that feels a little wild and wonderfully imperfect.
FROM FROSTY MORNINGS TO GLOWING SPRING DAYS
Starting Poem Photography in the winter has been such a lovely, unexpected gift. My first outdoor shoots were filled with silvery light, bare branches, and big coats. There’s a certain quiet beauty to winter — and families wrapped up warm with pink cheeks and cuddles make for incredibly cosy photos.
But now that spring has arrived, the shift is huge. The light has changed — it’s warmer, brighter, and seems to hang in the air a little longer. There’s blossom on the trees, colour everywhere, and suddenly families are free of coats and enjoying the warm sunlight.
It’s reminded me how much the season you choose can shape your photos. Every time of year brings something completely different — and I absolutely love that.
A FEW FAVOURITE SPOTS (SO FAR)
Welwyn Garden City and the surrounding areas are full of little gems. My favourite is still Sherarrdspark woods. Not just because it's on my doorstep but because of the variety of backdrops it provides and all the fallen logs and rope swings to play on. I also really love Panshanger Park for sunset shoots as the open rolling hills with the lakes in the distance make for some absolutely stunning golden hour moments. I've also got my little patch of bluebells I scoped out a couple of years ago when all this was a pipe dream. They'll be in full bloom in the next couple of weeks and I can't wait to capture some gorgeous shots there.
THREE MONTHS IN: WHAT I KNOW NOW
Running Poem Photography has already taught me so much — not just about light and locations, but about trust, connection, and showing up even when you're not 100% sure what you're doing (which, let’s be honest, is most of us at some point).
The nerves haven’t fully gone away (and maybe they shouldn’t), but they’ve been replaced with something stronger — a growing sense of confidence, a deep love for what I do, and a huge amount of excitement for what’s ahead.
WANT TO PLAN AN OUTDOOR SHOOT?
If you’re looking for relaxed, natural family photography — the kind that captures real joy, not forced smiles — I’d love to help you find the perfect outdoor spot.
