Documentary Family Photography in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and London


I am Andrew Dawson, a family photographer based in Hampshire, also covering Surrey, Berkshire and london.

I am happy to photograph families and children in a variety of locations around Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and London.

How many times have you looked back at old photos of your family when they were younger? It can bring back great memories; it might be the last photo taken of your mother before her untimely death or an image on holiday with dad, when he was more carefree and without the stress of life taking its toll. I think that every family has their own story to tell through photographs. Whether it is just for a simple photo shoot, corporate photography or session for a magazine - I'm ready to capture these moments and create something unique for you to enjoy now and even into the future. My passion is to photograph images that are natural, authentic but also fun.

How The Session Will Work

You may decide that you do not want any direction or that you are happy with me helping and guiding you. This is fine too! How we work together will depend on what it is you'd like us to achieve. Children are often easily distracted, but once they come around there's no stopping them.

Your session will be fun and relaxed with no strict rules to follow – so I can bring out the fun side in them. They may remember it as a day full of games, laughter and chocolate biscuits too! The only thing that is clear for me is that the children should always have fun and they should never feel rushed or pressured to do something they are uncomfortable doing.

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email for more information. I have put together a few frequently asked questions on my website that should answer everything; if not, as mentioned please call or email.

Why should you hire a Family Photographer?

I believe that family photography is about capturing the relationship between parent and child. I have spent many years working with children; I know how they move and react which helps me to achieve a relaxed expression. It's not always possible to get the photo that you want on the first try, but we will take as many shots as is needed until we are both happy with the results.

Training & Experience

I am based in Hampshire – covering Winchester, Andover, Basingstoke and surrounding areas. I also cover all of Surrey, Berkshire and London, in particular the areas of Reading, Maidenhead, Guildford, Bracknell, Camberley, Farnham, Farnborough, Richmond and Twickenham.

My style of photography is for relaxed, fun and natural looking photographs. Let me tell your story through my professional images that will last a lifetime! Having worked in this industry for many years now I can assure you that your pictures will be taken by someone who has a passion for what he does.

Ideas for your photo shoot

Best Places to Take Photos in Hampshire:

Hampshire is a beautiful county to capture images. There are many woods, fields and open spaces for you to have your photo shoot in. I also take children on family days out where we go a bit further away from my home town of Yateley, Hampshire. The beach is a popular place with families to have a photo shoot. It's important for me to capture images that show your personality as a family and the great things you've done together. I am happy to run round on the beach or sit you by the seaside; whatever you'd like me to do, I'll be more than happy to work with you!

Best Places to Take Photos in Surrey:

Surrey is full of beauty spots both close to the city and further away. I've been with many clients in the Surrey Hills, along the canals and by a lake. It's important for you to have fun together whether it's a family photo shoot or individual portraits; this will be reflected in your final images. Windsor Great Park is always a popular choice of location. The gardens are so beautiful that they could act as a backdrop to any photo shoot.

Best Places to Take Photos in Berkshire:

Again, this county has many wonderful locations that would make for beautiful photos. Whether you'd like a photo shoot at a lake or even on the streets of Windsor. There's something for everyone to enjoy; the choice is yours!

CAPTURING BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS TO CREATE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER
  

I am committed to providing you images of your family that are packed full of emotion and energy. Images that are full of life and show your family in the best possible way so that the memories will last forever and you can look back on them and remember the way they were when little. I cover all of Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and London.

I am a father of two sons and know how important it is to capture the memories whilst they are young. Children grow up fast and before you know it, they are young adults. Try taking pictures of them in their twenties and you will find its like trying to pursuade a cat to stay still at feeding time!


Your family is precious to you so take the opportunity to document them as they grow and become adults.

 

MY APPROACH TO FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY 
 

I am not what you would class as a traditional family portrait photographer. I am a photographer who wants to capture your family how it is at this very moment. The tantrums, the fun and happines, the tears. What you are having for dinner, what games you are playing and the way that you are as a family, mess and all. Its called documentary photography and its all about capturing moments as they happen. Real genuine moments that reflect who you are. I will also take portraits of course but the real you and the real family is when you are doing what you do best, being a great Mum or Dad or children being chidlren and running riot!

From a boring portrait on one of those hiddeous white backgrounds, will you see the cheeky chappy son as you know him so well? Will you capture those wonderful expressions from your daughter? No, you will not, as these are all posed portraits that will not show them as you know them. They will not show how you care for them as parents either. Documentary, "A DAY IN THE LIFE" photography takes in all of these special moments and gives you back real images and memories.

 

Family Photography Pricing

 

- Story Telling Sessions -

These are shorter sessions that the "Day in the Life" sessions and can be either indoors, at home or on location. 

 

What's Included:

  • Pre-shoot planning and to advise on what to wear.

  • One and a half hour photo session.

  • All images fully processed and edited.

  • 100+ images in an online gallery for you to choose what you wish to purchase.

 

WEEKDAYS - £125

WEEKENDS - £200

 

- A DAY IN THE LIFE SESSION - 

A DAY IN THE LIFE SESSION entails me spending time with your family doing whatever you are doing and documenting your day. This could be a normal day from pyjama time to pyjama time or it could be a day out somewhere or even celebrating a special occasion. This session is designed to show your true family.

I will be with you from 4 to 10 hours so you can guarantee that there will be lots of images to document the day. 

A Day in the Life - Option 1

* Up to 10 hours at home or on location

* A minimum of 100+ images

* Online gallery 

* All images provided

* Personalised USB & Print Box

* A beautifully designed photo album

£800

 

A Day in the Life - Option 2

* Up to 5 hours at home or on location

* A minimum of 80+ images

* Online gallery 

* All images provided

* Personalised USB & Print Box

* A beautifully designed photo album

£450

 

*BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY - PACKAGES START FROM £1500.

*CHILDREN PARTIES - £200 PER HOUR WITH DIGITALS INCLUDED

FAQ's

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

DO YOU SELL GIFT VOUCHERS?

Yes I do! If you're interested in learning more, feel free to contact me through my contact form.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

My office is just outside Camberley.

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR OUR SHOOT?

It’s up to you! Kids prefer to have their photo taken in the morning and late afternoon, when they are naturally at their best. The only exception would be if your session coincides with nap-time. In that case, it’s better to take the photo during an earlier hour of the day.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE FOR OUR SHOOT?

The most important thing for anyone is to feel relaxed. I offer my services indoors or in the outdoors depending on your preference. If you’re having difficulty deciding where we should meet, get in touch and I can help you find the perfect place based on what will make everyone comfortable while also guaranteeing a fun shoot.

I HATE HAVING MY PHOTO TAKEN, WILL I HAVE TO POSE?

When it comes to family photography, I go with a more casual, documentary approach opposed to unnaturally stiff portraits. My goal is to have fun and capture genuine emotions which means no snapping photos of people sporting forced grins while saying “Cheese!”

How will the kids react?

Do you think your children can't sit still? Encouragement is given to be lively and have fun throughout my Family Sessions. The activities are led by the kids, so we want them to feel empowered.

IS THERE AN MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM AGE FOR THE CHILDREN?

No matter how old they are, everyone is welcome.

What if it rains?

On the day of your session if conditions are nasty (i.e., it's torrential rain,) we'll re-schedule, I'll let you know by text no later than 8:30am." "If conditions are acceptable (either clear or cloudy with showers that come and go,) then we'll go ahead!"

HOW DO I BOOK?

Making a booking is done through my contact page. Once I have your details I will send you an invoice for the session fee to be paid in full. This will al be via email.

AFTER YOUR SESSION

HOW LONG AFTER OUR SHOOT WILL I SEE MY PHOTOGRAPHS?

After your shoot, you can expect to receive the link to view your gallery in 2-4 weeks by email.

Do you offer digital downloads and prints after the event?

Yes! Purchase prints, giftware, and high resolution downloads from your online viewing gallery. The easy to use navigation allows you to quickly check out and grab a download link by email.

Can I get my own prints?

When you buy digital downloads, the downloaded files are sent directly tom your computer. You can then upload them to any print shop of your choice or take them into a store to print.

#hampshire family photographer #surrey family photographer #Berkshire family photographer #photo shoot #family portrait #photography session #family #photography #portrait #photographer #session #location #moments #outdoors #details #surrey family photographer #berkshire family photographer #hampshire family photographer #londonfamilyphotographer

Taken during one of my Hampshire spring family sessions...

Taken during one of my Hampshire spring family sessions...

Family photography does not just have to be about the humans.... Surrey family photography.

Family photography does not just have to be about the humans.... Surrey family photography.

Family pictures - on location

 

My family photography is shot on location in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. You need to allow at least an hour, two is better and will ensure that there are lots of fabulous images for you.

Family-photography-Andrew-Dawson-Photography.jpg

Magical bluebell wood

Very close to Yateley in Hampshire there is a secret wood that is full of bluebells and the setting is perfect for those really special images, ideas for making wall art to hang up in your home and showcase your beautiful family.

Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire family photography - Andrew Dawson Photography

Family-Photography-Bluebells-Andrew-Dawson-Photography.jpg

Freedom to play

Children love to play and it is when they are playing and running free that the best and most memorable images are captured. Feel free to bring changes of clothing and props. 

Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire family photography - Andrew Dawson Photography


Bluebells at this Berkshire location.

Bluebells at this Berkshire location.

For a special anniversary photo shoot I was hired to be their Hampshire Family Photographer.

For a special anniversary photo shoot I was hired to be their Hampshire Family Photographer.

Happy faces at this Surrey family photo session.

Happy faces at this Surrey family photo session.