Family photo session at Porthluney Cove beach | Cornwall
Family session with a baby at Porthluney Beach in Cornwall
This sweet family session took place at Porthluney Cove beach which is nestled beneath the beautiful Caerhays Castle on a windy coastal road on the Roseland in Cornwall. I love this location and have had many gorgeous sessions here. Parking is right there, it’s got a beautiful beach but also the dunes, and grass for variety of backdrops.
The session was planned around baby Alyssia’s first birthday, to celebrate and capture some family memories.
Believe it or not, Alyssia was not in the best of moods that day. In fact, she was in full-on one year old grump mode.
This is something that I’m sure parents worry about. Of course! Little ones are unpredictable. And it doesn’t help that my outdoor sessions happen quite late in the day or into the evening during summer months. Naturally this will be the day that they decide not to nap or are out of sorts for some reason.
Most of the time there really isn’t anything to worry about and they do fine, but occasionally a fun trip to the beach is not what they are in the mood for. It’s an off day.
No matter. While it can mean not getting a gallery full of their usual giggles and smiles, it’s all part of life with babies and we make the best of it, capturing what is there.
Each little one is different - no matter what their age - and have their own quirks and things that they like or find amusing. Part of my job is experimenting with ideas to see what will make them happy in that moment. Sometimes I have to work very hard!
It can be very random and odd things, like copying their cough or noises, or pretending to sneeze. Sometimes it’s being flung through the air by dad or bounced around by mum.
One thing I am firm on is that no baby or child should be forced or pushed during a session to be something they’re not, or to display an emotion they don’t feel. It’s damaging and confusing and usually backfires, pushing them deeper into resistance. So if your little one feels glum, tired, frightened, upset, or just wants cuddles from the safety of your arms, that is ok. We can just focus on other thing and let them be.
My hope is that the feeling will pass, and that without coercion (perhaps gentle encouragement if it helps) they’ll become curious or find something else that takes their interest, and warm to the experience.
In Alyssia’s case, we started on the beach to catch some of the sunshine, and then moved up into the shadows of the cliff, where I suggested her mum spin her around. This got some smiles, even with dad doing it. Although she did tend to drop the smile the second she spotted my camera, I snuck in a few shots and it was good to have some playful moments captured and I liked how the gallery turned out (examples below!).
To book or enquire about a family session with me, get in touch - I’d love to help capture some of your memories for you.
