Beachside Family Documentary and Portrait Session in Christchurch, Dorset

There's something unique about the beaches of Christchurch, Dorset. The glistening waves, the soft golden sands, and the warm coastal breeze create the perfect backdrop for creating beautiful family memories. That's precisely what we had the pleasure of doing during a recent documentary-style family photo session on the shores of Christchurch.

Documentary family photography is all about capturing genuine, unscripted moments that reflect the true essence of a family. No forced smiles or rigid poses; just raw, authentic interactions.

Lauren contacted me earlier in the year to arrange a shoot for her family and she wanted spontaneous, unposed images of her family doing something fun together - so I was happy to oblige! Given where they live and how long a session they wanted, I knew exactly where I wanted to take them.

The weather in the UK is not always ideal so, although we had to reschedule a couple of times, we finally got lucky with the weather.

Golden Hour Magic?

There’s a particular section of this particular beach where the light is beautiful at a very specific time of day (given the right weather), for about an hour.

The light was ideal everywhere which meant that all I really had to think about was composition and the moment so the family were free to do whatever they liked without any direction from me at all (which is how I’ll always work in these sessions).

Strictly speaking this wasn’t ‘Golden Hour’ in the sense that it was a few hours before the sun went down. But I’ve walked this beach before and seen the way the light behaves on the edge of the shadow of the cliffs, at certain points in late afternoon, at this time of year.

It’s a magical spot.

Timeless Memories

At the end of the day, the family had a collection of timeless, candid photographs that will forever remind them of their day at the beach in Christchurch. These images aren't just pictures; they're stories, filled with laughter, connection, and the beauty of family life.

Preserving Your Family's Story

If you're considering a family photo session, I can't recommend a beachside documentary session enough. It's a wonderful way to capture the true spirit of your family, in a stunning location that provides a perfect backdrop for your story. Christchurch, with its scenic beauty, is an ideal setting for such a session.

So, whether you're building sandcastles, chasing the waves, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment by the sea, remember that these are the moments you'll cherish forever. And through documentary family photography, you can preserve these cherished memories for generations to come.

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