revisiting childhood memories in St Mawes

Cornwall has such a special place in so many peoples’ hearts.

Living here, it’s easy to forget that it’s the place of dreamy childhood and family holidays - the most idyllic & magical of memories there can be!

Three Generations photoshoot

This extended family travelled all the way to St Mawes in Cornwall from the USA - 13 people from 3 generations!

They were visiting St Mawes for a special reason - this is where granddad and his sister had spent much of their childhood.

Now visiting with his three children, plus their spouses and grandchildren, for a week at this iconic seaside village, they decided to capture the occasion with an extended family photoshoot.

They were staying in a couple of the beautiful properties owned by St Mawes Retreats, and Amanda (the owner) put us in touch.

The session

We were so fortunate to get a sunny evening for the photoshoot.

We started off in the private garden at the Moorings - we’d met at this property as it was nearest to the beach.

We had not planned too much as it was a fairly last minute booking, but the idea was to get some casual family photos of everyone together and then plenty of more relaxed photos at the beach.

When it’s sunny I always prefer to start off in a shaded spot for my ‘safe’ shots. It’s just easier to get more even light & shadows especially with so many people.

Once we’d finished what I call the awkward (ie posing) bit, we headed to Tammy’s beach, just below the Tresanton.

There may have been some lighthearted racing and it was great to see everyone start to relax and get a sense of the family dynamics and banter etc!

On the beach everyone found something to do and I tried to focus on one thing at a time, while trying also not to miss what was happening behind me! Extended family sessions are a little like trying to do 2-3 family shoots simultaneously, balanced with ensuring everyone is captured together as much as possible.

I normally let everyone get on with what they would naturally do, only directing lightly when needed.

I know sometimes people expect to be posed or to have to stand rigidly the whole time and occasionally I feel this kind of pressure to make then perform otherwise it looks like I’m somehow not doing my job, but on the most part I’m looking for little gleaming moments to unfold, always hoping to capture some magical shots when nobody’s noticing.

These moments cannot be produced, or forced, or anticipated. But they are always there.

We had some fun, but it was also getting past dinner time and you know what that means when little people are involved (and actually, I don’t do well on an empty stomach myself!!).

We decided to take a walk to the St Mawes castle for the last couple of photos, and it was lovely to get a group shot with the castle in the background.

I had to drive to Yorkshire the next morning so by the time I got back and was able to edit & send the photos, they were all back home, and back to school after their summer vacation, so were over the moon to see the sun-drenched memories of their lovely holiday all the way over the sea in this little Cornish seaside village, which is such a special place.

Legacy of memories

I’m sure that being able to show his grandchildren such a special place from his childhood meant a great deal, and I wonder if in 20, or 30 years’ time any of them will venture over with their own children, to share some of their memories of St Mawes and Cornwall.

To book or enquire about a session with me, get in touch - I’d love to hear from you.