A Relaxing Hotel For Family Portrait Photographs in Worcestershire

Finding the right venue for family portraits is a very personal thing.  Sometimes it is in a garden or a park that has significance to the family.  Sometimes it is a more unusual venue.  The most important part of the venue choice for me is that the family feel comfortable and relaxed.  Having photos taken when you are on holiday is great – you are all there, everyone is relaxed, not one is rushing to or from school/work/any of the million activities a family does.  There are some holiday destinations that are just perfect for photography, and The Elms in Abberley, Worcestershire, is one of these.

It is a family hotel in beautiful Worcestershire countryside, in a beautiful building with some lovely grounds and facilities.  It is designed to be family friendly, but in very pleasant surroundings, and caters also for grown ups who want a nice place to stay.  The family I was photographing had won a voucher for a portrait session, and wanted to make the most of their time at The Elms, so I met them on a beautiful sunny day to explore the grounds and get some photos.

When I am taking photos of families it is important for them to feel relaxed, so they can be themselves.  I like to get a good variety of photos, including the whole family, the children altogether, and also the children on their own (plus the parents together whenever I can persuade them…).  By spending time with each of the children on their own, I can really get a sense of who they are, and I talk to them about whatever they find interesting.  In turn I also talk to them about my own family, so they feel like it is just a conversation, rather than a scary photoshoot which is just them being told to say ‘Cheeeeese’ (this is my most hated phrase when it comes to having photos taken!).

I really enjoyed spending time with the family, and they were delighted with the photos – I have never seen a father so speechless when he saw a large print of his youngest son.  It is reactions like this that are the reason I love my work.

If you are going on holiday and would like photographs of your family while you are all together and relaxed, please just drop me a line and I can have a chat about what you are looking for.

Written by James Crockford

As a photographer, I genuinely enjoy the process of taking photos – the interaction, creativity and happy clients keep me enthusiastic and innovative. Many people find it awkward having their photograph taken – I use my experience to put people at ease so that I can get the most out of them, often in a short period of time.

Over the years I have been a professional photograph, I have won both regional and national awards, and I have been awarded an LMPA from the Master Photographers Association.