Welcome to my favourite season!
This October, I'm heading to the beautiful grounds of Houghton House in Ampthill for a limited number of autumn mini sessions.
These sessions are all about capturing the lovely, messy, in-between moments of family life amongst the autumn trees — little hands to hold, cuddles, giggles, exploring and all the things that make this season feel so special.
There'll be no pressure for everyone to sit perfectly and smile at the camera. I'll gently guide you when needed, but mostly I'll give you space to enjoy being together while I capture it as naturally as possible.
And yes, dogs are very welcome too.
The leaves will change,
the seasons will pass,
but these little moments are yours to keep.
Location
Houghton House is a beautiful setting for relaxed family photography in Ampthill, Bedfordshire and is steeped in rich history and surrounded by stunning countryside and seasonal trees.
The location gives us plenty of opportunity for relaxed, natural photographs as we explore the site together.
Please be aware that these are outdoor sessions and there is some walking involved.
There is a small car park at Houghton House and parking is limited, so please allow plenty of time to arrive, park and make your way up to the meeting point.
From the car park, there is a walk up the lane to the site, followed by a further walk towards the house.
Please don't worry about dressing up your feet for the occasion — comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers are definitely recommended!
If you have young children or a dog with you, please allow a little extra time so that you don't arrive feeling rushed.
I recommend arriving around 10–15 minutes before your booked session time.
Where Will We Meet You?
At the end of the lane, as you make your way towards the site, you'll come to a gate. From here, you'll see the beautiful promenade lined with stunning seasonal trees.
This is where I'll meet you and collect you for your session.
The English Heritage site and the entrance to Houghton House are just beyond the gate, so if you've reached the promenade, you're in exactly the right place.
I'll be there ready to welcome you and we'll head off together for your little autumn adventure.
Choose Your Session
There are two session options available, depending on how much time you think you'll need.
THE LITTLE AUTUMN MINI
15 minutes · 3 digital images · £99
A little pocket of autumn magic — perfect if you're looking for a handful of beautiful photographs without needing lots of time.
We'll take a gentle stroll along the promenade and back, making the most of the autumn trees and stopping along the way for a few family portraits and natural moments.
This option works particularly well for children who are natural in front of the camera and happy to get stuck in straight away. Please note that the 15-minute session doesn't allow time to explore the house itself, although you're very welcome to visit and explore the site independently after your session.
Includes:
-
15-minute outdoor session at Houghton House
-
3 beautifully edited digital images
-
Private online gallery
-
Full print release
-
Immediate family members only
-
Dogs welcome
THE AUTUMN STORY
30 minutes · 8 digital images · £169
A little more time to slow down, explore and tell more of your family's story.
With 30 minutes together, there's time to settle in, allow little ones to warm up to the camera and explore more of the beautiful Houghton House site.
We'll have more opportunity for a mixture of family photographs, natural interactions, individual moments and photographs around the historic house itself.
If your children tend to need a little time to warm up, this is the session I'd recommend.
Includes:
-
30-minute outdoor session at Houghton House
-
8 beautifully edited digital images
-
Private online gallery
-
Full print release
-
Immediate family members only
-
Dogs welcome
Which Session Should I Choose?
A little tip before you book...
Think about how your children usually respond to a camera.
If they're happy to jump straight in, the 15-minute Little Autumn Mini will give you plenty of time for a lovely stroll along the promenade, the autumn trees and a few beautiful family portraits.
If your children need a little time to warm up, you're bringing a nervous dog, or you'd really like photographs around the house itself, I'd recommend choosing the 30-minute Autumn Story.
The extra time gives us room to slow down and let things happen naturally, rather than feeling like we're racing the clock.
If you're torn between the two, I'd always recommend the 30-minute session.
What Should We Wear...?
Autumn is one of my favourite times of year to photograph families.
Think cosy, comfortable and natural.
Warm neutrals, earthy tones, chunky knits, denim, boots, layers and beautiful textures all work wonderfully against the autumn colours. Embrace knitted hats and snuggly scarves, but make sure we can still see your beautiful faces!
You don't need everyone to match — in fact, I much prefer when outfits coordinate rather than perfectly match.
Most importantly, choose clothes that your children can move, play and cuddle in comfortably.
I'll send you a more detailed, simple styling guide after you've booked your session to help you decide what to wear.
And if someone ends up covered in leaves?
Even better.
What If It Rains...?
Well... it is autumn.
And sometimes the weather has other ideas.
I'm very much hoping to embrace a little of the autumn weather where we can. A few showers or some autumn drizzle can create some really lovely, atmospheric photographs — and we may make the most of it with cosy blankets, clear umbrellas and a little puddle splashing.
We may also adjust session timings slightly if this helps us make the most of the light and conditions. The light can be particularly beautiful just after a shower.
However, I won't ask you to stand in torrential rain or unsafe conditions.
If the weather is forecast to be particularly wet, windy or otherwise unsuitable for outdoor photography, I will make the decision to move the sessions, and bookings will automatically transfer to our reserved backup date.
YOUR DATES
Main date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Weather contingency: Saturday 24 October 2026
If a move is necessary, your session will transfer automatically to the same time on Saturday 24 October.
Please make sure you are available on both dates before booking.
Because autumn weather can change quickly, the final decision will be made as close to the session as reasonably possible, based on the forecast and conditions at the location.
If we're able to embrace a little autumn drizzle, we'll do just that. If Mother Nature really isn't playing ball, we'll move things to our backup date.
Autumn reminds us how beautiful it can be to let go — and to hold on.
Limited Spaces Available
A LITTLE WINDOW OF AUTUMN MAGIC
Sessions will take place between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 17th October.
As I'm offering both 15 and 30-minute sessions, the exact start times available will vary depending on the bookings already made. I've also allowed a 5-minute little breather between sessions so I have time to reset, get myself ready for the next family and make sure nobody feels rushed.
The booking calendar will always show the most up-to-date availability.
To see the available session times, simply click through to the booking process and make sure you select:
Saturday 17th October 2026
You'll then be able to see all the current session times available to book.
If you don't see a time that works for you, or the booking calendar appears to be fully booked, please get in touch before assuming you've missed out. I may be able to help, particularly if you're flexible with your timing.
Please remember that the session times are not necessarily going to fall neatly on the quarter or half hour — this is because I'm allowing for both session lengths and a little breathing space between families.
Choose your time, arrive ready for a little autumn adventure, and I'll take care of the rest.
Arrivals & Timing
Please note that clients are responsible for arriving on time for their session. These mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back, and late arrivals may result in reduced shooting time and possibly cancellation of your session.
I strongly recommend arriving 15 minutes early to allow time to park, get comfortable, and let little ones settle in and burn off that initial excitement. It’s a great chance to get familiar with the surroundings — just please avoid the designated photoshoot area until your session begins and be mindful of others visiting the site.
A Little Note For Little Legs & Pushchairs
Houghton House is a lovely location for little explorers, although the approach to the site is uphill. The good news is that the lane is well surfaced, and I've personally pushed a pram and pushchair up here myself, so it is very manageable with little ones.
Once we reach the house, the ground becomes more uneven and there are steps to navigate. At this point, pushchairs will need to be left to one side while we explore the house and surrounding area.
If you choose to leave your pushchair here, please note that this is at your own risk. I'll point out a suitable place to leave it when we arrive.
And don't worry — there'll be plenty of opportunities for little legs to stretch, explore and have a wander along the way.
Your Gallery
Once your images are ready, you’ll receive a little email from me with a link to your private online gallery, along with your personal password.
From your gallery, you can view your photographs in full, favourite your favourites (there may be a lot of those!), and download the number of images included in your chosen package.
And if, once you’ve seen them, you find yourself thinking “Oh no... I need them all!” — just drop me an email. Upgrading is easy, and we can curate your final gallery together.
Gallery delivery is typically around two weeks. Please note that your session falls around the October half-term, and I don’t work during the school holidays as I’ll be busy being mum to my own little ones.
So there may be a little extra waiting time around this date — but I promise your gallery will be worth the wait.
FAQ's
How many people can attend?
Because these are short, back-to-back sessions, they are limited to immediate family members only.
This keeps the sessions relaxed and gives each family enough time to enjoy their experience without the clock becoming stressful.
What if I want an extended family session?
If you'd like photographs with grandparents, extended family or a larger group, my full family sessions are a much better fit and give us the time and space to tell your whole story.
What happens if my child doesn't cooperate?
That’s completely okay.
My sessions are relaxed and child-led, with plenty of space to play, explore and settle in. Some of the most beautiful images come from those natural, in-between moments.
Cuddle, sing, dance, laugh... just have fun however you normally have fun.
Where exactly will we meet?
At the end of the lane, as you make your way towards the site, you'll come to a gate. From here, you'll see the beautiful promenade lined with stunning seasonal trees.
This is where I'll meet you and collect you for your session.
The English Heritage site and the entrance to Houghton House are just beyond the gate, so you've definitely found the right place!
What if we're late?
Because these sessions are scheduled back-to-back, I'm afraid I can't extend your session if you arrive late.
Please allow plenty of time for parking and making your way up to the meeting point — especially if you're bringing little ones or a dog.
If you're delayed, please message me as soon as you can. I'll always do my best to help, but unfortunately I can't guarantee that late arrivals can be accommodated without reducing your session time.
The best thing you can do is give yourself a little more time than you think you'll need.
Is the site push chair friendly?
Yes!
Although the approach to the site is uphill, the good news is that the lane is well surfaced, and I've personally pushed a pram and pushchair up here myself, so it is very manageable with little ones.
Once we reach the house, the ground becomes more uneven and there are steps to navigate. At this point, pushchairs will need to be left to one side while we explore the house and surrounding area.
If you choose to leave your pushchair here, please note that this is at your own risk. I'll point out a suitable place to leave it when we arrive.
Come as you are. We'll make memories from there.
The loveliest seasons are the ones we get to share.
A few things to know
These are outdoor sessions, so please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Main date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Weather contingency: Saturday 24 October 2026
Please make sure you are available on both Saturday 17 October and Saturday 24 October before booking.
Parking is limited, so please allow plenty of time to park and walk to the meeting point.
Dogs are welcome, but please make sure they're comfortable around other people and dogs and are kept under control where appropriate.
Sessions are for immediate family only.
Please arrive 10–15 minutes early so that you're ready to start at your booked time.
And finally...
Don't worry if your children don't behave perfectly.
They don't need to.
That's rather the point of this.
Let's Make Some Autumn Memories
Autumn doesn't last forever.
The leaves change, the evenings draw in and somehow our little people seem to grow another inch overnight.
So let's make the most of it.
Bring your favourite people, wrap up warm, bring the dog if you have one and come for a little autumn adventure with me.
I'll bring the camera.
BOOK YOUR AUTUMN MINI SESSION
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£99
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Because childhood, like autumn, is beautifully fleeting.
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30 min
169 British pounds
15 min
99 British pounds