Charlotte, Chris & Ralph

Charlotte, Chris and their beautiful dog Ralph chose to have their portrait session at the breathtaking Chatsworth House — a place incredibly special to them. It’s somewhere they regularly visit in their motorhome, spending peaceful weekends strolling through the Derbyshire countryside together. Choosing a meaningful location like this always adds an extra emotional layer to a session, and this one was no exception.

This session marked a truly special moment in their lives. In just a few weeks’ time, they’ll be welcoming their gorgeous baby girl into the world, making this portrait experience a way to capture and celebrate their family just as it is before this exciting new chapter begins.

Charlotte and Chris first crossed my path a few years ago while I was packing down my trade stand at Thoresby Park, and it has been such a joy to stay in touch with them ever since. This particular session came about after they won a portrait experience I had donated to the British Eventing Support Trust Ball — a wonderful cause supporting members of the eventing community, and one I was proud to contribute towards.

Ralph was quite simply a star from start to finish. The entire shoot was completed with him safely on the lead, and he took everything in his stride like the true professional he is. He posed beautifully on his own and was just as perfect when cuddled up alongside Charlotte and Chris.

We even took one of my long lines out to give Ralph the chance to properly stretch his legs and enjoy himself. Those moments of him blasting across the parkland created some of my favourite images from the session — full of energy, personality and pure joy.

Watching Charlotte with Ralph was incredibly moving. The bond they share is unmistakable and deeply emotional. It’s something I connect with on a very personal level, as I feel exactly the same about my eldest Jack Russell, Charlie. That deep, unspoken connection between a person and their dog is something so powerful to witness and such a privilege to capture.

The viewing appointment was one I’ll never forget. There were lots of tears — and I’ll happily admit I joined in. Seeing Charlotte and Chris experience those memories again through their portraits was incredibly special. These weren’t just photographs to them; they were a celebration of their family, their journey together, and this fleeting moment in time before life changes in the most wonderful way.

This session is also proof that you don’t need golden sunshine to create magical imagery. Shot on a grey January day, the atmosphere actually added softness, emotion and timelessness to their portraits. Sometimes the quiet, understated days bring the most meaningful results.

Moments like these remind us how important it is to pause and preserve life as it is right now. Often, we don’t realise just how special a season of life is until it has passed. Having portraits that allow you to step back into those moments is something truly priceless.

If you would love to capture your own family’s story — whether that includes four legs, two legs, or exciting new arrivals — I would be honoured to create something truly meaningful for you. Get in touch to begin planning your own portrait experience.