Leila Doherty 7/29/20 Leila Doherty 7/29/20

Summer holiday photoshoots

The kids are now off school and the summer holidays are a brilliant time to organise a photoshoot. I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

I have been photographing families for 20 years (wow that makes me sound super old!) and I love it! I’m also a mummy of two myself and know how hard it is to capture that perfect family portrait. Quite frankly it is impossible when you are out trying to do everything yourself.

The kids are now off school and the summer holidays are a brilliant time to organise a photoshoot. The great thing about booking a family shoot during the summer holidays is the sense of time and space. Instead of rushing around, trying to fit a session into everything else that has to be done in a weekend, there’s more time, everyone is more relaxed and this shows in the pictures.

I prefer photographing lifestyle shoots outside either in a woods, a wild flower field, a beach or a park. I make my shoots fun and when the children are genuinely having fun the photographs are so much more magical. Every child loves climbing a tree and running about. I make it into a game capturing movements, laughter lines and everyone's unique personalities. This is so much more powerful than a staged studio shoot.

I’m based in Chipperfield Kings Langley on the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire boarders. We are so lucky living in the East of England as we have so many stunning locations on our doorstep. Some of my favourite local locations are Chipperfield Woods, Amersham Common, Ashridge Estate, The Grove Hotel grounds, Whippendale Woods are to name but a few.

You may have a location in mind which is special to your family or you might want to have the session at home in your own garden. Your shoot would be tailored around your requirements.

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Leila Doherty 7/22/20 Leila Doherty 7/22/20

My first newborn socially distanced photoshoot

Gorgeous Theo was born during lockdown and we did this shoot just after lockdown had eased. I went to there house, we we shot this in the bedroom by a window with lots of natural light and it was perfect. It was very easy to social distance and I wore a mask and didn’t touch Theo. It was a completely natural unposed newborn shoot and the photos are simply beautiful.

2020 has been a crazy year with the fear of coronavirus and everyone being in lockdown. I really felt for all the new mummies going through their pregnancy journey and births during these scary times. It should be a time of excitement, hanging out with friends & family, lots of baby shopping, joining an NCT class and having a baby shower. But instead we went into lockdown and saw no one. These new parents also had the worry about appointments, didn’t get to meet their midwifes, home births were written off, partners may not be around in for the birth and the fear of what would it actually be like at hospital. Then if your baby arrived during lockdown you couldn’t have any visitors, even grandparents were not aloud to have cuddles. I really do have so much respect for all the strong muma’s who have been through this.

Gorgeous Theo was born during lockdown and we did this shoot just after lockdown had eased. I went to their house, we we shot this in the bedroom by a window with lots of natural light and it was perfect. It was very easy to social distance and I wore a mask and didn’t touch Theo. It was a completely natural unposed newborn shoot and the photos are simply beautiful.

For me, newborn portraits should be simple. There is nothing more timeless than classic natural light newborn photography. I think these images are really stylish and contemporary.

There is no 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. As with all of my photography my goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion.

As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why newborn photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

Newborn shoots are best done In the first two weeks of your little ones arrival. We want to capture the tiny, curly, sleepy newness of your beautiful baby. Its amazing how quickly they change and you will look back at these memories and be so pleased that you had them documented.

My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

For a newborn shoot it very important to have the house very warm, as your little baby won’t be wearing a lot, so we want to make sure they are nice and cosy. I do also use a heat pad under my throws which they love.

If you would like to book I recommend getting in touch after your 20 week scan and can book a provisional date. I would need a £50 deposit. Then message me once baby arrives and we can either confirm or adjust the date.

My studio is in Chipperfield WD4. But I am happy to come to your home for the shoot. Areas I cover are, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushy, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourn, Harrow, Hatfield, Croxley Green,

Learn more

Leila Doherty 7/15/20 Leila Doherty 7/15/20

Why I love Autumn family photoshoots

If you have a love of Autumn and you want to embrace the colour, leaves and light, then a autumn family shoot would be ideal for you. I love photographing families and children in all seasons as each one offers something unique and wonderful. I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushey, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

If you have a love of Autumn and you want to embrace the colour, leaves and light, then a autumn family shoot would be ideal for you. I love photographing families and children in all seasons as each one offers something unique and wonderful. But I have to admit Autumn photoshoots are one of my favourites and these are the reasons why;

The light in Autumn couldn’t be more beautiful – it’s hazy, soft and it’s more consistent so you never get those harsh shadows and blown out highlights. There’s something to be said for the light at Golden Hour as well – just wow! It’s flattering, warm and generally just gorgeous!
You can’t deny that the colours in Autumn are just incredible! The lush and vibrant greens of summer have been replaced with stunning browns, reds and oranges which are just so warming, flattering and striking, especially when combined with beautiful and complementary clothes!
I think one of the reasons I love to shoot in Autumn so much is the sheer freedom and fun that it generates. Who doesn’t love picking acorns, playing conkers or throwing leaves around? It truly embraces an outdoor and natural feel to a shoot – two factors of photography I feel very passionate about!
The final reason for loving Autumn shoots is the temperature. Gone is the somewhat overbearing heat of the summer sun with the freezing temperatures of Winter still some way off! I find children in particular, respond really well to Autumn shoots as they are more comfortable and therefore have more fun!

Autumn mini shoots! I’m only doing 6 dates so availability is very limited.

It will take place at Chipperfield woods on the 5th, 6th, 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th October WD4 9BQ.

The mini session will last 30 minutes and the cost is £55 and included in that price you will have access to an online viewing gallery. You will also get to choose 1 photograph to be enlarged and professionally printed 10x8 size. Extra prints start from £8.

Mini sessions are perfect if;

– you are looking to update your existing family photos

– you are wanting to try out lifestyle photography for the first time and see if it’s for you

– you want to buy the session as a present for someone special (I have lovely gift vouchers available!

Full family shoots can be booked at a time and location (subject to availability) that suits you and will be tailored around your requirements.

Leila Doherty 7/8/20 Leila Doherty 7/8/20

Evening portraiture photography

I’ve actually been very busy the last couple of weeks photographing lots of lovely families at a fabulous new location during golden hour. Its a beautiful giant daisy field near Chorleywood and it will take your breath away!

I wanted to showcase this gorgeous photoshoot at my favourite lockdown find, a stunning giant daisy field between Sarratt and Chorleywood. Situated by the River Chess it really does your breath away!

These two were fantastic and lots of fun! They even brought along their pet dog and why not!

You could really see what a strong bond these two have. It was lovely and it really shows in all the photos.

If you would like to book a photoshoot get in touch as I have so many locations in Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire which would be perfect! These gorgeous daisies are gone now for this year but they will be back early next May. I currently have some wild flower & woodland locations and I am looking for that perfect sunflower field. Also Hitchin Lavender Farm is now open so I will be doing some mini shoots there.

Pets are very welcome to my photoshoots. I’ve photographed horses, dogs, cats and even a pig! I love pet photography .

Leila Doherty 7/1/20 Leila Doherty 7/1/20

Golden hour family photoshoot

Lots of lovely Hertfordshire families have been celebrating lockdown with a social distanced family photoshoot. It has been so much fun working again and actually seeing some different faces. My favourite lockdown find was a beautiful giant daisy field between Sarratt and Chorleywood. It really will take your breath away!

This gorgeous family came along for one of my beautiful golden hour shoots. This is when the warm lighting is the most flattering for natural light portrait photography. The diffused light at gives the skin a soft look. I love the backlit hair and the warm glow. It is a magical time and I’ve been so happy with every photoshoot.

Like many families life just gets so busy! They had been meaning to do a shoot for years but never quite getting around to doing one so this was the perfect opportunity.

Our lives as we knew them have changed so much, we suddenly gained all this extra family time and were forced to get back to the more simple life. What a way to remember lockdown. These photos show the amazing bond, love and closeness. They are memories that they will cherish forever and aren’t these kids the cutest?

If you would like a golden hour photoshoot get in touch as I have so many locations in Hertfordshire which would be perfect! These gorgeous daisies are gone now for this year but they will be back early next May. I currently have some wild flower locations and I am looking for that perfect sunflower field.

Leila Doherty 6/24/20 Leila Doherty 6/24/20

A French fairy tale wedding

As a photographer a destination wedding is the dream job! A place very special to me to shoot a wedding is France, as I got married here myself 5 years ago. I got married at a lovely little place called Saint Victor La Grand' Maison 36300, France. I will do a separate blog on my wedding day. When I got asked to photograph a wedding at Chateau St Julien I was so excited, as this was my other venue I had been torn between when deciding

Chateau St Julien is nestled within a landscaped, walled estate in the village of St. Julien l’Ars just south of the Loire Valley near the ancient city of Poitiers. It offers the romance of an historic castle with the comfortable informality and spirit of a home. The chateau is the ideal setting for destination wedding parties of up to 50 guests where you can host your family and friends to the celebration of a lifetime. The peace and serenity of the chateau can be felt the moment you pass through the chateau gate, beneath the 100 ft. Gothic spire of the village church and into the castle courtyard.

Getting married in France is a very special experience. I can tell you from a personal point of view, that all I wanted was to do it again. So that’s what I try and give my clients, a set of images that transport them back to every moment, that are beautifully shot and will last forever. As a documentary wedding photographer I like to blend into the background, capturing the beautiful story as the day unfolds, I will make everyone feel relaxed and at ease, thats even if they notice that I’m there.

For a destination wedding I always like to travel the day before the the ceremony, this allows for any travel disruptions, but also gives me time to scout the location and meet my clients on location the day before, but I can arrive earlier. If you are making the most of your time in France with family and friends and have a few days of activities planned (welcome drinks, next day barbecues) these can also be covered.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at these photographs. If you are planning a wedding abroad get in touch. If you are planning a wedding in France especially this department near Poitiers or Limoges I’m also very happy to share my list of fabulous suppliers who I used for my own wedding.

Leila Doherty 6/17/20 Leila Doherty 6/17/20

Golden hour mummy & baby photoshoot

The perfect time to photograph there is between 8 & 9pm when the warm lighting is the most flattering for natural light portrait photography. The diffused light at gives the skin a soft look and your subject can face the sun without squinting, so they're bathed in beautiful light. I also like to have my subject pose with their back to the sun so that they’ll be surrounded by a warm glow. It really is a magical time and I’ve been so happy with every photoshoot.

During lockdown a lot of new parents have missed out on the chance of having their newborn shoot so it was lovely to do this mummy and baby shoot for Fay.

What a way to remember lockdown. These photos really show the strong bond and overwhelming love between mummy and baby. If you would like a golden hour photoshoot get in touch as I have so many locations in Hertfordshire which would be perfect!

Leila Doherty 6/10/20 Leila Doherty 6/10/20

Beautiful golden hour portrait photography

I have been loving getting back to work and doing my golden hour family photoshoots. The location is at a beautiful giant daisy field near Sarratt, Hertfordshire and it really will take your breath away!

It's best to photograph here is when the sunlight isn't so harsh. Many people love to shoot during golden hour. This is the time right after sunrise, or right before sunset. During these periods the light is soft, warm and very flattering. It has a magical feel and the pictures speak for themselves.

My family portrait sessions are very relaxed. It is very important to stick to the social distancing measures so this is a perfect location for a photography shoot as its outside in a huge open field. The location is remote and often completely empty. I love to shoot for far back anyway as I like to use the flowers as foreground. My job is to make you and your family feel totally at ease and I promise you will have amazing photographs that you will love. If you would like to book a shoot get in touch.

Leila Doherty 6/3/20 Leila Doherty 6/3/20

Timeless newborn photography

For me, newborn portraits should be simple. There is nothing more timeless than classic black and white photography. I think black and white images are really stylish and contemporary. They look great in any room of the house and make a statement.

New baby sessions are usually held in your home, which make for lovely, relaxed, intimate family portraits. I use gentle window light and we can include other family members, siblings, parents and even pets. There is a bare minimum of 'posing' and the focus is entirely on interacting naturally with baby. As with all of my photography my goal is to capture genuine, beautiful emotion. As a mum myself I can honestly say these first few weeks are also a bit of a blur. This is why newborn photographs are magical. They take you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world.

My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

Learn more

Leila Doherty 5/27/20 Leila Doherty 5/27/20

Californian orange poppy field photoshoot

During week 10 of lockdown I stumbled upon this amazing wild Californian poppy field. What a find and perfect for family wild flower photoshoots. May is definitely a magical session, as I’ve found so many gorgeous locations.

Here are a few images of my two daughters in the California wildflowers! We did the shoot at 5pm as during the day the sunlight was too harsh. I would have loved to photograph them during golden hour, but they are tucked up in bed by 7pm.

I’ve really missed doing all my family photoshoots during lockdown. But now it is possible for me to do social distance family photoshoots in outside locations. If you are thinking about having a family shoot get in touch.

Some other locations I’ve found this May are a beautiful buttercup fields in Bovingdon, a giant daisy field in Sarratt, this stunning orange poppy field in Watford and loads so magical woodland spots around Chipperfield. If you know of a location that I might like get in touch and I might do you a free shoot.

Leila Doherty 5/20/20 Leila Doherty 5/20/20

My first social distancing family photoshoot

I did my first social distancing family photoshoot last week and it was very successful, the photographs are beautiful. I wanted to try it out to see if it could be a possibility to get back to work at some point. To make the most of the bluebells I chose a stunning location between Chipperfield & Sarratt WD4. Its a stunning wild bluebell woods, with lots of fallen trees, beautiful paths and wild garlic. I love it and actually only found this location during lockdown on our family walks.

How magical is this shot amongst the wild garlic…

I feel so lucky living in Hertfordshire as there are so many stunning locations on our doorstep for family lifestyle photography sessions throughout the year.

I met this lovely family four months ago for their newborn shoot, just before covid 19 and lockdown became so real so it was great to see them. I also found it really easy to keep to the social distancing guidelines in this woodlands environment. I love using flowers as foreground so I usually shoot for quite far away anyway.

If you would like to book a family photoshoot please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.

All my packages include;

The shoot at our chosen location
All photographs would be edited by me in my signature style
Access to a private online gallery

All you need to decide is what package;

Print Package - £95

Includes 5 5x7 prints of your choice after the shoot.

USB Package - £225
Instantly download photos from your personalised viewing gallery
A wooden USB containing all the edited High Res Images from the shoot with full ownership & printing rights

USB & Print Box - £295
A wooden USB containing all the edited High Res Images from the shoot with full ownership
80 photograph of your choice would be professionally printed 6x4 size. Both items will be displayed in a beautiful keepsake box available in light or dark wood

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushy, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Leila Doherty 5/16/20 Leila Doherty 5/16/20

Social distancing family photoshoots

We are living in unprecedented times due to coronavirus. Lots of businesses both large and small are strugging. The world as we know it has come to a dramatic standstill and we are all trying to adjust to the constantly changing new normal. We’ve all been in lockdown 8 weeks now and its just been announced that that shall continue with a few changes, like being able to go out to exercise more, being able to go to work if you cant work from home as long as social distancing measures are in place.

We are living in unprecedented times due to coronavirus. Lots of businesses both large and small are struggling. The world as we know it has come to a dramatic standstill and we are all trying our best to adjust to the situations we are all faced with. We’ve been in lockdown 8 weeks now and it’s just been announced that this situation continue with a few changes; being able to go out to exercise more, going out to work if you can’t work from home and seeing people from outside your household as long as social distancing rules are maintained. What a strange world it is without the hugs from friends and family that we’re all so used to.

Initially I found the whole lockdown quite hard, being a mummy of a one and a three year old. I’m used to always feeling tired but this was a whole new level of exhaustion! I’m sure it’s as difficult for the girls as it is for me - their friends are my friends’ children and the regular playdates and meet-ups have been replaced with brief (and mainly manic) video calls. The positives have been slowing down and adjusting to the simple life - we’ve been baking, planting seeds and doing puzzles. Each day we’ve taken a long walk in Chipperfield woods. My one year old’s stamina has improved so much that she no longer needs the buggy. We’ve actually played with all the toys in their play room. We’ve spent so much time in the garden enjoying the fantastic weather. Truly quality time and I’m constantly reminding myself to make the most out of it. This enforced closeness won’t last forever and is truly a silver lining in the pandemic cloud.

I love to take my camera out on our walks and have found so many new locations for future children and family shoots. My daughters are my little models and I have been photographing them from a distance and the results have been lovely. That is one part of my business that I will be able to reopen, family social distancing photoshoots. Once the hairdressers have opened, lol.

So if you would like to book a family photoshoot with me get in touch. We can do the shoot in a lovely woodland environment, common, field or park. We are so lucky living on the Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire border as there is so much choice. Some of the areas I cover are; Berkhamsted, Chesham, Amersham, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Chandlers Cross, Bushey, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Redbourne, Harrow, Hatfield & Croxley Green.

Leila Doherty 5/13/20 Leila Doherty 5/13/20

Hitchin Lavender Mini Shoots

My names Leila and I’m a professional photographer based in Chipperfield, Hertfordshire. This year I will be hosting two mornings of family mini shoots at Hitchin Lavender Farm. As i’m only doing two mornings this year please get in touch quick if you would like to book a space. As well as the gorgeous purple lavender, they also have white lavender, a wild flowers field & sunflowers.

It’s actually a lovely day out for the family so definitely worth making a day of it when you book a shoot.

My favourite setting last year was the wild Poppy’s scattered between the lavender rows. I photographed a beautiful maternity shoot there with a lovely couple who actually had their their first date at Hitchin lavender farm.

If you’d like to book a place get in touch!

Leila xx

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushy, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

Leila Doherty 5/6/20 Leila Doherty 5/6/20

Help Love Pictures by Leila raise £1000 for the NHS

Please join me in supporting a good cause. I want to do something to help our wonderful NHS. I will be donating 5 family mini shoots to 5 lucky people which can be redeemed as soon as things get back to normal.

They will be taking place in Hertfordshire but you can choose the location, Hitchin Lavender Fields, Pop Up Sunflower Farm St Albans, Amersham Wild Flowers, Chipperfield Woods or Bluebells 2021.

I'm selling 100 numbers at £10 each and there are 5 chances to win, you can buy as many numbers as you want, its all for a great cause, so if you would like to support me & the NHS donate £10 per number to my Facebook fundraising page.

I'm raising money for NHS Charities Together and your contribution will make an impact. Thank you for your support.

Leila Doherty 5/5/20 Leila Doherty 5/5/20

Bluebell family photoshoot tips

The end of April & the start of May is a very busy time for me! Spring has arrived and now the bluebells are out in their full glory! I absolutely love family bluebell photoshoots but unfortunately this year due to this awful coronavirus pandemic life has temporally been put on hold. I live in Chipperfield, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire and all of my photography sessions take place locally so I’ve still got to enjoy these magical woods with my family. I’d like to share some tips for both budding photographers and future clients.

Finding the right bluebell woods

The National Trust has a number of bluebell woods on their land but these are mainly used for visiting families and not for professional family shoots. Therefore I would begin by scouting for smaller local woods close to the well known larger woods, as bluebells tend to migrate across areas. One of our main stunning bluebell woods is at Asridge, Docky Woods. If you’ve never visited please go as it will take your breath away. Another stunning place to visit is Philipshill wood located between Chorleywood and Chalfont St. Giles, within the Chilterns Area. I started off doing my bluebell shoots in both these places but have since found so many more deserted stunning locations around Chesham, Sarratt & Chipperfield.

What to wear

Clothing choice is very important when shooting in the bluebells. Your base colour pallete in all your images is going to be quite an acidic green and a very vibrant purple/ blue. Ideally your clothing needs to fit with this colour scheme and I tend to use neutral tones such as cream, grey, light pink etc.

What time of day

Bluebell photography is especially tricky as these flowers tend to grow where the light is dappled and theres so much contrast. The trees can also be quite bare so you are often be faced with very bright patches of light which can create unevenly lit images. Ideally you want to photograph very early in the morning, or late into the evening when the sun is lower. My perfect day is an overcast cloudy day as the lighting is beautifully balanced.

Perspective

I always shoot from low down and use the bluebells as foreground so I can create a beautiful purple blur at the front of my image. I love finding paths, patches or fallen trees to sit my families or children on and then I will shot them from quite far away to create a sea of bluebells.

Props

When I do my mini shoot sessions I used a huge 2 foot round white balloon as a prop. It looks amazing in the photographs and its also a good distraction in so many ways for the children. If they don’t want to be photographed they still always want to hold the balloon so its a good way to build up a relationship and get some amazing natural shots. Its also a great prop for children having a birthday shoot. It also offers a whole other set of photos for the client so they have a bigger variety to choose from after the shoot. Lastly if you want to make the child laugh, you can get the parents to knock you with it, that always gets a giggle. Another good prop is a bunch of artificial bluebells as bluebells are a protected species so you really shoulnt’t pick them.

Be careful

Bluebells are also a protected species so paying attention to where you sit your subjects is very important. Look for patches/areas that have no bluebells or use pathways. If you shoot from very low down it is easy to make a path disappear in camera. Alternatively you can use the pathways to create some lovely leading lines to your family.

Leila Doherty 4/23/20 Leila Doherty 4/23/20

Family photography tips for lockdown

During this strange time whilst we are all on lockdown, my daily highlight is our family exercise. Every day we walk over to Chipperfield Woods and explore. Chipperfield Woods is one of my favourite locations for family shoots but I have to admit there are two areas which I use for these shoots. Having all this extra time we’ve explored everywhere and I have found so many new wonderful locations. I always take my phone with me as it’s so light compared to my big camera and have been taking lots of photos of the girls.

My top tips are…

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS for lockdown…

During this strange time whilst we are all on lockdown, my daily highlight is our hours exercise with the family. Every day we walk over to Chipperfield woods and explore. Chipperfield woods is one of my favourite locations for family shoots but I have to admit there are two areas which I use for these shoots. Having all this extra time we’ve explored everywhere and I have found so many new wonderful locations. I always take my phone with me as it’s so light compared to my big camera and have been taking lots of photos of the girls.

The photos above are taken on my iPhone.

My top tips are;

- Always make it fun!!! Like on my family shoots which younger children I always turn it into a game, we climb, balance, jump, go on a bear hunt, search for bug & muddy puddles. The children are having so much fun it’s so easy to get great shots.

- Make sure the flash is off. Use natural light. Photographing people on a really sunny day can be quite tricky as you get a lot of harsh light. Try taking the pictures in the shade. An overcast day is my favourite.

- Get down low! When photographing children get down low. I like to get my camera or phone as close to the ground looking up at them if for instance they are walking down a path or splashing in a muddy puddle. You also get to see much more of the surroundings around you and the children take over the shot.

- Try and find some foreground. This is really easy to so if shooting on a phone. Whist they are playing, balancing, exploring, photograph them from behind some flowers, leafs, or plants. The foreground is the part of the image closest to the camera and can be used to draw attention to the subject (in this case your child) located further into the frame. It can also be used to frame the subject. Foreground is great to play with and adds a whole new dimension to the image.

- I love finding fallen trees to sit children on. This is also great if you have little escape artists as a lot of parents struggle with getting a picture of their children together. Same with lower trees which they can climb or stand in.

- Having an extra person with you is really handy! As you can concentrate on taking the photo whilst the other person can be in charge of being the tickle monster and getting those giggles!

- Once you get home you can also do a little edit on your pictures, on my phone I like to add just a tiny bit of the vivid effect (I use an iPhone so this is just the edit options on my photo) I use the shadow option to make it a little lighter and a bit of the brightness. Once you start playing with these tools you soon learn what works for you. The warmth tool is also good to make your image look either warmer or cooler depending on the lighting that day.

I hope these tips help!!! We have all this extra family time and the perfect photography subjects so get snapping!!! I’d love to see some of your shots!

Tag me on Instagram @lovepicturesbyleila so I can see.

Leila Doherty 1/1/20 Leila Doherty 1/1/20

A natural passion for photography

Spring mini shoots in Whippendale woods, Watford. Bluebell mini shoots in Chorleywood, Chesham, Berkhamsted & The Ashridge Estate. Lavender mini shoots at Hitchin Lavender Farm. Wildflower shoots in Amersham, Chipperfield & Abbott’s Langley. Autumn Mini Shoots in Chipperfield, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Potters Bar & St Albans.

**My two little muses…Maya and Amelie!**

Photography has always played a huge part in my life. My mum is a photographer so from as young as I can remember I spent many an evening sitting on the floor in our bathroom developing photos. Back then the art of photography was obviously very different. I used to be in charge of rocking the chemical trays, waiting in anticipation for the images to appear. I feel in love with it instantly. I used to nag my mum to let me take they last few frames on her cameras and my the age of ten I have my first photograph published on the cover of “Nursery World” magazine! And I got paid!

After university I joined the BBC as a trainee camera operator! I wanted to take things a step further visually and make television programs. The training at the BBC was fantastic and I soon became a camera operator. I was lucky enough to work on so many huge shows and events. A few to list were; Strictly Come Dancing, Dance fever, Top of the pops, Glastonbury, Live 8, Eastenders, March of the day, Wimbledon, The Olympics, The one show, Big brother, The million pound drop, Pointless, 8 out of 10 cats, Blue Peter. The list is endless!

The television and photography worked so well together and I loved both!

After 10 years at the BBC I went freelance! Exciting times! I would be solely my own boss, I had two exciting careers and I could concentrate even more on my photography! That’s when Love Pictures was established! I moved from South East London to Hertfordshire, got married had my first daughter and my business went crazy!!!! I think my clients love it that I’m current, still working in television mean that my work doesn’t get dated. I’m constantly exposed to new and exciting ideas and that’s what people want!

I now have two gorgeous daughters, we live in Chipperfield, Kings Langley in Hertfordshire.

I love photographing children and families in the beautiful area that we are lucky enough to live in! Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire are stunning backdrops and I really do think I have the best job ever. From maternity photoshoots, newborns, first birthday cake smashes and family shoots, I enjoy them all. Over the last few years I’ve also been doing family mini shoots which have been so popular.

Spring mini shoots in Whippendale woods, Watford. Bluebell mini shoots in Chorleywood, Chesham, Berkhamsted & the Ashridge Estate. Lavender mini shoots at Hitchin Lavender Farm. Wildflower shoots in Amersham, Chipperfield & Abbott’s Langley. Autumn Mini Shoots in Chipperfield, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Potters Bar & St Albans.

So welcome to Love Pictures by Leila. I’m a local mummy who’s passionate about what I do.

Pop over to my Instagram @lovepicturesbyleila to check out my work and if you’d like to book a shoot with me get in touch xx

**A stroll with my girls in Chipperfield Woods…**

Leila Doherty 5/28/19 Leila Doherty 5/28/19

Newborn Shoot - Behind the scenes!

Hello my names Leila and I’m a newborn photographer based in Kings Langley Hertfordshire. I’d like to take you behind the scenes to see what you get if you book a newborn photo shoot with me. You can come to my home studio for a newborn shoot or I can come to your home, I have a portable mini studio that I bring with me and a wide selection of hats, wraps and beautiful throws.

My shoots are relaxed and very baby led. If you already have a child I certainly want to include them in the shoot too.

Leila Doherty 5/28/19 Leila Doherty 5/28/19

Autumn Mini Shoots

It all begins with an idea.

Autumn photoshoots I love this time of the year! I’m only doing 6 dates so availability is very limited.

They will take place at Chipperfield woods on the 5th, 6th, 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th October WD4 9BQ

Mini sessions are perfect if;

– you are looking to update your existing family photos

– you are wanting to try out lifestyle photography for the first time and see if it’s for you

– you want to buy the session as a present for someone special (I have lovely gift vouchers available!)

I’m based in Chipperfield but cover all the local areas including Sarratt, Kings Langley, Abbott’s Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban’s, Potters Bar, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Bushy, Tring, Beaconsfield, Bovingdon, Chenies, Flaunden, Chalfont St Giles, Belsize, and Harpenden.

All my packages include;

All you need to decide is what package;

Finding the right bluebell woods

What to wear

What time of day

Perspective

Props

Be careful

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS for lockdown…