Natural, Honest Family Photography at Quex Park, Thanet
May 23, 2025
In this blog post I want to both tell a story and encourage you to book a family photo shoot too. It shares the heart of a shoot centred on a two-year-old’s birthday, the deeper meaning that unfolded afterwards, and why I now recommend to do family photography at Quex Park in Thanet as an ideal location for these relaxed, documentary-style sessions.
Beth and I have been together for 9 years this September. Married for 7 years in March. And our son will be 4 this year. Wild. There’s something powerful about pressing pause on your everyday life to step into a space that lets your family just be. I mean, we do it all the time when we have time with our families, but we barely ever take any photos, let alone get professional family photographs taken. That’s exactly the kind of experience I aim to offer through my family photo sessions. Recently, I photographed a beautiful family in Cambridge at Madingley Hall, and while I’m now based in Thanet, it reminded me so much of why I love photographing families locally at similar places like Quex Park.
Whether you’re thinking of celebrating a birthday, marking a milestone, or want some epic bespoke wall art this post is for you.
Why Quex Park Is the Perfect Family Photography Spot in Thanet
Quex Park is one of those locations that holds everything I need for a relaxed, unhurried family shoot. It has the kind of variety that lets children explore and parents unwind. There are quiet gardens for more intimate moments, open grassy spaces for play, and beautiful paths lined with trees that lend themselves perfectly to natural, layered portraiture.
It’s also in the heart of Thanet, making it incredibly accessible for families across the area, whether you’re in Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate or the surrounding villages. What I look for in a location is not just how it photographs but how it makes people feel. Quex Park makes people feel calm, and we like that. It gives you space to settle and explore, and it’s that calm that helps me capture images that feel like you.
A Family Birthday Session That Stays With Me
The session I’m about to share wasn’t photographed in Kent, but it carried the same relaxed, natural feel that a family photography shoot at Quex Park in Thanet would. It was held at Madingley Hall in Cambridge, a beautiful estate with historic gardens and timeless architecture. But the real story isn’t in the location. It’s in the people.
The family were celebrating their daughter’s second birthday. Just the three of them which was Mum, Dad and their little girl. Mum initially said she didn’t want to be in any photos. I hear this often, and I understand it. But I gently encouraged her. I explained that family photography is about memory, not perfection, and that one day, her daughter would treasure photos that showed them together.
She agreed, and we took some lovely, natural portraits. Mum holding her daughter’s hand walking through beautiful spaces of the garden. Dad crouching down to meet her eyes as she ran toward him with something she’d found. Just little moments, unposed and heartfelt.
A few weeks later, I received a message. Mum had been diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully, she’s now in recovery. But what she said has stayed with me. She told me how grateful she was for the photographs. That if we hadn’t taken them, she wouldn’t have any of her and her daughter from that stage of life pre-cancer.
This is why I do what I do.
My Style and How I Work
My approach to family photography is rooted in simplicity and truth, same as weddings. I work in a documentary and editorial style, which means no awkward posing and no forced smiles. Just you, your family, and the natural flow of time together.
I’ll guide gently, offer ideas, and most importantly, create an environment where everyone feels at ease. I don’t expect children to perform. I expect them to be children. That means running, climbing, collecting leaves, and doing whatever they feel like doing. I follow that energy and document it as it unfolds. But also, bring snacks, everybody needs snacks.
Parents often arrive feeling unsure or self-conscious. My job is to take that pressure away. You don’t need to worry about what to do with your hands or whether your child will behave. You just need to show up and be present. I’ll take care of the rest.
Also, worst case scenario is we book a reshoot, simple as that!
What Makes a Family Shoot Feel Natural?
A big part of what makes a session feel natural is the environment. Studio sessions are for models, generally, and they don’t feel like a normal place to be. That’s why I’m so passionate about offering shoots outside like, for example, at Quex Park. It offers both structure and freedom which includes places to pause, places to explore, and endless opportunities for the candid moments we love.
Another part is preparation. I chat with families beforehand and give suggestions on what to wear, how to prepare little ones, and what to expect. Nothing overly complicated. Just enough to help you feel relaxed on the day. It’s also really helpful to find out what you’re hoping to get out of the experience, be it a big photograph of you all on a wall, or collages around the house.
The final part is trust. When families trust me to document their story, the results always reflect that. You’re not hiring someone to make you look perfect. You’re hiring someone to see what’s already there and honour it in original photographs.
Don’t Just Choose Digital — Choose Something That Lasts
While I include digital files in every session, I also offer bespoke heirloom options that elevate your experience. These include handcrafted wall art that you can display in your home.
Digital files are convenient, but they often end up forgotten. Printed artwork, on the other hand, becomes part of your family’s daily life. It hangs in your hallway. It sits on your mantle. It’s the thing your children grow up seeing every day, and that truly matters.
That’s why I always encourage families to choose at least one piece of artwork. It transforms your images from a gallery on a screen into something truly tangible.
Why I Photograph Families in Kent
Although I’ve photographed families all across the UK, I’m now based in Thanet, and I’ve built my work around staying local. Not only does this allow me to spend more time with my own family, but it also means I’ve come to know the light, seasons, and best times of day to photograph in places like Quex Park.
I’m one of the few family photographers in the area who blends fashion-level technical skill with a documentary heart. My background includes working with BBC celebs and being published in Italian Vogue. I’ve trained under some of the top names in the photography industry. But what I value most is making real people feel comfortable and seen.
Every shoot is personal. Every family is different. And every session is crafted to reflect your world, not someone else’s Pinterest board.
Considering a Family Shoot at Quex Park?
If you’ve been meaning to update your family photos, mark a special occasion, or simply put something beautiful on your wall I’d love to photograph you.
A family photo shoot at Quex Park would be relaxed, natural, and designed around your family. You can bring snacks, spare clothes, even wellies if the weather calls for it. We’ll spend an hour maximum wandering, chatting, and creating something honest and beautiful.
To read more about how I work and what to expect, have a look at my family photography page. If you’re ready to book or just want to ask a few questions, feel free to get in touch.
