Best Places for Family Photos in Somerset & Devon | Taunton Photographer
I love exploring new places to use as settings for photo sessions. Whether it’s a family, maternity or couple session, there are countless hidden gems in Somerset to take advantage of in any season. I’m dreaming of a snowy session in one of these spots but still waiting for the opportunity!!
I’ve written up a small list of some of the places I find myself going back to time and time again. That’s not to say that these are the only places I’ll recommend for your session - I’m always up for your own ideas and there are a couple I might just be keeping tucked up my sleeve ;)
At Home
Don’t underestimate the setting of your own home! At/In Home sessions hold a new significance these days..after all, it’s where we’ve all spent the majority of our time over the last year! No need to time everyone’s dressing/teeth brushing/sibling disagreements perfectly in order to bundle everyone into the car and arrive on time, why not have a family session in your own back garden?!
For those in-home sessions, you don’t need to worry too much about tidying for hours before I arrive either. I may move things around to get the best light but I completely understand busy family life, and also won’t even notice last night’s dinner plates waiting to be washed up. I’ll be too focused on capturing your children making forts in the living room, baking together or sharing stories all snuggled up on the sofa.
Staple Hill
Staple Hill (I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about it on Instagram!) is one of my all time favourite spots for sessions. I really love doing family/couple sessions in a woodland environment. It’s the ultimate playground for children - resulting in those super fun laid back images of your little ones that we love. For the couple sessions, it lends a super romantic and dramatic background. In addition, I must add that it’s never too busy - often we’ll be the only ones there so you don’t feel like you’ve got an audience.
Bonus points if you bring your dog of course!!
National Trust Properties/Gardens
Getting a membership to the National Trust has been such a valuable investment for my work. It’s opened up so many more places to have family sessions and provides beautiful safe locations for children of all ages. Often, the families who book in to have a session at an NT garden will make an afternoon/day of it, taking time to explore the grounds and fill up hungry little tummies with hot chocolates at the cafés on site. Knightshayes and Fyne Court are two of my favourites to visit!
Sidmouth Beach
I’m talking about the Jacob’s Ladder side of Sidmouth Beach for this one. Yes the pebbly side is lovely to sit on and eat ice-cream on a warm day in late summer, but your family photos should definitely be on the other side. The beach has a little bit more sand and when the tide goes out, is fantastic for running along in bare feet! There are loads of rocks with little rock pools to explore and find creatures in and the dramatic cliffs provide such a cool backdrop to the photographs. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time to arrange a session…
And then of course you can grab fish and chips to eat afterwards - perfect evening!
Haldon Forest
You have probably guessed by now, I love forests! Here’s another.. Packed full of fun things to do and endless trails to follow, this is one of my favourite places to visit throughout the year with my family and makes such a great location for family photos too. By the car park, there’s also really nice little café and playground for the little ones to enjoy.