In December I photographed a family of 5, aged 20’ something cousins for their beloved granny who hadn’t seen them all year. They wanted to re-create a photograph that sits on her mantlepiece from when they were young children.

I recognised the family name when they booked and through talking to them realised that I took the actual photograph that I was being asked to recreate (how old do I feel?!).

I remember the original photograph I took on the lovely red Laura Ashley sofa in the living room. I remember the children playing on the trampoline in the garden. I remember them giggling, clambering over the sofa, and trying to get them to sit and look (still not easy with 5 young children).

The session stuck in my mind as it was my first commissioned family location session for someone I didn’t know. They didn’t realise but it was a very special session for me - to know that people actually wanted to book and pay for what I was offering.

Pictorial Photography turns 20 years old this month. It has grown and evolved and become even more wonderful, just like those young adults I photographed in December.

I couldn’t have done any of this without you guys so to celebrate the 20th birthday, I’ve decided to pay it forward (or is it backward?) this year with 20 exciting surprises for clients past and present. Watch this space!