This is the big one. A dream way to make photographs in my opinion.
A year long documentary commission of your family life. No no I’m not moving in don’t worry. But I will visit during each season of the year, one visit per quarter, documenting your story and creating a handcrafted photo book at the end of the project.
It is the scrapbook that you wish you were making, the one that you said you would start when they were born.
It’s the scenes of your life, including you, still life photography of the home that you have made with it’s ever changing work top spaces, ongoing projects and most favourite treasures.
It’s your youngest getting older, their grandparents getting older still. It’s maybe even your grandparents if you’re lucky.
It’s fish and chip suppers, chasing the last of the summer sun, camping trips, Christmas gatherings.
It’s long hair before they outgrow it. The way they still tuck under your arm without thinking.. It’s the magic that is made even though the to-do list is never done.
It is not a photo shoot. It is not posing.
It’s letting me become a part of your family for a little while and trusting me to capture you just as you are.
Family Archive
The year begins in mid summer, camped high on a cliff at a favourite campsite not far from home. Fresh out of the long summer term, tensions ebb and flow as they build a temporary home on the hill for the next two weeks. The boys disappear in a haze of long blonde grass, the parents finally calling it - pour a long drink and celebrate the peace.
Friends join, there are ball games and beach trips and more long drinks. Kids disappear into each others vans and tents for lego marathons, make overs and movies.
Autumn rolls around and whilst the leaves are on the brink of change, the days are still warm. After school we chase the last of the sun up to Kit Hill and try our luck in the quarry for fish.
The sun begins to dip and Ricky makes a trip to the chippy for supper, ketchup and mayonnaise already packed, this boy scout is always prepared!
Supper with a view, we watched the sun set and the moon rise, dreaming of summer plans for the following year.
Nik: Home to New Zealand to see loved ones and swim in a warm ocean.
Ricky: Northern Spain to show his boys the sand dunes that he used to jump from when he worked and travelled Spain.
Eli: A ski-ing holiday with lots of friends.
Jasper: The States to meet Mr Beast.
This home does Christmas very well. The tree is so big that it bends against the tall ceiling, strings of lights glow from both inside and outside, the woody crackles all day long and the record player is spinning old favourite Christmas songs.
The annual Gingerbread House making is today, friends from the village have gathered knowing exactly what treats wait for them. There are baked gingerbread panels, a saucepan of lava hot sugar syrup, piping bags of icing and bowls and bowls of sweets. Marshmallows, strawberry laces, Tutti Fruttis, chocolate buttons, jelly tots.. and more.
There is pink Prosecco for the tired yet festive parents, a promise of a sit down between term finishing and the real Christmas push beginning.
Finally Spring has sprung. It’s time to prepare Tiki Van for her first outing of the year. There is another favourite camp spot close to home. Set next to a river it’s the perfect place for some fishing and quietness. Hot cross buns get charred on the barbecue and spring flowers get picked for last nights olive tins. There is tiredness but the promise of longer days and more warmth is definitely here. The kids debate the reality of the easter bunny, all of them suspicious, all of them happy enough to lean into believing - if it means there will be bounty tomorrow.
