Today’s blog post HAD to star these guys as it’s George’s first birthday today… HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE!

These pictures were taken at one of my family photography workshops The Roost, at the London workshop in November. As part of the day, I do a brief live shoot, to show how I photograph babies and young children. Obviously it’s not exactly representative of how I usually work, as typically these would take place in and around the family’s own home, rather than in a one room studio space in Hackney! But still, it’s an opportunity to show how I use location and light, and how I interact with families while I shoot.

My volunteers for the live shoot at this London workshop were the lovely Hannah and Michael of Jackson & Co Photography – Hannah was already attending the workshop, so Michael came along too in the afternoon bringing their total dude of a son George with them. Well, what can I say? George is RIDICULOUS… illegal levels of character and cute. This first picture below was the first thing he did all of his own accord when the shoot started and he was placed on the floor. Just a casual lean… “C’mon then Anna, what you got for me? Just name it. Whatever it is, I’ve got it. Everything’s under control.”

Taking pictures for crazy talented photographers such as Michael and Hannah is nerve-wracking at the best of times. Even with plenty of time, loads of amazing light and some killer locations I’d have been so anxious about doing a good job for them… So to only have one room full of workshop crap, twenty minutes and fading winter light outside was a bit of a scary challenge to put it mildly! But seriously, it’s just impossible to take a bad picture of this kid. What a complete legend.

Thank you SO much Hannah, Michael and George for coming along and brightening up that chilly winter’s day for me and everyone else there. I can’t wait to catch up with you all again, and wish George the very happiest first birthday! If he’s managed to cram in that much joy into just one year, just think how much happiness the coming years have in store for you all 🙂

The next Roost family photography workshop takes place in Manchester on Tuesday 21st February 2017 – there are still a few places left so please get in touch if you’re interested in coming along and I’ll send you all the info! 🙂