27 May 2014

SWPP National Competition success – Memorable Moments

I’m delighted to announce that I recently found out that I was a runner up in a national competition organised by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) on the theme of ‘Memorable Moments’.  My shot was one of the winners selected from over 175 entries from across the country.

My image was called ‘Unconditional Love’ and shows a moment of tenderness between a father and his new born child.


'Unconditional Love' by Bump2Baby Portraits / John Wood Photography, ©2014

Do let me know what you think of the photo in the comments below.
I took the shot at a client's home in Stevenage in Hertfordshire using a pop up studio set up with my Elinchrom D-lite 2 studio lights.  We were quite limited on space for the shoot but I managed to get some great shots of the family and their new baby daughter.

I have been photographing the family over the last year and a half as part of one of my bump to baby maternity packages where I do a maternity shoot before the baby is born and then document the baby and family’s first year together.  I love undertaking these shoots as you get to meet the excited, soon-to-be parents and then follow them through that first year as their child grows and develops.
If you are interested in having a maternity or newborn portrait session yourself or know someone who might be interested, please do contact me by email or phone me on 07941 758887 to secure your session now.

12 May 2014

Family portraits in the bluebell woods of Hertfordshire


With the mild winter this year, the bluebells have come earlier than usual and have led to a fantastic display.

Family portraits in the bluebells - © John Wood Photography

I undertook a family portrait session in the bluebell woods around Ashridge (just outside of Berkhamsted) just over a week ago.  The session took place in an enchanted bluebell wood that was selected to give a lovely backdrop to the spring colours this season.  The two children were able to explore the carpet of bluebells, peep out from behind trees and generally enjoy doing what kids do – playing and having fun!

Kids portraits in the bluebells - © John Wood Photography
After a week of glorious weather leading up to the session, the weather turned on the day of the shoot with showers threatening.  Fortunately the weather just held out for us and we were able to make the most of the criss-crossing of forest pathways to get some great angles and locations.

Children playing in the bluebells - © John Wood Photography
The canopy of beech trees and their stunning foliage gave some great light and would have provided shelter should the weather have turned.

Family portraits in the bluebells - © John Wood Photography
We had a great session in the bluebells and were able to capture a set of lovely photographs which the family will treasure for the future.

Check out some of my bluebell landscape photos taken at the same location after the family shoot had finished over on my Facebook page.

If you are interested in having a location based family portrait session, please do contact me by email or phone me on 07941 758887 to secure your session now.