It’s been such a lovely autumn in Switzerland this year, perfect for family photography sessions over the seasons. Vanessa and Paolo chose the vistas of Rivaz in the Lavaux for their first photo session this year, an eight month maternity shoot in the autumnal vineyards. It was a perfect beginning to their “Baby’s first year” family photography collection. At the start of their session my client’s often say to me, apologetically, that they are not photogenic and hate pictures of themselves: I am exactly the same! Having your picture taken consciously is not easy for anyone the first time. People always ask what should they do, how should they act? For me, the most important this is to try to forget that you’re having your photo taken at all. It’s at this moment that you relax and then everyone is photogenic!

So we started slow in some nice light in the village where Vanessa’s eyes just sparkled in the late afternoon sun. Then, after a quick outfit change – and my reflector’s second job as screen – we walked along to the vineyards to find a quiet spot among the many people taking advantage of the weekend sunshine.

I loved Vanessa’s choice of outfits and as soon as she showed me her yellow dress I knew it was one to keep for the end of the session, when the light was at it’s absolute best and both her and Paolo were super relaxed in front of the camera. That didn’t stop us having some fun with the strong sunlight and some glamorous poses.

The final shots remind me more of Tuscany than Switzerland, which is one of the reasons I love living here; there are just so many different environments all together. And as I went to meet their gorgeous newborn son last week I could see how the yellows and blues will work perfectly with their personal home style. I look forward to seeing how their next two sessions go and can’t wait to put their Storybook family photo album together.

If you would like to book a relaxed, natural lifestyle family photography session for 2015 get in touch to find out more.