My Forever Friend: A Child and Toy Photoshoot Inspired by Love and Nostalgia
Ayla loves everything pink. So when we stumbled across Bunny at Barkers in Northallerton, there was no doubt, Bunny had to come home with us. Ayla was just one year old at the time, during our first family staycation with Nanny and Grandad. It was love at first sight. Since then, Bunny has been with her through every nap, every night, and every cuddle.
The Inspiration: My Forever Friend was inspired by my brand new granddaughters and how fast they are growing, 1 year done already.
The Concept: It’s a heartfelt child and toy photoshoot that celebrates the unique bond between children and their favourite companion, a teddy, doll, action figure, or something else.
The Style: Sessions are simple and timeless, with neutral tones like white and denim. The focus is always on the child and their “forever friend.”
Family Welcome: While you’re in the studio, there’s the option to include relaxed family portraits, a perfect chance to make more memories.
Get Involved: If this sounds like something meaningful for your family, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to talk about your own My Forever Friend session.
Introducing My Forever Friend
As a photographer and a new grandparent, I find myself increasingly drawn to the little things that define childhood. Watching my granddaughters grow feels like watching my own daughters all over again. It’s emotional, familiar, and incredibly personal. That feeling is what inspired My Forever Friend – a new photoshoot series that celebrates the bond between a child and their most treasured companion.
This isn’t just a session with a soft toy. It’s a way to bottle up a moment in time, to remember the toy that went everywhere with them, the one they couldn’t sleep without, the one that helped them feel brave.
What to Expect
The style of the shoot is simple and timeless, timeless whites, maybe throw in a little denim, but the real star will always be your child’s “forever friend.” That could be a teddy, a doll, a superhero, or even something quirky and unexpected. If it matters to your child, it matters to the story.
We’ll keep things relaxed and natural in the studio. And while you’re here, why not capture a few laid-back family portraits too? It’s a lovely way to mark the moment and include everyone.
What Parents Are Saying
Ayla’s mum, Jeni, shared her experience from their session:
“My daughter is now 2, how did that happen? She’s strong willed, confident, funny, and obsessed with all things pink and princessy. I was a bit nervous beforehand about how it would go. I’ve known Gary for a few years and seen my friends’ children beautifully photographed by him. I wasn’t sure how Ayla would take to it, but I knew Gary would put her at ease. I wasn’t wrong, within minutes she was telling him how beautiful she was and performing like a star, lots of posing and sass!”
These sessions aren’t just about getting a great photo. They’re about preserving a piece of childhood, that soft toy with the frayed ears, the favourite doll missing a shoe, the comfort item that says so much without saying a word.
Book Your My Forever Friend Session
If this sounds like something your child would love, or something you’d love to remember, I’d love to chat. Let’s create something that tells your child’s story, just as they are right now.
