On this early evening in late Summer the air was fresh and salty...

the sound of seagulls drifted on the breeze and the waves lapped lazily as I walked to meet the gorgeous Gregory Family.

Jacobs Mummy and Daddy had done the BEST thing! Knowing that we would be running into bedtime they let Jacob have a nap in the car on the way to their session. As soon as he woke up they gave him some yummy snacks and before you knew it he was fresh as a daisy.

The weather had been a mixture of sun and clouds all day and as we meandered our way down the beach to the location the sun showed promises of exploding out of the clouds any minute, and sure enough 5 mins into our session it did!

Where is Hayling Island?

Nestled between Portsmouth and Chichester, with views out to the Isle of Wight Hayling Island boasts miles of unspoilt coastline mixed with a traditional seaside holiday resort feel.

On a beach on Hayling Island a family of three stand close together hugging in the sunlight.

Fun is the focus with snuggly moments in between.


Most of Hayling beaches are pebbles and sea defences but there is a special small area on West beach with continuous sand that the locals call the sand dunes. It's perfect for family photos because of it's natural bowl shape which shields you from the breeze coming off the water and provides that classic sandy beach backdrop.

As with all of my Family photography sessions fun is the focus with snuggly moments in between and they are totally child led. Each family is different though and one child's idea of fun is different from another's but generally just being together is what makes them happiest.

Jacobs idea of fun was exploring the sand dune, Mummy cuddles and singing a made up song about poop with Daddy. Giving Jacob the space to feel comfortable with his parents in a new place was top of the list and made for some wonderfully natural photos.

On a beach on Hayling Island, parents hold their three year old son close smiling and laughing in the sunlight.
On a beach on Hayling Island, parents hold their three year old son close smiling and laughing in the sunlight.
On a beach on Hayling Island, parents hold their three year old son close smiling and laughing in the sunlight.

Let them be cheeky!


It also helped that Jacobs parents are super chill and go with the flow. They played the perfect tag team. It always helps to keep things light hearted and fun. As long as they aren't being naughty enough to hurt someone or themselves, let them be cheeky! That being said I can't ever imagine Jacob being naughty, he's an absolute sweety!

I always start sessions with the whole family together just simply walking towards me interacting with each other followed by lots of play to get all of the laughs out which then leads us to the more snuggly photos. Lifestyle family photography provides mixture of fun and hugs so little ones don't get bored and fidgety.

It's that simple. Spending a joyful hour running around and tickling your kids strengthens the glue that holds you all together.

On a beach on Hayling Island a mother sits in the sand snuggling and laughing with her three year old.
On a beach on Hayling Island a Father throws his three year old up in the air as the Mother looks on and laughs.
On a beach on Hayling Island a Father stands holding his three year old Son they are laughing in the sun.

"Feel" the moment.

During your session I don't only guide you through poses that create pretty pictures but through games that harness the memories that you most likely already make together. Locking your families fun and heartfelt connection into photos and strengthening those memories and deepening your connection with each other. When you all look at the photos now and in years to come I want you to "feel" the moment.

After our hour of frolicking it was time to say goodbye to the sand, sunset, gulls and Gregorys but safe in the knowledge that the memories, fun and laughter were locked into the photos. All of those lovingly entwined moments preserved forever.

On a beach on Hayling Island parents tickle their three year old in the sand.

Later that evening I received one of the sweetest comments. Jacobs Mummy messaged me to say that on the way home in the car Jacob said...

"Did you have fun Mummy and Daddy? I did!"


On a beach on Hayling Island a Mum tickles her three year old Son in the sunlight.
On a beach on Hayling Island parents tickle their three year old in the sunshine..
On a beach on Hayling Island a Mum and Dad explore the beach with their three year old.
On a beach on Hayling Island a family plays ring-around-the-rose in the sand as the sun sets behind them.
On a beach on Hayling Island a Mum and Dad swing their three year old between them on a blanket.
On a beach on Hayling Island a three year old sits on his Mums shoulders smilin as his Mum and Dad kiss in the Sunlight.
On a beach on Hayling Island a three year old boy stands on the sand laughing at the camera in the sunshine.
On a beach on Hayling Island a Dad pulls his laughing three year old Son in a kiss.
On a beach on Hayling Island a family walks in the sand laughing at each other.

About the Author


Hi there! My name is Estella Ward, Owner of Entwined Photography. It's my mission to capture heartfelt joy and connection. I have always been drawn to photography that draws emotion and captures the spirit of the moment that you can almost hear the laughter in the photo.

I see such beauty in all the fleeting moments of time and I've carried that perspective with me into my adult life, especially since becoming a mother. Entwined Photography is a Family, Newborn and Maternity lifestyle photographer based in Havant, Hampshire and serves areas in and around Havant, Hayling Island, Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Fareham, Rowlands Castle.