Getting Creative in Dorset: In-home Photo Sessions at Hethfelton House

Join me on an adventure across the South Somerset border to the beautiful Hethfelton House, where I took part in a Wild Mother Workshop and got my first taste of the joys of exploring creatively alongside some industry leading motherhood photographers. 

Being a creative and a solo business owner has an immense amount of perks. Being able to choose work hours that suit you, taking holidays when you like, starting projects without having to consult anyone else… I could go on but one thing that can sometimes be missing is the creativity that collaboration and, dare I say it, a little competition can provide.

Maybe it’s the only child in me but I’ve always felt quite settled when working alone and can be pretty self disciplined when it comes to scheduling my routine, completing the more onerous tasks and setting goals to motivate myself. So when the opportunity arose to join the very first workshop of fabulous family Dorset photographers Madeleine Jones and Sarah Mac I was excited but not altogether ready for the revelatory experience I was about to have.

What is a Photography Workshop?

Firstly, before I share with you a breakdown of the day I want to briefly explain the concept and motives of a photography workshop for those who might be unfamiliar. 

The main idea is to provide photographers with the opportunity to shoot a selection of images to use within their portfolio that expresses their style to prospective clients. Much like the smaller scale ‘Model Call’, a workshop gives more creative control to the photographer and by selecting models, backdrops, clothing and props to follow a certain theme they’re able to curate a look that they feel represents their aesthetic. It’s also an opportunity for photographers to photograph without the restrictions of trying to please a paying customer. Now don’t get me wrong, photographers love to shoot with the client in mind but sometimes the creative freedom to play and experiment can be rejuvenating and energising. Something we all need now and again!

This particular workshop took the form of twelve family and maternity photographers shooting four styled model set ups within a beautiful Georgian House with a brief break for a light lunch and a natter at half time. Madeliene and Sarah, the organisers, are both supremely talented artists in their own rights but share a love of telling motherhood stories amongst a landscape of natural textures and earthy muted tones.  Together they had gathered a gorgeous array of clothing, flowers and props to style a really beautiful cohesive workshop for like minded photographers. They had also worked hard to select trusted models and past clients who they thought would best fit the theme and were confident to pose for not just one, but several photographers at a time.

They really had thought of everything! Upon arrival we were greeted with teas, coffees and hand made sugar cookies featuring the workshop name, such a sweet touch. The table for lunch was laid out ready with dried flowers, textures of linen and sprigs of wild flowers and as we waited for all the photographers to arrive it was the perfect setting to mingle and get to know each other.

Getting busy in the bathroom

Once everyone had arrived we split into two groups of six and after gathering our equipment  were guided through the house (trust me we needed guidance otherwise we would have easily got lost!) to where our first shoot would be. 

My group headed upstairs in one of the majestically beautiful bedrooms where we met our models Bonita and Jess, their daughter Eden and tiny baby Rudi.

The shoot itself was taking place in the rooms light and bright ensuite bathroom making use of the large roll top bath and big sash windows. Mum Bonita donned a silky Kahani Robe in mustard and sat down beside the bath to nurse Rudi as we took turns to capture some tender shots of mother and baby. Next she was joined by partner Jess and we got to see the pair smiling together and enjoying their brand new baby. 

Now as you may be thinking even the largest of bathrooms – and this one is pretty up there – would struggle to fit a group of 6 photographers plus two parents and a newborn, and you would be correct. So to combat this we did the very British thing and made a queue.

Taking turns to watch others and then have our chance to photograph with the family. And this is where I began to see the true power of a creative workshop, as I sat and watched other photographers having their turn I saw them explore angles I wouldn’t have considered, direct poses that aren’t in my wheelhouse and play with techniques I’ve never tried before.

So, when the time came to grab my camera and get my shots I was feeling inspired. I didn’t just stick to the old faithfuls, I challenged myself to try out some new techniques, pushing some boundaries to be honest I didn’t know I had. And it was marvellous! Not everything worked, and not every shot was one for the portfolio but the range of images I collected far outstripped what I would have come away with had I been photographing alone.

All the feels of the Flower Power Party

For our next set-up we ventured downstairs into one of the house’s larger event spaces where we met Lydia, a beautiful mum-to-be sporting some rather fabulous cowboy boots. The theme of this session was a nod to the 70’s flower power era with a bed set up with tonal orangey linens, some textured grasses and Lydia’s baby bump decorated in little dried flowers. 

This set-up is pretty far from my usual style but the colours were extremely enticing and I love any chance to photograph a baby bump. For this session I wanted to test out the capabilities of the Sigma Art 35mm lens I had hired for the day and I have to say it did not disappoint. From crisp close up details like the flowers on her belly to testing out its speed as she twirled in the sunshine the lens kept up and gave me really consistent beautiful shots.

Again I really enjoyed watching how other photographers posed and moved themselves around the model to get a diverse and exciting range of images from just one set-up. I was really inspired to go with my gut, explore creatively and it really paid off. 

Time flies when you’re having fun and it was soon time to break for lunch. We came back together for a delicious spread of food provided by local caterers and as we refueled the chatter soon turned to all things photography, business and family. Again, I can’t stress enough the benefits as a small business owner of hearing the joys and frustrations, wins and losses echoed back to you from others in the same situation. Likewise the motivation it gives hearing from others who are 5 or even 10 years ahead in their business journey and reaping the rewards of creativity, self employment and independence. Balm for the soul!

Toying with tones and textures

Before long we were tidying away and heading off for the final two shoots of the day. The first a mother daughter session in the studio with a backdrop featuring dried flowers from Dorset Dried Flowers. Eighteen month old Neave was very relaxed in front of the cameras and her interactions with mum Imogen provided some really soulful intimate portraits.

Once again the styling by Madeleine and Sarah was on point and the textures of the wild flowers really added an extra dimension to the images. Playing with this idea of texture and focus many photographers began to experiment with shooting through things like leaves, fabric and plastic. I had a try with some of the plastic to create a soft vignette and found it was much easier than I’d thought and gave a really interesting hazy glow. 

Pushing outside of the comfort zone

For our final shoot of the day we were once again upstairs in one of the bedrooms of Hetherford House this time to work with professional model couple Zeena and Navid and their baby Dahlia. Zeena was dressed in another of the beautiful Kahani robes, this one black with dark green, red and gold detail which worked perfectly in contrast with the classic creams and gold tones in the bedroom. 

Zenna and Navid were really confident in front of the camera and it was so lovely to see this little family really enjoying the opportunity to show such love and connection. With this set-up it would have been easy to stay by the window in the bedroom using the glowy natural light but there was also the suggestion to move around the space and use as much of the suite as we liked. This then prompted a move to the grand staircase with high ceilings, tall windows and beautiful polished oak paneling.

I was a little out of my comfort zone here and I won’t pretend that I feel that I did this grandiose setting much justice. However I did enjoy the challenge and having subsequently seen some of the other photographers’ images I understand how I could have used the space to better advantage. 

The day definitely ended on a high note for me when baby Dahlia, ready for a feed, prompted a move to the little dressing room where Mum and baby relaxed together for a quiet minute. Taking it in turns we managed to capture some of this newborn magic in our own individual way. I chose to capture this from outside the dressing room and I’m so glad that I did as it really shows an intimate moment of peace that feels really private and personal. 

Final thoughts

I love anything creative, from sewing to baking and everything in between so I still have the odd pinch me moment when I wake up in the morning and remember that I get to be a photographer. That I get to express what I see, think and feel through a lens is by no means something I take for granted. However, there is also a small part of that magic that gets taken away when that role becomes a ‘job’, something that we rely on to make an income, that we have to repeat consistently to be profitable. Luckily, opportunities to top up that magic and fire up that creative spark are out there and I’m so fortunate to have experienced such an excellent example at this stage in my career.

Wild Mother Workshops have set the bar extremely high in terms of delivering a nurturing, inspiring and welcoming event for photographers looking to capture motherhood. From styling and props to models and organisation, everything was at such a high standard and I will certainly be recommending them to others looking to expand their portfolio, re-ignite the creative flame or just to meet other like minded photographers.

Get in touch

If you would like an in-home motherhood, maternity or family photography session I would love to hear from you. Head to me contact page and let me know how I can help.

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