WATFORD FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
THE MOST PRECIOUS
everyday moments
RELAXED AND INFORMAL FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY ACROSS HERTFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND NORTH LONDON
Hey, I’m Rachael, a Watford family photographer with over six years’ experience capturing families as they grow. From tiny newborns to teens, I specialise in relaxed, natural family photography that celebrates your family just as you are.
I believe the best memories are found in the everyday — the spontaneous hug, the sticky fingers, the gappy grins, and the laughter that fills your home. My photography focuses on these real, everyday moments, not the perfect, everyone-smiling-at-the-camera shots. Those fleeting moments are the ones you’ll treasure forever.
As a mum myself and a former primary school teacher, I know how to connect with children of all ages, helping them feel at ease in front of the camera. I love creating a fun, playful, and stress-free experience for the whole family, so you can enjoy the session as much as the photos. Whether we’re exploring Cassiobury Park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, or enjoying the comfort of your own home, I capture moments that feel effortless and joyful.
When I’m not photographing families, you’ll usually find me enjoying a good cup of coffee or exploring Hertfordshire’s gorgeous countryside with my own family!
If you’d like to find out more about me, a Watford family photographer, keep scrolling for information on how I work, plus pricing and how to book.
Emilie&Al
We have been fortunate enough to have Rachael document our family on several occasions and each time she has been amazing! Her photographs are natural, warm and capture the moment perfectly. We get so much joy looking back at them, as do our family and friends. We cannot recommend her enough! Rachael is just so relaxed and has the most lovely soul – this is so present in her work.
Vicky
We hired Rachael from As You Are Photography for a family photoshoot just before Christmas and we are so pleased we did. She was very flexible and accommodating when arranging a date and organising the session with time and weather not being on our side! Rachael took some wonderful photos of children aged 0 to 12. She had a great rapport with the kids and they were immediately relaxed and happy to pose. The photographs are exactly what we wanted, relaxed and showing off their personalities. Would highly recommend Rachael!
Jenny&Peter
We did a family photoshoot with Rachael and she was fantastic. The whole experience was so much fun. She was so warm and friendly and it made the whole experience really lovely as it felt so relaxed and natural. My kids will not stay still and my other half does not like posing for photos but I now have a set of beautifully edited pictures that I will treasure forever! I highly recommend her!
How My Watford Family Photography Sessions Work
Booking a family photoshoot should be simple, enjoyable, and stress-free — and that’s exactly what I aim to deliver as your Watford family photographer.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Every family is different, so your session is uniquely tailored to you. You can choose from a 1 or 2 hour session. I offer a variety of session types to suit your family’s lifestyle:
At Home Sessions – Perfect for younger children, baking together, or simply enjoying family time in the comfort of your own home.
Outdoor Adventures – Explore the beauty of Watford and the surrounding areas, from woodlands and fields to parks and playgrounds. Great for families who love to be active and outdoors.
Seasonal Sessions – Capture the magic of the seasons, whether it’s decorating the Christmas tree, Easter egg hunts, or autumn walks among the falling leaves.
‘A Day in Your Life’ Sessions – A longer shoot (around 6 hours) documenting the full rhythm of your family day, from pancake breakfasts to bedtime stories, for a truly immersive memory.
Once you get in touch via my enquiry page, I’ll confirm availability and answer any questions you have. I’ll make sure I know about your children, your routines, and what kind of memories you’d love to capture.
Once we have confirmed a date and location, you will receive a personalised prep guide, packed with tips on what to wear, how to prepare your children, and what to expect on the day.
ON THE DAY
My approach is playful, fun, and stress-free, focusing on authentic interactions rather than posed shots. As a former primary school teacher, nothing phases me and I make sure children (and adults!) feel relaxed and engaged. We play games, explore, and enjoy spontaneous moments so your photos capture your family just as you are.
AFTER YOUR SHOOT
Your images are delivered in a private, password-protected online gallery. You will receive a beautiful collection of carefully edited photographs. All images are included in your package as high-resolution digital downloads, usually delivered within eight weeks. If you need your images sooner for a special date, just let me know. You’ll also have the option to order prints, albums, or framed pieces, making it easy to display your memories at home. Many families choose to create a gallery wall or a keepsake album of up to 50 images, telling the story of their photoshoot.
Booking a session with me isn’t just about photographs — it’s about creating an experience that’s relaxed, personal, and full of memories. If you’d like to find out more about working with a Watford family photographer and see how we can capture your family’s story, keep scrolling for more information or get in touch today.
Packages and Pricing
A Family Portrait
A quick chat beforehand so you know what to expect
Around 1 hours together in a location you love
All your images carefully edited by me
A private online gallery to share with your family
Every edited image included – no choosing or hidden extras
£250
A Family Story
A quick chat beforehand so you know what to expect
Around 2 hours together in a location you love
All your images carefully edited by me
A private online gallery to share with your family
Every edited image included – no choosing or hidden extras
£490
A Day in the Life
A chat beforehand to plan the day around your family
6 hours of photography (at home, outdoors, or both!)
All your images beautifully edited
A private online gallery to enjoy and share
Every image included – from pancake breakfasts to bedtime cuddles
£830
Watford Mini Family Photoshoots
Throughout the year, on set dates only, I run mini family sessions—short, fun and perfect for capturing GORGEOUS PORTRAITS of your family. You can pre-book your spot using the links below, and each session includes 3 DIGITAL DOWNLOADS of your favourite shots. Of course there’s always the option to purchase the whole shoot if you can’t decide on 3!
From SPRINGTIME bluebells and blossoms to AUTUMN leaves and CHRISTMAS time, there’s a seasonal shoot for everyone. Locations include Croxley Green Orchard, Croxley Hall Woods, Croxley Common Moor, and other local favourites—all just a short drive from Watford.
These sessions are relaxed, playful, and designed to be fun for both kids and adults! No forced smiles —just laughter, running around, and real moments captured beautifully. Mini sessions are a simple, stress-free way to get regular gorgeous family photos you’ll love.
Bluebell Mini Session
A little pre-shoot advice to help you feel ready
30 minutes of relaxed photography in a set location
All your images beautifully edited
A private online gallery to enjoy and share
3 high-resolution downloads included (choose more afterwards if you’d like)
£60
Autumn Mini Session
A little pre-shoot advice to help you feel ready
30 minutes of relaxed photography in a set location
All your images beautifully edited
A private online gallery to enjoy and share
3 high-resolution downloads included (choose more afterwards if you’d like)
£60
Christmas Mini Session
A little pre-shoot advice to help you feel ready
30 minutes of relaxed photography in a set location
All your images beautifully edited
A private online gallery to enjoy and share
3 high-resolution downloads included (choose more afterwards if you’d like)
£60
Favourite Watford Locations for Family Shoots
Whether it’s in the comfort of your own home, a favourite local park, or a beautiful woodland, I love capturing families in places that feel natural and personal. I’m happy to travel, and there are so many beautiful spots nearby—perfect for having fun and creating memories you’ll treasure.
PLAYGROUNDS AND PARKS
If your dream family day involves a playground and a picnic then Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Leavesdon Country Park and Cassiobury Park provide fun spaces and gorgeous, natural backdrops.
WOODLAND WANDERS
For families who love the woods and nature, right on Watford’s doorstep are Croxley Hall Woods, Whippendell Woods, and Croxley Common Moor providing stunning, ever-changing seasonal backdrops, making every session unique throughout the year.
GARDENS AND GREEN SPACES
For a more curated, peaceful vibe, gardens such as Cheslyn House and Gardens or Croxley Orchard offer colourful and calm settings—perfect for family portraits that feel relaxed.
ON THE SOFA VIBES
If you want your shoot to feel really personal and relaxed, then I can come to your home and capture your family story just as it is. You don’t need an instagram-ready house, just a few small spaces and some fun family acitvities planned.
Ready to plan your family photoshoot? Get in touch and let’s plan your perfect day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to dress up or match perfectly?
Nope! Forget the forced matching outfits—come as you are. Jeans, dresses, sneakers, or even superhero costumes—whatever makes your family feel like your family. The photos look best when you’re comfortable and having fun.
What if our kids don't want to smile?
No worries! I know that kids won’t smile for strangers so I make it my mission to connect with your kids (it’s the ex-teacher in me!). I’ll make it playful and fun, so even the grumpy, shy, or wiggle-prone ones end up laughing—or at least doing their own adorable thing. Plus all of my sessions come with in built time where we can take a break and pause if needed.
Can we do the shoot at home or outdoors?
Absolutely! I don’t have a studio space, so all my family shoots are either at your own home, or in an outdoor space you love. I love outdoor locations like Croxley Green Orchard or Croxley Common Moor—and home sessions are perfect for relaxed, authentic family vibes.
How many photos will we get?
For mini sessions, you’ll receive 3 digital downloads of your choice. Full sessions come with all edited images so you don’t need to choose! The exact number depends on the length of the session, but rest assured you will have enough to frame, share, or fill your fridge with happy faces!
How far in advance should we book?
Mini sessions are popular, so I recommend booking as soon as you can. For a full sessions getting in touch a few weeks to a couple of months in advance is perfect. The earlier, the better for snagging your favourite season and location, especially if tyou want a weekend slot!
What if the weather is bad?
For outdoor shoots, we can reschedule if it’s too stormy, but a little cloud is actually easier to work with than full sunshine.
When will we receive our photos?
It usually takes 4 weeks for me to get your images back to you, but I often try to deliver as soon as I can – and just let me know if you want images in time for a special date!
Do you offer prints, frames and albums?
Yes! Within your gallery you’ll find links to purchase your images as prints, or have them framed or made into a gorgeous album – perfect for gifts!
Family Stories
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A Christmas Family Photoshoot in Rickmansworth
I was very excited to be contacted by Vicky for an a Christmas family photoshoot in Rickmansworth....
An at home family photography session in Hertfordshire
I had the loveliest morning shooting an at home family photography session in Hertfordshire for...
If you’re looking for a relaxed and friendly Watford family photographer, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’d like an at-home session, an outdoor adventure, or a seasonal shoot, let’s create memories your family will treasure forever.
HI RACHAEL
Something else?
If you’ve got a gorgeous newborn bundle, or one on the way, you might want to check out my baby photography sessions here: