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 AND 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 AND PLAYFUL
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 easy!
I offer a small number of bespoke family sessions throughout the year, alongside a collection of seasonal family photography days in some of my favourite locations around Hertfordshire.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed weekday adventure with your children, a cosy at-home session, or a seasonal photoshoot among the bluebells or autumn leaves, read on to find out how I could capture your family at this moment in time, exactly as you are.
CHOOSE YOUR SESSION
Bespoke Family Sessions
Available throughout the year on weekdays, these sessions are perfect for families looking for a more personalised experience. Choose from a 1 or 2 hour session and we’ll create something that suits your family, whether that’s an outdoor adventure, a relaxed morning at home, or documenting a favourite family activity.
For families who need a weekend date, I offer a small number of weekend sessions each year. These tend to book well in advance, so do get in touch if a weekend is important to you.
Seasonal Family Sessions
Alongside my bespoke family sessions, I run a small number of seasonal family photography days throughout the year.
These are some of my favourite sessions to photograph, taking place at carefully chosen locations when the seasons are at their very best. They’re perfect for families looking to update their photographs each year while enjoying some of Hertfordshire’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, and I love seeing families return year after year to create a beautiful record of their growing families!
Each seasonal session takes place on a set date and location, making them a simple and relaxed way to capture your family as you grow and change together.
Throughout the year I offer:
Spring Bluebell Sessions
Amongst the beautiful bluebell woods of Croxley Green.
Summer Adventure Sessions
Fun-filled sessions in parks and playgrounds, perfect for active families.
Autumn Woodland Sessions
Autumn leaves, woodland walks and plenty of space to explore.
Christmas Countryside Sessions
Festive family feels with a natural outdoor vibes.
You can see my upcoming seasonal sessions and book your slot further down the page.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
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. I’ll make sure I know about your children, your routines, and what kind of memories you’d love to capture and I’m here to answer any questions you have before the shoot.
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 4 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.
Packages and Pricing
Bespoke Family Sessions
A chat beforehand to plan the shoot around your family
Weekdays and limited weekend sessions available
A location you choose (at home, outdoors, or both!)
All your images beautifully edited
A private online gallery to enjoy and share
Every image included – no choosing or hidden extras
Weekends:
1 hour – £395
2 hours – £645
Weekdays:
1 hour – £295
2 hours – £545
Family session pricing includes travel within 20 minutes of Croxley Green. For locations further afield, a travel fee may apply.
Seasonal Family Sessions
A prep guide on booking so you know what to expect
Set weekend dates at set locations
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
Spring Bluebells
Now booking for 25th April 2027 in Croxley Green
45 minutes | £245
Summer Adventure Session
Now booking for 11th July 2026 at Hyde Park, London
60 minutes | £295
Autumn Woodlands
Now booking for 25th October 2026 in Croxley Green
45 minutes | £245
Christmas Countryside
Now booking for 14th November 2026 in Croxley Green
30 minutes | £195
Family Stories
Hertfordshire Family Photographer
One of my favourite aspects of being a Hertfordshire family photographer is the changing of the...
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...
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. There are so many beautiful spots nearby Watford – perfect for having fun and creating memories.
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 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 activities 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 matching outfits – come as you are. Jeans, dresses, wellies, 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 children don't want to smile?
Please know that this is not the aim of the shoot! These shoots are not about smiling for the camera. I make it my mission to connect with your children, 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 cute thing. The natural fun will come!
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 family vibes.
How many photos will we get?
All my sessions come with all edited images included 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?
Seasonal sessions are popular, so I recommend booking as soon as you can. For bespoke weekday essions getting in touch a few weeks to a couple of months in advance is perfect. For bespoke weekend sessions, the earlier, the better for snagging your favourite season and location – please don’t be dissapointed as sometimes the wait list for weekends can be up to 6 months!
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!
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: