There is nothing more precious than being able to capture intimate memories for a family, to leave them with a lasting record of times they have spent simply laughing, loving and enjoying everyday life together.

When I was given the opportunity to do this for the Barnard Family, having previously photographed their wedding in June 2013, I was delighted. Asked by Tonya and Lee Barnard to photograph the family, after the birth of their second child, Drew, I knew that having the shoot ‘at home’ would be key to ensuring natural, authentic images.

Posed studio photography rarely gives any real insight into the heart of a family. I wanted to produce photographs that encapsulated what the Barnard Family is all about and so, I arranged to do the shoot in their beautiful home, arriving for breakfast and capturing their story as it unfolded.

Baby Drew was an absolute dream to work with, as was his sister Avie, whose playful nature resulted in some gorgeous spontaneous moments caught on camera. With the family enjoying their day and the shoot in a completely relaxed manner, breakfast-time was followed with a bit of Disney on the TV as Mummy fed Drew. I just blended in and recorded regular family life. One of my favourite photographs was caught when Avie clung onto Daddy’s arm for support, during a scary moment on TV!

As a parent myself, I know how important it is to be able to gift memories to your children as they grow up – genuine moments that they might not be able to recall otherwise. By photographing the Barnards in an informal setting, surrounded by their home comforts, I could freeze these special moments in time. Avie will now be able to look back and remember baking cakes with Mummy, reading with Daddy and playing doctors with her new baby brother. And Drew can see how enraptured his parents were with him.

Tonya and Lee have impeccable taste, I love their home – and their dogs, who are part of the family too. This was a fun, relaxed and hugely enjoyable shoot and I am very grateful for being able to photograph this lovely, young family.