Sheffield Family Photographer Jess Petrie
An Autumnal Day In The Peak District with My Little Family: Capturing Precious Moments
There's a spot in the Peak District that holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of those hidden gems, tucked away from the paths most traveled, a place my family and I used to frequent regularly. This autumn, we returned to that secret spot, surrounded by the rich colors of the season, for a day of connection, joy, and, of course, photography.
We packed a picnic and set off, embracing the chill in the air and the gentle rustle of leaves around us. Our visit wasn’t just about the destination but about being present with one another, away from the busyness of daily life. I had my camera and tripod in tow, determined to capture the essence of this moment—something that, as a photographer, I often find myself longing to do with my own family. As a family photographer I am often behind the lens, crafting images for others. When I do take photos of us, I’m rarely in them. But this day, we took photos of one another, and I set up my camera and took self-portraits, capturing all three of us, together. These photographs mean the world to me because, for once, they embody the vision I have in my heart for family and motherhood photography—raw, natural, and deeply meaningful.
A short while ago, I had the chance to be on the other side of the camera, thanks to a dear friend and fellow photographer. She offered to do a session for my daughter Frida and me. It was such a novel experience for me, to relax and trust someone else to capture these precious moments. This session wasn’t just about the photos—it was about our bond, the way Frida’s hand fits in mine, the little looks that pass between us, the laughter. There was something truly magical about letting someone else see and document us through their lens. It was, without a doubt, one of the most heartfelt gifts I’ve ever received.
Receiving photographs like these isn’t something I take for granted, especially now that I’m a mother. The early years with our little ones are so fleeting. Moments pass by in the blink of an eye, and I find myself clinging to each one, wanting to capture it all. Photography offers a way to freeze these moments, to hold onto them just a little bit longer.
What many people don’t see is everything that goes into creating beautiful photographs. A one-hour shoot is the culmination of years of practice, study, investment, and passion. It’s not just about the click of a shutter; it’s about mastering lighting, composition, and connection. Photographers bring their own stories, countless hours of experience, and an eye developed over years. There’s the equipment itself, editing software, storage solutions, and ongoing subscriptions—an endless list of tools and skills that make each image possible. To gift this art is to give something deeply personal, crafted with care and love.
Knowing this, I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by creative friends who understand the importance of these captured moments. And now, holding these photographs of Frida and me, I feel the true value of this gift. It’s more than a physical image; it’s a memory I can revisit, a moment I can keep. So if you’ve ever been gifted photographs of you and your loved ones, know that this is a gift from the heart, from a photographer who has poured so much of themselves into that image. It’s the most generous gift a photographer can give—a piece of themselves in every shot, a memory saved forever.
