Hibernation Session
...with Cheltenham photographer Verity Lacey
The experience matters just as much as the photoshoot. Hibernation sessions are about slowing down and giving yourself space to simply be together at home, while I capture the moments that unfold between you.
My aim is simple - to make the session feel easy. There's no pressure to have the house looking perfect. I'll meet your family where you are that day - unmade beds, dishes on the side, laundry in the basket.
It'll be like spending time with a friend or "fun aunty" rather than having a photoshoot.
What your family session feels like
I’m a mum of three, so I really do understand what it feels like when life is a bit noisy, a bit chaotic, and someone wants a snack right after you’ve just sorted one out.
My sessions are built around that reality. You don’t have to bribe anyone to behave or worry about whether your children are “doing it right”.
I'll guide you to the best light. Give you prompts or games to create interaction. I'll meet your kids energy, make it fun for them, and take the pressure off you. All you need to do is be present and show them all of the love you feel for them. This way the photos tell the story of them as they really are, not the perfectly behaved version but the on you recognise instantly when you look back years from now and remember what life felt like when they were little.
These everyday moments at home may seem small, but they are the ones you’ll long to remember. I'll turn your ordinary family moments into photographs you'll keep returning to long after the tiny handprints are gone from your kitchen.
Little Love Notes From My Families
harriet
“We had the pleasure of having Verity in our home for a family photoshoot. I was a little apprehensive ... Verity arrived with a warm smile and I immediately felt at ease. Our boys were over excited (chaotic) which didn’t seem to bother Verity at all and she embraced the madness capturing some really beautiful, natural photos. She made the photoshoot exciting without putting any pressure on and we chatted the whole way through. Verity is so friendly and fun, I couldn’t recommend her enough!”
Still have a few questions?
How far in advance should I book?
I recommend reaching out and starting the process 3-4 months before you would like your session. I only take on a limited number of clients each month. If you're looking for a sooner date, no worries! The calendar is always flexible and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.
what areas do you cover?
I am based in Cheltenham, and cover the surrounding areas within Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Oxfordshire. Travel over 20 miles of GL20 will incur a travel fee applied to your package.
How many people are included in a family shoot?
In-home sessions are perfect for capturing the depth of family connections, including the love shared across generations. If you’d like to include grandparents, we’ll create an intimate environment where everyone can relax and share in the beauty of togetherness. Sessions automatically include up to 6 family members, with the option to add more for a small fee of £25 per person. And yes pet's are absolutely welcome!
What should we wear?
Once you've booked your session, you will recieve a client experience guide which covers everything you need to know including styling. It tells you what colours to consider, styles of clothing and fabrics.
Most importantly be yourselves. Wear clothes than you can relax, play and interact with each other in.
What time of day do in-home family sessions happen?
I typically suggest that in-home sessions are held in in the morning, usually around 10am is ideal. It's when the light is beautiful and soft, you've all had breakfast and have full bellies and everyone's feeling ready to go.
What my children isn't in the mood for photos?
Life with kids is unpredictable, and that’s perfectly okay. Your home is the ideal setting to adapt. I've worked with loads of families, I'm an ex-teacher, and I have three little kids of my own so nothing really surprises me.
I'll follow their lead, keep things relaxed and gently guide where necessary to give you those beautiful photos of your family you've been wanting. Often, the most beautiful moments come when no one's really trying to achieve the photo!
Do I need to tidy the house?
Not at all. We'll use a few pockets of your home where the light is lovely (we will have discussed prior to the session the activities we will focus on for the day). A quick declutter of a few items is more than enough, even if it means stashing them in another room for the session).
