A Muddy, Magical Beach Evening With the Cooper-Ryan Family
Some families step in front of the camera… and some flow into it. Anna and Felix, along with their two brilliantly spirited children, Zech and Mylla, fall firmly into the second category. Every year, our “photo shoot” is really more of a reunion – a catch-up woven between waves, laughter, stories, and whatever spontaneous chaos the kids bring with them.
This year’s three-word summary from Anna says it all: Dam, Mud, Beach.
And honestly, I couldn’t have chosen better.
A Yearly Tradition With Meaning
Their annual session isn’t just about photos; it’s a ritual. A moment to pause, breathe, reconnect, and watch the children bloom another year older – and another year more mischievous. Since photographing Anna and Felix’s wedding, these sessions have become a thread tying together their growing family story. The comfort, the trust, and the familiar rhythm of our chats make these evenings feel beautifully effortless.
Discovering a New Beach
This year we explored a gorgeous new beach that gifted us soft, golden light – the kind photographers dream in.
The kids took full advantage of their freedom, racing in and out of the shallows, inventing games, and, at times, completely ignoring any attempt at a “posed” family portrait… which, let’s be honest, is part of their charm.
Anna’s favourite thing?
Watching Zech and Mylla play while she and Felix caught up with me about everything from life to lenses (yes, they discovered I have quite a few!). It was relaxed in all the best ways – real smiles, real moments, real family.
The Highlight We’ll Never Forget
Every shoot delivers at least one iconic moment. This year’s winner?
Zech getting completely stuck in the mud.
Boot off, leg firmly wedged, equal parts frustration and comedy – and yes, all while I was laughing and taking photos. Felix and Anna trying to pull him out was pure slapstick magic. These are the moments that end up as the best memories… and often the best photos.
A Favourite Image
From the final gallery, Anna chose image 185 as her favourite — though with the children at ages 5 and 6 and bursting with personality, narrowing it down was no small task.
A Few Words That Mean the World
Anna shared a lovely review that made my photographer heart glow:
“Thank you as always to Jess for capturing another year of the children growing, finding a place they enjoyed and could just be children as she snapped away… We were so lucky to have Jess at our wedding, and to continue to enjoy the amazing relaxed photography style to capture our life through the years.”
These words – this continued trust – are everything. Watching families grow is one of the greatest privileges of what I do.
