Why This Summer, You Should Take the Photo (and Maybe Even Book the Session)
Summer — that soft, golden stretch of time where the days feel longer and the pace slows just enough to breathe a little deeper, laugh a little louder, and lean into what matters most. For families, it’s the perfect chance to reconnect, make memories… and if you can, capture them.
Because here’s the thing I’ve come to realise: life is precious, unpredictable, and heartbreakingly short.
In March, I lost one of my dearest friends to suicide. It shook me to my core. The grief, the disbelief, the heartbreak — it’s something I’m still navigating, and probably always will be. But from this unimaginable loss has come a fierce desire to make a difference. To hold people closer. To be a source of light, in whatever way I can.
Photography might seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but it’s what I know. It’s what I can offer. And I truly believe it’s one of the ways we can celebrate life — the messy, beautiful, ordinary moments that make it what it is.
So this summer, whether it’s during a beach day, a garden picnic, or just an afternoon in the park with your little ones — take the photo. Capture the joy, the chaos, the candid in-between bits. Let your kids play and be themselves, snap the laughter and the mud, enjoy the golden light as it falls on their faces.
And please — don’t forget to get in the frame too. Ask your partner to take a few. Prop your phone up on a backpack or rock and use the timer. Count down together!! It’s always such a giggle, and it makes the moment even sweeter.
And if it’s been on your list to finally book a proper session — do it. Not just because the photos will be beautiful (they will), but because the experience will remind you of what really matters. Time with your loved ones. Celebrating where you are in life. Pausing long enough to be in the moment, not just racing past it.
I’m offering a limited number of sessions this summer for families who want to capture just that. Nothing overly posed or formal — just you, your children, your joy, your realness. We can chase golden hour light, we’ll play, we’ll laugh, and we’ll make something you’ll treasure forever.
And if you’re having a hard time right now — please know, you’re not alone. We’re all walking through something. Be kind, especially to those who may not seem kind in return. You never know what they’re carrying. We’re all human, and we all need grace.
This summer, choose to celebrate your life. Take the photo. Book the day off. Hug your people! Wake up grateful for the chance to start again.
And if I can help you freeze a little bit of that magic in time — I’d be honoured.
With love,
Rachel
www.rachelmullinsphotography.co.uk
We chose Rachel to be our wedding photographer last October and can honestly say she was a real pleasure to work with. We have never met someone so enthusiastic and she genuinely loves her work, which shines through.
We have some great photos of our wedding day and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
- Natalie and Joe -
'I was so overwhelmed looking for a photographer to capture the early months of my first baby because I really wanted the photos to be great, and didn't want to spend a small fortune! Rachel was so so brilliant-priced well, very warm and kind and accommodating, and so good at making my little man smile! The photos turned out beautiful, and are so special. We will really treasure them. I would certainly recommend her to anyone!'
- Hannah Gervais -
We had some beautiful pictures done of our three young sons earlier this year. Rachel was incredibly patient with them whilst they tore around the Discovery Centre in three different directions, pulled silly faces, fell in the mud and refused to be directed and because of her skill we've ended up with some really fabulous photos that completely capture the energy and craziness of my lovely boys. Exactly what I wanted and more!
- Caroline Sturgess -
How can we describe Rachel? The only words I can think of are amazing, professional, kind, brilliant - the list could go on!! We 100% recommend her to anyone who is looking for a photographer. Our house is full of Rachel's images, we have used her at 5 separate occasions including our wedding and most recently to capture our newborn Zachary. Rachel was just amazing with him so relaxed and willing to go with Zac during the shoot, happy to stop for him to feed there was no rush which was perfect! Such a natural with babies. We love her and her work, thank you again
x Tash, Jase and Zac Westall-Briggs x
We first met Rachel when she photographed our wedding in 2014. When our son was born earlier this year, without hesitation we contacted Rachel to arrange a new born photoshoot and if we ever want professional photos taking again in the future, we would definitely use Rachel's services again. She immediately put us at ease, is great fun be around and takes lovely pictures. Looking forward to working with her again at some point in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for gorgeous photos from a lovely lady.
- Samantha Harris -
How can we describe Rachel? The only words I can think of are amazing, professional, kind, brilliant - the list could go on!! We 100% recommend her to anyone who is looking for a photographer. Our house is full of Rachel's images, we have used her at 5 separate occasions including our wedding and most recently to capture our newborn Zachary. Rachel was just amazing with him so relaxed and willing to go with Zac during the shoot, happy to stop for him to feed there was no rush which was perfect! Such a natural with babies. We love her and her work, thank you again
x Tash, Jase and Zac Westall-Briggs x
'One of the first things I did when planning for our wedding was to book Rachel! I knew Rachel previously, and after following her social media pages for several years I had no doubt that it was her I wanted to photograph our wedding. She accommodated us brilliantly, especially seeing as our venue was definitely not local!
I can often feel awkward having my picture taken, but Rachel made me feel relaxed and comfortable at all times. She joined in with my tribe of bridesmaid's, laughing and joking with us whilst we got ready, and also capturing great moments of the boys' preparations too. I didn't exactly give Rachel any guidelines on what special photographs I would like from the day, and somehow she managed to get them all anyway! I love the mix of natural, candid shots and her styling of the more 'formal' ones.
The only problem we have now is narrowing down our favourite photos for the album!'
-Harley & Bud-
