Riding the Waves | How a Wild Life Taught Me to Keep Photography Real, Relaxed, and Full of Heart
As a family, wedding, pet, soul session and absolutely everything in between photographer, my approach is rooted in truth, honest moments, real connections, and the beautiful, unpredictable chaos of life. But I didn’t learn that from a course or a book. I learned it from life itself.
My Wild Life by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
From raising five children, wrangling cheeky dogs, managing moody cats, chasing down rogue chickens, and trying to finish a cup of coffee (or 5) between house renovations and butt head goat standoffs… I learned something profound:
Perfection is a myth. Real is better. And when you surrender to the moment, that’s when the magic happens.
Real Life Is the Best Teacher
Before I picked up a camera professionally, I was already knee deep in the wild ride of real life. Our home has always been a lively place. filled with the sound of little feet, the barking of excited pups, and the occasional angry bleat from a goat who really didn’t want to share his space.
There were no curated Pinterest perfect moments, just muddy boots, cuddles on the sofa, tears, tantrums, triumphs, and an overwhelming amount of laundry. And yet, every single bit of it was beautiful in its own way. Messy, yes. But honest. And deeply, profoundly meaningful.
Going With the Flow | A Skill Forged in Chaos
You can’t plan your way through a house full of toddlers and animals. Things will spill. Someone will cry. A duck might escape. And when your day starts with someone painting the dog with yogurt and ends with a goat chewing through your washing line, you learn to let go.
That mindset, of letting go of control and leaning into what is, naturally wove its way into my photography. Whether I’m capturing a wedding in Derbyshire or a soulful solo portrait session on a quiet morning in Nottinghamshire, I’ve learned that the most powerful images come when you stop trying to force things. When you step back, breathe, and let the moment unfold.
Embracing the Unplanned
Life never sticks to a script. We’ve moved house more times than I can count. We’ve been through times of deep sadness, of trauma and grief. We’ve celebrated the births of our children, and mourned the death of a child and lost pets. We’ve patched walls and hearts. And through it all, I’ve had a camera in hand, not to document a perfect version of life, but to honour the truth of it.
Because truth matters. It connects us. And it lasts.
In photography, the unplanned moments are often the most moving, a child hiding behind their mum’s legs, a tear wiped away quickly during a wedding speech, a dog sneaking into the frame during a romantic couple’s portrait. These are the moments that make your story yours.
Why I Keep Photography Relaxed
Clients often tell me they’re awkward in front of the camera. They worry about their kids misbehaving or their hair not sitting just right. And every time, I smile, because I’ve been there. I am there. And it’s okay.
In fact, it’s more than okay. It’s honest.
That’s why I approach every session with a deep sense of calm, patience, and humour. I’m not here to pose you into someone else’s version of perfect. I’m here to witness you, your real life, your connection, your laughter, your chaos. The only thing you need to bring is yourself.
The Beauty in the Ordinary
I’ve learned to see beauty in muddy wellies, half painted walls, chickens tapping on the glass, and siblings squabbling over the last biscuit. These are the threads that make up a life that is rich, complex, messy, full of texture and truth.
When I’m photographing a family, wedding or a soul session, I carry that with me. I see the beauty in the small glances, the nervous giggles, the quiet in between moments that say so much more than a perfectly posed portrait ever could.
Capturing the Wild Ride
Photography, for me, is about honouring the whole story, not just the highlight reel. It’s about riding the waves with you. Whether you’re in the thick of parenthood, navigating new beginnings, or just trying to feel more at home in your own skin, you deserve to be seen. Not the polished version. The real one.
Because that’s where the magic is.
Final Thoughts | Real Is Always Enough
I often say that I photograph the truth, and I mean it. Whether I’m working on a wedding day, capturing a mother with her newborn, or creating a quiet moment of self connection in a soul session, I bring my whole heart. The same heart that’s been shaped by five children, too many animals to count, and a life full of both joy and pain.
So here’s what I’ve learned, from the chickens to the chaos:
You don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.
Real moments always matter more.
Laughter and tears often come together.
The mess is part of the story.
Going with the flow brings out the best in us.
If you’re looking for photography that honours the truth of your life, in all its wild, wonderful imperfection, I’m your person.
Let’s ride the wave together, and capture it all.
Lauren x
Interested in real, relaxed, documentary style photography in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and beyond?
Whether it’s your wedding day, family moments, a personal soul session, or just a moment in the madness of life, I’d love to help you preserve your truth in beautiful, heartfelt images.
Contact Me or explore My Work to see what real photography looks like.