I found myself wondering how best to begin writing this blog post, when I realised that it had less to do with a “how” and more to do with a very special “who”. It feels like ages ago that I received my first email from a member of this family. A darling, and exceptionally mature young lady by the name of Claire (I warmed to her immediately) who spoke about the joyous anniversaries that were being celebrated, the fact that this would be the first time all of them where together in one place for the first time, and how much they cared for one another. After many mails and mild moments of concern about the delightfully erratic Cape Town weather, at long last I met the warm and smiling Cooper and Miles families at the harbour in Hout Bay. I’m always drawn to families such as theirs, because in all honesty? They remind me so strongly of my own loved ones, and all the qualities in them that I hold so dear. I doubt I can give any higher praise than that, and I hope it speaks volumes that will only be drowned out ever so slightly by the magnificence you created in your family portraits! I’m sending each and every one of you a hug and I want to thank you again for having me along to document all of your lovely selves this past January! I hope these images will remind you all of your bond, love and togetherness even though there is currently an ocean or two (or three) that divide you from one another. Sending you all my love, Claire xxx

photographers assistant | caroline jane king