Family photos with 3-year-old Rupert

I last met this gorgeous family when little Rupert was just one year old (see the photos here). Rupert’s mum, Emma, had put a montage of the images up on her wall and was enjoying looking at them with her mother-in-law, Cynthia, one day.

Emma mentioned how much she’d love to get some new photos taken now that Rupert had grown and changed so much. The comment wasn’t intended as a hint, but Cynthia silently noted it. Then, she secretly got in contact with me to purchase a gift certificate for the family to use, as a present for Emma and Paul’s fourth wedding anniversary.

Emma and Paul live nearly two hours away, so they decided to make a trip of it, booking an Airbnb in Oxford for a few nights. Emma went to university in Oxford, so also used the opportunity to meet up with a uni friend and go on the Shine charity walk while reminiscing over shared memories.

Emma’s mum also met up with the couple, and joined them in the car on their way over to my Bicester studio, intending to head off to Bicester Village for some light retail therapy! Happily, she agreed to join us last minute to help get the smiles and giggles 🙂

Even though it’s been two years since Rupert was here, he pointed out my house to his parents when they drew near. He has an incredible memory, telling his parents when a new car or even a puddle appears or disappears in their local street.

He’s also incredibly kind. If he’s playing on a swing or a slide at a local park and notices another child waiting, he will get off without being asked, and wait for them to have a turn.

He’s into many things, including the colour purple, his much-loved Winnie the Poor Bear and – most of all – tractors. The family recently celebrated his third birthday, and Rupert’s most jubilant responses were saved for the presents containing tractors, especially his new sit-on tractor!

Emma tells me he’s also very meticulous, pointing out any areas in their house that he believes need hoovering again, and using the studio lint roller regularly to ensure there was no errant fluff on his jumper!

And though it’s only been a couple of years since I photographed this family last, just as the cliche says, that time has gone past so fast.

“Where’s my little baby gone?” Emma asked Rupert recently. Rupert’s eyes roamed around the room trying to help her find what she was looking for before responding, “No baby!”

Indeed, baby Rupert is now grown up. But in his place is a very kind, happy and tractor-loving little boy who is an absolute credit to his wonderful parents. 🙂

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Sarah Plater LMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn, child, and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).