Big Smiles, Tiny Personalities: How I Capture the Real Magic of Your Little Ones

Hey, I’m Chris! I’m the face behind C M Photography, and I spend my days chasing light, laughter, and tiny humans across the beautiful landscapes of North and West Yorkshire.

From windswept moors to leafy woodlands and cozy back gardens—if it’s your family’s happy place, I’ll meet you there (camera in hand, snacks probably in pocket).

Now, here’s the thing: not every child shows up to a photoshoot ready to grin like a toothpaste commercial. And honestly? I love that. Every child has their own vibe, their own sparkle, and their own way of showing up in the world. My job is to capture exactly that.

Shy Kiddos: Gentle Souls, Big Feelings

Let’s talk about the shy ones for a second—the quiet ones, the cautious ones, the ones who need a bit of space (and maybe mum’s hand) before they let their light peek through.

I love working with these kids. They remind me that some of the most magical moments aren’t loud or posed—they’re found in soft glances, tiny smiles, and the way they hold their favourite teddy like it’s a treasure.

How I help them settle in:

  • Zero pressure. I never force a smile or a pose. We take our time. I might sit with them on the grass, play a gentle game, or just let them explore while I quietly click away in the background.
  • Play, not posing. We talk about dinosaurs or rainbows or what they had for breakfast. (Hot tip: pancakes are always a winner.) I follow their lead—and that’s when the real moments start to shine.
  • Silliness. Yes, I pull silly face. Yes, I will make ridiculous sounds. And yes, I’m willing to be the dragon in an imaginary game if that’s what it takes to win a giggle.


A family sits together outdoors for a portrait in a garden with greenery and blue flowers in the background.
Happy family enjoying a fun outdoor moment together in a lush green park setting.
A family group plays and laughs together while huddled close on a grassy field with trees in the background.

The Wild Ones: Chaos, Joy & Endless Energy

Some kids bounce into a session like they've got glitter in their shoes—and I am here for it. These are the whirlwind personalities, full of energy and wild imaginations. Perfect for running games, piggyback rides, jumping photos, and spontaneous leaf-throwing contests.

No stiff posing here—just movement, laughter, and photos that FEEL like your child.

The Quiet Thinkers

Then we’ve got the deep thinkers. These are the kids who look straight into your camera like they’ve got an old soul tucked behind those eyes. They're thoughtful, sometimes serious, always fascinating. For them, I keep things calm and natural. We chat, we wander, and the photos that come out are often my favourites—rich with emotion and honesty.

Every Personality Is Welcome

The bottom line? There’s no right way to be in front of the camera. Whether your little one is shy, silly, bouncy, bossy, dreamy, or a beautiful blend of all of the above—my goal is always to capture who they really are.

Because when you look back on these photos years from now, I want you to say:


"Yep. That’s so them."

So don’t stress if you think your child won’t “perform” on the day. I promise, they don’t have to. They just need to be themselves—and I’ll take care of the rest.

(And if all else fails… yes, I have bubbles. Bubbles solve everything.)

Let’s make some magic together.


Whether it’s your favourite park, a windswept hill, or your own cozy backyard, I’ll come to you—anywhere across North and West Yorkshire—and we’ll create something real, relaxed, and totally you.

Reach out, let’s plan a session your kids will actually enjoy.