Precious childhood memories captured in soft family photography
Storyteller: Charlotte Ellrich, United Kingdom
Some moments in life are just too special to experience only once. They deserve to be preserved, celebrated, and shared - whether it’s the little quirks of everyday life or the bigger family milestones that define who we are. For the Charlotte and her family, photography has been the thread weaving their story together, from their daughter Willow’s birth in the midst of a COVID-19 lockdown to golden afternoons spent exploring Dorset’s wild landscapes. Explore the heartwarming background behind Charlotte’s family photo book - a keepsake that, like our range of handcrafted formats, transforms fleeting moments into timeless treasures.
What format did you choose to make your keepsake and why?
We chose to create a Premium Photo Book because we wanted something that would truly last. Something timeless, made to be held and passed around for years to come. There’s something pretty special about knowing that one day, long after we’re gone, Willow might share these pages with her own family.
Why did you create your keepsake?
We created our keepsake book to celebrate the unfolding journey of our family so far, especially the early years of our daughter Willow’s life. From her birth during the first COVID-19 lockdown, Sarah (our photographer) has been capturing our story, beginning with a FaceTime shoot when we couldn’t be with anyone in person. This book marks the third chapter in that story, filled with memories made in our favourite places around Dorset, England.
What image do you love most from your keepsake?
One of our favourite images is of Willow laughing as she reaches for a tree branch in Wareham Woods. The sun had just broken through the clouds, casting a gorgeous golden light over everything. Willow was completely in her element, messy and free, collecting ‘treasures’ from the forest floor. It captures her sense of wonder, our love of the outdoors, and the fleeting moments of her childhood.
What is a beloved story behind a single shot in the book?
Right before the shoot, the weather took a turn, and it started pouring. We were convinced we’d have to call it off. But just as we arrived, the rain stopped, and the sun broke through as if on cue. One of the first images Sarah captured was of us stepping out from under the canopy of trees into the sunlight. That moment felt symbolic - not just of the weather clearing, but of the broader journey we’ve been on together as a family.
What does your keepsake mean to you and your family?
This isn’t just a photo book to us. It’s a time capsule that holds the essence of our daughter’s early years and the precious early glimpses of our growing family. Every page brings us right back to the happiness found in simple, little everyday adventures, and the deep gratitude for that uninterrupted time together. It’s a piece of our story that we’ll hold onto for decades.
What inspires you to take photos in general?
Photography allows us to freeze time, especially the quiet, everyday ones that often pass unnoticed but later on feel rich with nostalgia. Children grow so quickly, and with Willow, we’ve come to realise how important it is to capture the moments with her as she is now. Her joy, her curiosity, her spirit. These images become little anchors in time, reminders of how it all felt with her as child again.
What inspires you creatively?
Nature has always been our biggest source of inspiration. We spent a period of our lives living aboard a yacht, which deepened our appreciation for the elements. Whether we’re in the woods, by the sea, or watching the clouds shift over the Jurassic Coast, we find that wild places bring out something honest and emotional. Natural light and organic surroundings help create images that feel both intimate and timeless.
A note of gratitude: While these family photos reflect our story, all the credit belongs to Sarah. She brings such warmth and energy to every moment - the kind that instantly puts you at ease and makes you feel truly seen. Her presence is gentle yet joyful and being photographed by her feels like spending time with a dear friend. Sarah has captured some of the most meaningful chapters of our lives, and we’ll always grateful for how beautifully she’s preserved them.
What bit of advice would you offer to someone creating their own MILK memento?
Start by thinking about the story you want to tell. Not just the prettiest pictures, but the ones with a lot of meaning to you. Let your photos speak to your journey as a family, and truthfully! Don’t rush the process, take your time choosing images and layouts that truly reflect the spirit of your memories with your loved ones. The more authentic the photos, the more you’ll love looking back on your book in years to come.
Charlotte’s story is a reminder that the best family photos don’t just capture what we see - they hold onto how it felt in the moments we spend with our loved ones. Her Premium Photo Book is more than printed pages; it’s a living archive of joy, resilience, and love, ready to be passed down through generations. Whether you’re marking life’s big chapters or simply cherishing the beauty of everyday moments, our family Photo Albums, bespoke Photo Books, and beautifully crafted Magazines are designed to help you preserve your own family milestones with the care they deserve. Like Charlotte, you can open your keepsake, turn a page, and step right back into the heart of those precious family memories. Start creating the perfect keepsake in the MILK Design Studio.
