Godrevy Beach Family Photoshoot | Cornwall Family Photographer


One of the best parts of being a photographer is seeing life's biggest milestones. From weddings to growing families, it's always a privilege to be invited back to capture another chapter in peoples lifes.


I recently met up with Sally, George and their children for their very first family photoshoot together at a firm favourite Godrevy Beach, overlooking the stunning St Ives Bay coastline. I originally photographed Sally and George's wedding back in Bristol in 2019, so it was incredibly special to catch up again, this time with an energetic little explorer leading the adventure. The original plan was Holywell earlier in the week but the weather didn't play ball so we rescheduled whilst they were on holiday down here and Im so glad we did.


As a Cornwall family photographer, these are the sessions I love most. There's something really rewarding about reconnecting with couples years after their wedding and documenting the next stage of their story. No awkward posing, no pressure; just genuine moments together in one of Cornwall's most beautiful locations.

Family of four standing in ocean waves at golden hour, on Godrevy Beach during family photoshoot by ryan goold photography
A bearded father and young son smiling at the camera on Gwithian Beach, during family photoshoot in cornwall.
Family of four posing on sandy beach at golden hour, parents holding baby with young boy standing in front.

Why Godrevy Beach is Perfect for Family Photos


Godrevy is one of my favourite locations in Cornwall, for personal reasons and for photography. With incredible views of the lighthouse to the North and incredible views across St Ives Bay to the South, it offers so much to use as a backdrop and there is so much space for children at low tide to to simply explore and enjoy themselves.


Rather than asking little ones to sit still and smile at the camera, I encourage families to play, explore and enjoy the beach together. Those natural moments are always the ones that become treasured photographs. On this evening we wandered across the sand and made the most of the soft golden light as the sun began to drop.

A young boy in a yellow striped shirt and cap plays with a blue shovel on a sandy beach near rocky shores.

"They’re so lush Ryan, thank you. we’ve been toying with the idea for a while and are so pleased we finally did it!"


One of my favourite parts of the session was simply watching them have fun together as a family. Lots of laughter, plenty of giggles, and a little boy who absolutely loved every second of exploring the beach with Mum and Dad. Those playful, unplanned moments often become everyone's favourite images because they're genuine. They're the memories families want to look back on years later.


In fact, Sally later told me that since the shoot, their son has been asking when he's going back to the beach to meet me and my family again. I don't think there's a better compliment than that, even though he didn't give me a single high five. It perfectly sums up how I want every family session to feel; less like a photoshoot and more like an enjoyable evening spent together.

Family of four walking barefoot on a sandy beach, parents holding toddler's hands while mother carries newborn baby.
Father holding baby on sandy beach with rocky cliffs and ocean in background on sunny day.

Relaxed Family Photography in Cornwall


Many parents worry that their children won't cooperate during a family photoshoot and the truth is, they don't need to.

Some of the best photographs happen while children are running through the sand, collecting shells, being swung between Mum and Dad, or stopping to investigate something they've discovered along the way. My approach as a Cornwall family photographer is simply to guide where needed and let the moments unfold naturally. That way you end up with photographs that feel authentic and genuinely reflect your family.

A young family with a baby poses on a sandy beach with golden cliffs in the background on a sunny day.

Family Photos at Godrevy, Gwithian and St Ives


Whether you're visiting Cornwall on holiday or you're lucky enough to call it home, beaches like Godrevy and nearby Gwithian make incredible locations for family photography. With easy access, stunning scenery and plenty of room to explore, they're ideal for young families who want relaxed, fun photographs without feeling like they're standing in front of a camera.

If you're staying around St Ives, Hayle, Gwithian or anywhere along the Cornish coast, Godrevy is one of my favourite recommendations for family sessions.

Family of four enjoying a golden hour beach photoshoot, parents kissing children by ocean waves.
Family of four poses barefoot on sandy beach, parents holding baby and toddler in golden hour light.

Looking for a Cornwall Family Photographer?


If you're looking for a Cornwall family photographer, a St Ives family photographer or you're planning a holiday in nearby areas like Newquay, Penzance or Perranporth, and would love some natural family photographs to remember your trip, I'd love to hear from you.


Whether we've worked together before, as with Sally and George had, or we're meeting for the first time, my aim is always the same: create a relaxed experience where your family can simply enjoy spending time together while I capture the moments you'll treasure for years to come.

Family of three walking hand-in-hand on a sandy beach with a lighthouse in the background on an overcast day.
A young boy playing on a sandy beach with a blue shovel, surrounded by rocks with mountains in the background.
Family of four enjoying a sunny beach day, with mother holding baby and father helping toddler on sand.
A young boy in a striped shirt and denim shorts walks barefoot on a sandy beach with rocks covered in green algae.
Family of four enjoying a sunset beach day, parents holding baby and young boy, smiling and laughing together.
Family of four with a baby and toddler sharing a warm moment together on a sandy beach at sunset.
Family of four enjoying a sunny beach walk, dad lifting toddler overhead, mom cradling newborn, sandy shore backdrop.
Family of four posing on a sandy beach at golden hour, with ocean waves and coastal cliffs in the background.
Young boy climbing a large rock on a sandy beach with rocky cliffs and a lighthouse in the background.
Happy family of four enjoying a sunny beach day, with parents holding two young children near the ocean waves.
Mother in black dress swinging her child on a sandy beach at sunset.
A man tosses a child high into the air on a sunny beach, with ocean waves and blue sky in the background.
A young boy in a yellow shirt and cap plays on a sandy beach with rocks and calm ocean waters in the background.
Family of four enjoying a sunny beach day, parents holding two young children with sandy cliffs in the background.
Child sitting alone on sandy beach with dramatic golden cliffs and dark sky in background.
Family of four walking hand-in-hand on a sandy beach at sunset with a lighthouse on rocky headland in background.
Family of four walking through shallow beach water at golden hour, parents holding hands with toddler.
Woman in black dress holds baby on sandy beach at sunset with ocean waves and lighthouse in background.
Father and toddler playing in the sand on a rocky beach, digging together with blue shovels on a sunny day.