Natural Family Portrait Photography
Newborn, Cake Smash, Family Portrait Photography
Based in Derbyshire, but will travel all over!
First off, let me start by clarifying that if you’re looking for a studio photographer to wrap your newborn baby up in a muslin and pose them as though they’re in a 70’s boy band, I’m not your photographer. No disrespect to that concept, it’s just not my style.
Pregnancy, labour, healing and your new life… that’s all natural and for me, the photographs of your experience and your child should reflect that.
I prefer to take photographs in your home, because that’s where you are most comfortable (unless the same four walls are driving you crazy, I remember that well!). I don’t use any flash photography. I allow time for those little grizzling or nap sessions — I always suggest we can get a wonderful selection of images to treasure in under 2 hours, but I don’t charge extra if it runs over.
I have no preference or recommendation in how soon after the birth we should take the photographs because each stage is beautiful and each week your child develops. You can pay your 50% deposit to book in a shoot, but we can be flexible with when that happens. If you aren’t feeling your best after three weeks, we can rearrange. My experience as a mother is that there are days when you don’t want to leave one room - and that’s ok!
In the below gallery you can see portrait examples spanning from three weeks to a year.
FAQs
How much do you charge?
First family shoot: £250
Additional shoots thereafter: £175
Family portrait shoots outside of Derbyshire incur a small mileage charge.
What do we receive for that?
One - two hour family photo session in your home + surrounding area
An online, password protected gallery
50+ fully edited and high resolution images
Full license to print and share your images.
Why should we choose you?
I’m a parent, first and foremost. I have two sons, Jesse, who turned 9 in April of 2023 and Freddie, who was born in May 2022. My eldest son, despite having two photographer parents, HATES having his photograph taken.
So, I understand. I hear it time and time again from parents worried that their child isn’t going to smile in the best way, or may not even want to speak to me to begin with.
All of my family portrait sessions begin in your house, the camera is brought out but put to one side and I spend time getting to know your little ones, letting them know they can feel safe around me. When the camera does come out, if they are old enough, I show them; engage them in the process.
Trust with children is everything and they have this incredible benefit of instinct. Them trusting me allows me to get in that little bit closer, to get that natural smile, to get them on board when I ask them questions.
I want to capture your family and your memories as honestly as they can be. There are so many amazing photographers that will do wonders with a studio session if that’s what you’re after… with me it’s more of an experience.
Do you also take posed family photographs?
Absolutely. I tend to approach the session with a more documentary, story-telling type style but once everyone has relaxed and feels more comfortable around me, it’s that much easier to finish the session with some more directed looking at the camera type photographs.
Can we see a full gallery?
I would ALWAYS recommend that with any photographer you book, you see full examples of what they have provided for others. You can view my full galleries on my Client Area page. It’s in my contract that I’m able to use the images for this purpose although if you really wouldn’t like your images shown, please do tell me.
How do we book?
Send me an email using the button below with more information on what you’re looking for, plus your availability. I take a 50% deposit which is refundable up until 2 weeks before your booked date.