Derby Family Photographer | Natural, Honest & Joyful Moments

Imagine this…


A Derby family photography session that leaves you full of pride, a bit emotional (in the best way), and wondering: “How on earth did she capture that?”
No awkward poses. No forced smiles. Just you and your little people, being yourselves… and somehow, the magic gets caught in the frame.

This isn’t a stiff studio setup. It’s not an exercise in perfection. It’s a chance to pause time for an hour or two, to let me gently guide you through a session that feels like hanging out with an old friend. We’ll laugh, explore, have snack breaks (essential), and let your children set the tone.

I'm Claudia, Mum of boys and a Derbyshire family photographer with 12 years’ experience in capturing the real, fleeting beauty of family life.

If you’re after photos that feel honest, soulful, and totally you, I’d love to hear from you.

Enquire about a session now!

What to Expect From Your Derby Family Photography Session

  • To always allow space for your family to be authentically them; no awkward posing that feels unnatural

  • To always prioritise you and your children, if we need to break for snacks, we’re 100% doing it!

  • To listen to what you want from your photography session and not talk you into packages you don’t need

  • To give you the photographs without charging you ridiculous fees for downloads. The price I quote is the price it costs.

Booking a family session with me is really straightforward - no immediate ‘sales’ chat, no pressure, and definitely no stiff “say cheese” vibes.

We’ll have a quick chat first (usually WhatsaApp, but whatever feels easiest) just to get a feel for your family and what you’re hoping for. I’ll send over my prep guide, we’ll choose a location together, and I’ll help with outfit choices if you would like a second opinion.

On the day, I’ll show up ready to go with a loose plan but no big agenda… because let’s be honest, the kids are in charge anyway. Whether we’re at home or outdoors, we’ll keep it relaxed, flexible, and led by whatever’s actually happening. I’ve photographed wild toddlers, snack breaks, nappy explosions… it’s all welcome.

Afterwards, you’ll get a couple of previews within a few days (via WhatsApp so you can gush immediately), and your full gallery around two weeks later.

Where I Shoot: Derbyshire, Nottingham, Burton & Beyond

I’m based in Derby but travel across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and surrounding areas.

My favourite sessions happen either:

  • Outdoors — woodlands, parks, fields, riversides, the wild places

  • At home — quiet cuddles, kids climbing the sofa, tea and toast on the floor

If you're not sure where to go, I’ve got loads of ideas (and blog posts!) to help you pick the perfect location.

Check out my 5 favourite outdoor locations in Derbyshire (and surrounds) here.

Unsure whether your home would make for ‘nice’ photos? I hear this ALL THE TIME! I have written a guide here on how to prepare your home for a family photo shoot.

And I also have two guides on 10 activities to do during your family shoot, both at home and outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Your Session

Q: What if my kids don’t behave?
They won’t. It’s fine. I’ve got two boys of my own so trust me, I’m unshockable. Let them be themselves and I promise we’ll capture better photographs! Please let go of the need for them to be smiling politely at the camera… in years to come (and probably sooner, once you’re over the ughhhhh-ness of it) you’ll want to remember their true character at that time.

Q: What if it rains?
If we’re outdoors, we’ll either embrace the puddles or reschedule. You won’t lose your session and there’s no additional costs!

Q: Can we split the session across home and outdoors?
If we’re local and the timing works, yes! Just ask.

Q: How many images will we get?
Depends on your package, but most sessions include between 30–50+ edited images in colour + black & white.

Q: Do you offer prints or albums?
Yes — I work with a beautiful UK fine art printer and can help you choose something that actually fits your home.

If you’d like answers to more questions, I have a blog post on 10 most frequently asked questions about family photoshoots here.

Family Photography Packages & Pricing

My family photography sessions range from £125 to £350 depending on how long we shoot, how many images you’d like, and where we’re going.

Every session includes:

  • A relaxed, unhurried shoot (30 mins to 2 hours)

  • A private online gallery with edited images

  • Full download rights, no hidden fees, no weird upselling

  • Discounted rates on future sessions

Want a full breakdown? Contact me here and I’ll send you the full pricing guide with everything clearly laid out.

CONTACT ME!

In love with our family photos done by Claudia! We now have these pics I know we’ll cherish forever, capturing the essence of our little family. She did did an equally beautiful job with our wedding photos 6 years ago and would go back to her again if we’d get the chance. Nothing but high regards for this brilliant photographer 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼💕

Hamish & Sara

Recent Family Sessions (Real Examples):

A family of three holding hands and walking outdoors by the water, with city buildings in the background. The father is carrying a young child, and the mother is walking beside them.
A young boy with short brown hair is holding onto a rope while walking on a high ropes course outdoors in a wooded area.
A young girl in a pink, sequined, tulle dress with puffed sleeves and a matching pink headband making a duck face.
A man holding a laughing young boy in his arms outdoors, with trees and greenery in the background.
Two children, a girl and a boy, playing with a wagon on a backyard lawn. The boy is pulling the wagon, which has the girl and a younger child sitting inside, and all are smiling. Background features a brick house with bushes and a windowed attic.
Young girl with curly hair smiling, wearing a striped long-sleeve shirt, standing by a white wooden railing, against a plain light-colored wall.
A young child with curly hair in a sleeveless shirt holding a toy and an adult's hand, walking through a field of tall grass or wheat, captured in black and white.
Family of four sitting on a couch, smiling and enjoying time together in a cozy home.
A young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes sitting on a man's lap, holding a white mug towards the camera, with a surprised expression, in front of a dark tiled wall.
A young girl in a light-colored dress standing next to a white chair with a heart-shaped cutout in a bright room with white walls and window shutters.
A young child sitting on a black and white circle patterned rug, reading a book with stuffed animal toys nearby, and a large plush lion's head toy peeking from a basket in a room with a white door and towels hanging on a rack.
A young girl with long hair wears a floral patterned dress with ruffled sleeves and looks down with a contemplative expression in a natural outdoor setting, depicted in black and white.
Black and white photo of a boy dressed as Captain America, playfully adjusting his mask with one eye closed and lips puckered, while in the background, a girl is sitting in a small teepee tent.
A woman carrying a young girl on her back, both smiling and laughing, outdoors on a cloudy day.
A happy family of four standing in a grassy field with trees in the background. The father, with blond hair, is holding a young girl on his shoulders. The mother, with brown hair, is holding a baby girl. They are all wearing casual white tops and jea
Family of four, with two young girls, enjoying a sunny day sitting on grass in a field, smiling and laughing together.
A young girl with curly red hair and freckles looks down with a gentle smile, outdoors in warm, natural lighting.
Young boy standing in tall grass wearing a blue hat and a navy t-shirt with dinosaur and alligator designs, holding a colorful ball.
A woman and two young girls walking on a wooded trail outside, smiling and wearing light-colored dresses with floral prints.
A young girl with blond hair and blue eyes lying on a blanket on the ground inside a tent, looking at the camera.
A young girl with brown hair and bangs looks upward with her hands on her head, standing against a dark background.
Three girls sitting on the floor, holding hands, smiling, and looking at the camera against a white background.
Silhouette of a family holding hands under large trees on a grassy hill
A woman smiling while holding a young boy, both looking at each other indoors.
A woman and a young child are playing a puzzle together on the floor of a cozy room.
A smiling woman holding a joyful smiling toddler girl with a small ponytail, in front of a bright white background.

Why Choose Me as Your Derby Family Photographer?

There are loads of talented family photographers in Derby, so why me?

Well, I’m not just here to take “nice photos.” I’m here to tell the story of your family as it is, right now, chaos, cuddles, wild hair, muddy boots and all.

After 12 years in this job, I’ve got a solid radar for when to step in and when to step back. I won’t ask your toddler to smile if they’re clearly over it, and I’m not fussed about perfection. I’m more interested in the stuff you’ll actually want to remember, the way they cling to your leg, the wild running, the in-between bits.

Most of my clients book again and again because the photos feel like them and the session doesn’t feel like a performance.

If that sounds like what you’re after then I’d love to hear from you.

Check my availability now.

Outdoor Family Photoshoots in Derby | My Favourite Locations

If you're dreaming of photos that feel relaxed and natural, an outdoor session might be just the thing.

Some of my favourite Derbyshire spots for family photography include:

  • Foremarke Reservoir — perfect for toddlers who need space to run, plus they have a park and ice-cream for easy bribes ;)

  • Hicks Lodge — the best slide ever, open spaces, Gruffalo trail, the lake and a little bit of magic.

  • Darley Park — great riverside light and space for quiet moments.

I’m always happy to suggest locations based on your family’s vibe, or explore somewhere new if you’ve got a hidden gem in mind.

Natural Family Photography in Derbyshire… No Posing Required

This isn’t about standing still and smiling at the camera. It’s about letting your kids be themselves whether that’s silly, shy, wild, whatever shows up, and you trusting that’s where the magic is.

I’ll gently guide where needed (hello flattering light), but mostly I’ll let your family unfold naturally and just document what’s real.

We’ll capture the moments between the moments and you won’t need to “perform” for the camera.

This is storytelling, not staging.

When’s the Best Time of Year to Book a Family Shoot in Derby?

Short answer? Whenever it feels right for your family.

But if you’re after that glowy light and golden fields, late summer and autumn are usually stunning. Spring sessions are lovely too… soft colours, fresh greens, lighter layers. Winter works beautifully for at-home sessions, especially if you’re a cosy, mug-of-tea-on-the-sofa kind of crew.

I always recommend booking 4–6 weeks ahead if you want a specific date or season, especially weekends. But if you’re last-minute, still reach out as I might have a slot open.

Ready to Book Your Family Photoshoot?

If your heart’s saying yes and your calendar is saying “maybe when things calm down” then trust me, this is the time.

You don’t need to lose ten pounds or wait for your toddler to stop tantrumming. This is the life you’ll want to remember; messy, funny, real.

I only take a small number of family bookings per month so I can give each one my full energy. If you’re even half-curious, let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit.

Ready to create beautiful family memories? Get in touch today to book your session and start capturing the moments that matter most.