Your questions answered

My style & approach

The perfect photo for me isn’t of you all looking at the camera with forced smiles, it’s in a tangle of arms and giggles; in the joyful messiness of real life and love. I combine family documentary, lifestyle and classic portraiture to tell the story of who you all are - right now - with a beautiful light and airy aesthetic. 

To put you at ease and document your family in the most honest way, I let my sessions flow organically, always being led by your baby. As a mother, I know how important it is to be patient and calm as a newborn is fed and comforted, or as a toddler slowly sheds her camera shyness. Occasionally, I’ll give some gentle direction to make sure everyone is in the best light and fully at ease, but I’ll also give time to let you all just be yourselves in order to capture spontaneous and meaningful memories as they unfold.

Shoot pricing

I offer a bespoke experience for all my families; every single shoot is unique - just as every family is. For family sessions, I charge a fee of £195. This covers the photo-taking time on the day and also some time in the weeks leading up to your shoot preparing: getting to know you all via a consultation as well as keeping an eye on the weather. It also includes my time and artistry to create a gallery of beautiful images that tell the story of a morning in the life of your family. I will work in a digital dark room to enhance each photograph to the very best professional quality: working on colours, black and whites and any re-touching, if required.

The session fee does not include any of the photographs, printed or as digital copies. You have the freedom to choose from a selection of products and collections. I do not have a minimum spend but as a guide, most of my clients invest a further £750 - £3,000, on a range of beautiful, heirloom-quality, printed and digital products. For further details of my product pricing please order an e-brochure.

Where and when will the photo shoot take place?

The shoot will take place in your home or outside, somewhere you enjoy spending time as a family and truly feel comfortable. I have photographed families in their local park, out in the countryside, by the river and also in central London. For older babies and children we can split our time between your home and the outdoors, although I do suggest choosing somewhere close by. We'll have a good chat before the shoot to work out the perfect location for your family.

Most shoots take place in the morning. It's important that everyone, particularly young babies and toddlers are well rested and fed before the session so we normally plan to start just after their morning nap, a couple of hours before lunch.  

What happens if the weather
is bad?

In the lead up to your shoot I will keep a close eye on the weather forecast. If it looks to be wet we have a few options:

- Change the location to your home and stay warm and dry indoors.

- Make a feature of it - think welly boots and jumping in puddles!

If you really want shots outside, but the weather is very wet, I am more than happy to re-schedule for another date (please note this is subject to my availability and you may have to wait a few weeks).

Please do not worry if the day turns out to be grey and cloudy. Overcast skies produce beautiful soft light which is very flattering.

What if we don't have
a picture perfect home?

If your home doesn't look like it belongs in the pages of an interiors magazine then please do not let it put you off having an in-home photo shoot. Over the last ten years, I have photographed families in homes of all shapes, sizes and styles of decor - including small basement apartments. I can craft beautiful stories in any home and lighting condition as I believe there is beauty and light everywhere if you look for it. Your home is your safe place and the foundations of your children's memories, so it's the most natural setting for your newborn photo shoot.

If you want a real documentary feel to your images then let's roll with the chaos that is parenting a new baby - it all adds layers and texture to the story and will make them all the more meaningful as the years go by.  If you prefer to have things 'just so', or somewhere in the middle (like me), then feel free to clear some surfaces before my arrival or even as we go. 

What should we wear for our photo shoot?

Your personal style is who you are so please dress for the photo shoot in a way you feel most comfortable. It's important to look back at the photographs and see you and your children as you actually were all those years ago, rather than people dressed up for the occasion.

If you do want the photographs to have a harmonious aesthetic, you might want to consider the colours and shades of your family's clothes and how they work with the backgrounds we are shooting against. A good and simple rule is to coordinate but not match. For young babies, I prefer simple items like vests but for toddlers and older children, feel free to play around with patterns, layers and accessories. You might also want to avoid brand logos and large slogans which can be distracting.

How long will the photo shoot last?

Most of my older baby and family photo shoots last about 2 hours, and this includes breaks for feeds or snacks for older children. However, you won't find me watching the clock and I will only finish when I feel I have fully captured everything we set out to. If we need more time because your baby is unsettled for any reason, or is particularly hungry that day, then please do not worry. It is my utmost priority that everyone is relaxed and having fun. Having worked with young children for the last 10 years - and as a mother of two - I have certainly learnt the art of patience!