Family love captured.
Family Photography in Cornwall

Family on dunes at Holywell Bay Beach during relaxed family photoshoot

The magic of families together

Hey there, if you’re looking for family photography in Cornwall with a difference, you’re in the right place.

Sessions with me are about capturing all the chaos and love of family life in the frame in a way that converts to beautiful and natural prints and wall art.

Sometimes it’s about the camera, but mostly it’s about being present in the moment.

a guided process:

  • planning the details and preparing you for the way I work

  • guiding you during your shoot with prompts when needed

  • walking you through your finished gallery and the print options best for you

A family photo session with me goes beyond taking pictures of how you and your children look or behave in front of a camera. What I offer is an experience that digs deeper, finding genuine moments of love and connection and ensures that you have something at the end that can be treasured and admired forever!

 
 
 
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β€œMichelle was so lovely and instantly put us all at ease. She couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating. The photoshoot was great fun and enjoyed by us all. We're so pleased with the photos - really relaxed and informal. Thank you.”

- Jonty Shepard


My approach to family photography

this is your story

A family photo session is a chance to press pause on the to-do list, the laundry pile, the endless distractions and activities that take our focus away from each other. It’s a space to buffer out the world and spend time simply being together in the way you’ll want to remember.

When you can let go and allow the moments to unfold while someone else carries the weight of worrying about what to do and where to go, your heart opens and tension melts away.

These are the little moments that make up life, and the memories you’ll one day hold more dear than you can imagine.

The time we have with each other is so fleeting - none of you will ever be as you are today again. It means so much to offer something that lets you savour what’s most important in life and to capture it in a meaningful and lasting way.

If this feels like something for you, I’d love to hear from you.

 
 

Family photography in Cornwall - Locations

Where do family sessions happen?

Location is important - it needs to provide a space for your moments to unfold, comfortably. It’s not about having the most epic scenery in the background. I tend to prioritise accessibility, natural light (and shade if needed), quietness and natural beauty.

beach on north cornwall which is great for family photoshoots

Beach

I am located in Grampound and my favourite local beach locations include Carne, Pendower, Porthluney Cove and Porthpean beach.

There is a travel charge for locations further than 10 miles from Grampound.

Family photography location in Cornwall countryside, areas of outstanding natural beauty

Countryside & woods

There are so many beautiful places in Cornwall, not just along the coast. I love the countryside, which through the seasons making every session truly unique.

Mother holding baby looking out window, at-home family photography Cornwall

at-home sessions

We can also capture a relaxed, documentary-style session in your own home, preserving the spaces where your daily chapters unfold. Keeping cosy inside or venturing into the garden or going for a walk. I love the endless possibilities for sweet, unfiltered moments that can happen during a simple home lifestyle session.

This is a great back-up option if you’re visiting Cornwall on holiday and we’re rained off the beach. The moments will matter just as much, and it will still be family holiday memories.

 
 
β€œMichelle has an incredibly natural style which we were drawn to. She’s warm and has a great way of putting you at ease, you often don’t even realise she’s taking pictures! She interacted brilliantly with our 3 year old, and the photos she captured on both our photoshoots are just beautiful!”
— Amy Jones
 
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Family with baby share a smile at relaxed beach family photography session in Cornwall

How my family photography in Cornwall works

Before the session

Booking

After reaching out and deciding to book a session, we’ll set a date and confirm the booking with a contract and your session fee.

Planning

Once the session is confirmed I will send my written prep and style guides, and we’ll be in contact as much as needed in the run up to your session. There is also a questionnaire to help me get to know you all and the option to chat through the details over the phone.

During the session

Family photo sessions are intended to be fun and relaxed. I work intuitively, taking time for everyone to warm up but generally working to establish an easy rapport. Sometimes it takes a while to relax and trust me and the process, but I don’t want anyone feeling like they have to stand still and pose - I will give plenty of direction when needed and prompts to help the moments along.

I warn parents to expect the unexpected - little ones are unpredictable and sometimes the adventure goes a little sideways and everyone ends up in the water! It’s good to be up for these things - I certainly am :)

Delivery & next steps

After the session I’ll get to work curating and hand editing a gallery of images that capture the essence of the day and your family. This is presented as a slideshow to you approximately 2 weeks later either at my studio in Grampound or on Zoom.

This is where you will view the photos and we can turn the original vision into beautiful printed pieces for your walls, as prints, or in a keepsake album.

Full pricing is provided before booking.

 
Young boy running up sand dune at sunset, outdoor family photography Cornwall
 

Family photos styling

What to wear for family photos?

My advice on what to wear for your family photo session is to choose outfits that look thoughtfully chosen, and comfortable.

I think it’s important to keep to your usual style of dressing, so that kids don’t feel dressed up and uncomfortable.

Avoid going all beige or having kids wear matching outfits too!

I provide a prep guide and a style guide on booking to help you choose comfortable outfits that feel like you and photograph well.

 
 
 
 

Family Photo Sessions Pricing

Session fee: Β£65

Your session fee is paid on booking to secure the slot. It includes:

- Contract outlining all you need to know so you’re protected and clear
- A session prep guide written by me to help you prepare
- A written style guide (my tips on what to wear)
- Your photography session with me on location (first 10 miles free)
- A viewing & ordering appointment (at the studio/Zoom)

Viewing & ordering images

2-3 weeks after your session, we’ll meet for a viewing & ordering appointment where you’ll get to see the images for the first time and select which ones to purchase, and begin the wall art and album design process.

Prints price guide

Signature sets of prints - Β£259

Framed prints - from Β£249

Albums - from Β£549

All-inclusive collections

From Β£64.80 per month.

The full pricing guide is available on request - just get in touch.

 

PHOTOS LIVE IN PRINT

These photos aren’t intended to end up on your phone or a desktop as a digital file. If that’s where they end up, what was the point? I see digitals as incomplete, interim materials - with their small place as a screensaver and memento in your phone camera role - but not the final product.

Leaving my clients there is an incomplete service.

I have spent many years learning about how to turn images into beautiful printed artworks - from testing the various print processes and finishes, papers and inks from top professional labs to understanding how sizing matters, which images work and why. Also sampling different frame style and colours and applying interior decorating principles to understanding what works in a space.

My perfectionism means that I like to control the quality of how the images are produced, and love seeing how they look as high quality finished printed products.

These are the pictures that will live with you and your children as you all grow older, to be there as the years go by. They are the pictures you'll find yourself holding in your hands in twenty years, remembering exactly how these days felt, wondering how they went so fast.

 
 
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β€œOh Michelle, these are so beautiful! Β Better than I had even hoped for. Β You’ve perfectly captured their personalities and that gorgeous beach - what an amazing set of photographs. Β There are so many we love... I can’t stop looking at them, and what a joy to have so many!”
— Jennifer Hulland
β€œThere are so many stunning photos from our shoot!Β  Thank you so much for working with us Michelle.Β  We loved every minute of our shoot and couldn’t be happier with the photos we received.Β  Memories to treasure forever!”
— Bethany Tippett
 
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A glimpse at some recent family photography sessions in Cornwall…

Family session at Holywell Bay Beach

A family & baby photoshoot at Porthcurnick Beach on the Roseland Peninsula

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do sessions take place?

Outdoor family photography in Cornwall sessions are held as near to golden hour as possible. This is when Cornwall’s light is soft, warm, and luminous.

Some planning can minimise the disruption to kids routines (from pre-packed breakfast boxes for en-route to having PJ’s packed for the car trip home). It’s worth it, I promise.

If you can’t manage such an early or late start for your outdoor family photo session during summer, get in touch and we’ll see what we can do.

How far in advance do we need to book?

I have limited availability for these sessions as they fall outside of my usual school-time hours (especially in the summer months) so it’s wise to book as far in advance as possible.

What if the weather’s bad on the day of our outdoor photo session?

Cornwall weather can be unpredictable. If it rains or is excessively windy, we will reschedule to a backup date that works for your family, or we can move the session indoors.

In the days before your session I will keep a close eye on the weather forecasts, and sometimes we have to make last minute changes to our plans. I’m always as flexible as I can be in these instances.

What if my kids don't behave on the day?

Honestly, this is the fear of every mum and while it can happen, it's not ruined a session yet. I don't need (or want) children to perform or behave in a particular way, or to β€˜be good’. My sessions aren’t about standing still and looking at the camera - they’re all about capturing kids and families in the moment as they play and interact. If kids are allowed to be themselves, they usually have a good time. What kid doesn’t want their parents playing with them and giving them their full attention?

But moods happen, and we go with whatever the day brings, follow their lead, and work around moods rather than against them. They usually come around.

I do have some really important guidance on how to prepare children for these sessions, and sometimes it really means shifting the mindset of parents going in. If my guidance is followed, most issues are handled before they even arise, and the session can go as smoothly as possible.

My guides are written based on my experience over 12 years as a photographer and parent of neurodivergent kids, and everything included is there to avoid common pitfalls I’ve seen again and again that could have been avoided.

Two small children excitedly walking to the sea with mum during a beach family photography session in Cornwall

How to dress for a family photo session?

My rule thumb when asked what to wear for family photos is to keep it simple. Stick to casual, comfortable and coordinated outfits without being too matchy-matchy. Earthy tones, natural fibres and muted colours tend to photograph beautifully in any environment, but let’s keep the focus on connection rather than clothing. No point dragging someone to a session who feels weird and uncomfortable. I do advise avoid logos, bright whites or anything that clashes.

Clients receive a written style guide before their family photography session.

Can we include our pet in our family photo session?

Yes, pets are very welcome for outdoor family photo sessions in Cornwall! I include specific prep information for dogs to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

Do you do studio family sessions?

Yes I do - you’re welcome to visit my home studio in Grampound if you’d prefer. Studio sessions suit smaller families who'd prefer something more contained and intimate, maybe if it includes a baby or sensitive little ones. My cosy space here works for smaller families of four or less.

I believe that outdoor sessions are ideal for families with energetic kids who like to move, jump around and explore. They have more space, and the setting becomes part of the story.

Both approaches go with the flow and follow your family's lead.

Family of four together on Cornwall beach during family photoshoot

What locations do you recommend for family photography in Cornwall?

Location choice for your family photo session depends on factors like time of day and your needs. Beaches are always lovely but need to be right at the beginning or end of the day for soft light.

The beach is the most popular choice in Cornwall, but there are also beautiful countryside locations that make an excellent option, or even at your home.

I cover areas within 10 miles from Grampound - thereafter travel charges may apply.

Do you travel across Cornwall for family sessions?

Yes I can travel throughout Cornwall for family photo sessions. I'm based in Grampound between Truro and St Austell, and the first 10 miles are free.. A travel charge applies for locations further afield. We can talk through what works best for you when you get in touch.

Do you photograph extended families or larger groups?

Yes, extended family photo sessions are something I do regularly and really enjoy. They work best outdoors where there's room to move and space for everyone.

There is a supplementary charge for larger groups and families of 6 or more, and we'll talk through the logistics during your planning consultation to make sure the session works for everyone.

How long does a family photoshoot take?

Usually around 60 minutes - it’s plenty of time to warm up, explore and let things find their own rhythm. Some sessions move quickly, others take a little longer. There's no strict timetable and we go with the flow.

How much does family photography in Cornwall cost?

There is a session fee for a family photo sessions of Β£65 which secures the date and includes written prep and style guides, the photography session, and one photo viewing & ordering appointment.

Images and artwork are purchased after the final edited images have been viewed at a separate appointment. Print collections and wall art starts at Β£249. Collections start at Β£64.80 per month and most families invest between Β£500 and Β£900 on a combination of prints, wall art and digital images.

When and how will I see my images from the photo session?

Around two weeks after your photo session, we'll meet for your viewing and ordering appointment. This happens at my home in Grampound, or can be via Zoom if you're not local.

This is where you'll see your images for the first time and choose what you'd like to purchase, and we’ll begin the design process for frames and albums.

I'll guide you through everything.

 
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β€œThanks for going through the photos with us. Really lovely photos which will be treasured memories. Thanks again for everything throughout the process.”
— Michelle Brownlee
 
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How to book.

If you’re interested in booking a family session with me, I’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with all your details and I’ll reply as soon as I can (within 24 hours).

 

 

About Michelle

I've been photographing families in Cornwall for twelve years, and every session still teaches me something. There’s nothing I enjoy more than finding the little gems in each session - noticing and connecting, guiding the session and knowing when to wait patiently for a moment of pure gold to happen.

If you'd like to know a little more about who I am and how I work, you can read more about me here.

 

How to find me