Capturing family moments where the love is.
Family Photography in Cornwall

Family on dunes at Holywell Bay Beach during relaxed family photoshoot

Photographing you together

Hey, I'm Michelle - a natural style family photographer based in mid Cornwall.

I photograph families in all their chaos, laughter, messiness, big and small moments, play and togetherness. Sometimes it’s about the camera, but mostly it’s about being present and catching it all for you when you’ve forgotten I’m there.

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.

 
 
 
Portfolio.jpg
 
 
 

 

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.

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 moments we live for.

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 you need, please reach out.

 
 

Where do family photo sessions happen?

Cornwall family photo session locations

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
 
Home5.jpg
 
 
 
 
Family with baby share a smile at relaxed beach family photography session in Cornwall

How it 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 2-3 weeks later either at my studio in Grampound or on Zoom.

This is where you will view the photos and choose which to buy as digital images, prints or a mixture of both.

Full pricing is provided before booking.

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

Family photo session styling

What to wear?

My advice on what to wear for your family photo session is to choose outfits that look thoughtful 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 either as digitals, prints or a mixture of both.

Digital Bundles:

- 5 digital images - Β£249
- 10 digital images - Β£399
- 15 digital images - Β£449
- Full gallery of digital images (30+) - Β£599

Digital images are high resolution, delivered via a private online gallery.

Sets of prints and frames / wall art start from Β£259.

My popular all-inclusive collections from Β£64.80 per month.

Most families invest in the full gallery of digitals plus some printed keepsakes on my popular PayItMonthly collections, but if it’s just a handful of treasured memories you’d like, there’s never any pressure from me.

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

 
 
About9.jpg
 
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
 
quote block light.jpg
 
 

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 photo sessions 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 very 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 happens if the weather is bad on the day of our outdoor 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 won't cooperate 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. We go with whatever the day brings, follow their lead, and work around moods rather than against them.

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, 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 do I prepare my children for a photoshoot?

The unpredictable factor is what moods will be like, but I advise parents to not build the session up as something the kids have to be good for, or do well at, but rather explain it as some family fun time where someone will be there with a camera - but make sure they understand that there’s no pressure to perform or act in any certain way. That’s not what I’m wanting at all.

Make sure you’ve got outfits that are comfortable for them, that they like, with warm layers and footwear that can be worn for photos, and arrive with faces clean.

How to dress for a family photoshoot?

Casual, comfortable and coordinated without being too matchy-matchy. Earthy tones, natural fibres and muted colours tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on connection rather than clothing. Avoid logos, bright whites or anything that clashes. You'll receive a style guide before your session.

Can we include our pet in our family photoshoot?

Yes, pets are very welcome for outdoor family photo sessions! 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 - my space here works well for families of four or five (max).

I feel that outdoor sessions are ideal for families with active little ones who like to move. They have more energy and 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?

It 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 as there is so much open space that can be quite bright once the sun climbs up. The beach is the most popular choice in Cornwall, but there are also beautiful countryside locations that make an excellent option. I cover areas within 10 miles from Grampound.

Do you travel across Cornwall for family sessions?

Yes. I'm based in Grampound between Truro and St Austell, but I travel across Cornwall for outdoor sessions. A travel charge applies for locations further than 10 miles from me. 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 sessions are something I do regularly and really enjoy. They work best outdoors where there's room to move and space for everyone. A supplementary charge applies for larger groups, 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 last?

Usually around 60 minutes - enough 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 a family photoshoot cost in Cornwall?

My session fee for a family photoshoot is Β£65, which secures your date and includes written prep and style guides, your photography session, and a photo ordering appointment. Images and artwork are purchased once you’ve seen the final edited images. 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. There are small bundles available from Β£249 and payment plans are available.

When and how will I see my images?

Around two to three weeks after your 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. I'll guide you through everything.

 
Portfolio6.jpg
 
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
 
Home5.jpg
 

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