Capture the moments in-between where the real love is felt.
Family Photography in Cornwall
Family photos to help you remember who you were together.
A family photoshoot can go beyond capturing how your children look, or how everyone performs for the camera. I love a session that digs deeper, finding the moments in-between where the real love and connection can be felt.
Photographing your truest selves, all together, is the purpose.
I'm Michelle, a family photographer based in mid Cornwall. I photograph families as they really are - moving, laughing, exploring and being together. Sometimes it’s about the camera, but often it’s about being present and capturing the ordinary and unnoticed. These are the photos that come to mean the most.
No two families are the same, and no two sessions go the same way. We go with the flow, follow what naturally unfolds, and let the day lead us.
“Michelle 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
the story of your adventure
Every session is an adventure, and a time to unplug and let moments unfold without trying too hard. Often it’s the simplest unplanned shots that are the favourites. The ones where you’ve forgotten the camera and are playing or living a moment that is so typically you.
Those are the moments I live for, and will help you capture so that this time can truly be remembered always.
I’ve got twelve years’ experience photographing families of all types, ages and sizes, and I have a deep love for images that capture real life honestly and beautifully.
This time is so fleeting - none of you will ever be as you are today again - let’s relax and just enjoy whatever shows up. There is so much beauty and magic in the ordinary.
The session itself is a lovely experience - an early morning out together, somewhere beautiful, without anyone staring at a screen.
Cornwall family photoshoot locations
Most family photoshoots take place outdoors in Cornwall - in locations like woodlands, beaches or even your own garden.
wild cornish landscapes
We will choose a backdrop that feels like you—whether it’s a rugged cliffside near Newquay, a quiet beach at low tide, or a golden field in mid Cornwall.
I am located in Grampound and ‘local’ beaches (within 10 miles) include family-friendly Carne and Pendower beaches, Porthluney Cove Beach and Porthpean in St Austell.
I am most familiar with the Roseland Peninsula region, having lived there for 15 years.
I regularly travel further afield, for sessions at Holywell Bay Beach, Fistral and Crantock in Newquay, Harlyn Bay, Watergate, Mawgan Porth and Porthtowan and Perranporth Beaches. I’m always happy to travel to new locations but generally prefer avoiding crowded times.
Countryside & woods
There are so many beautiful places in Cornwall, not just along the coast. I love the countryside and interesting landscapes, ever changing through the seasons. I have a few spots in areas of outstanding natural beauty I love to shoot in.
Another great alternative to the beach are woodlands - Cornwall has plenty and all can provide a splendid backdrop for your family photos.
the comfort of home
We can also capture a relaxed, documentary-style session in your own home, preserving the spaces where your daily chapters unfold. You can plan a simple activity or we can just let it unfold - venturing into the garden or going for a walk. Soak in a bubble bath or jump on the bed. Snuggle on the sofa or chase the dog. 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.
“Michelle 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!”
Styling & outfit guidance
No need to stress over what to wear. I provide a full styling guide to help you choose coordinating, timeless textures that look beautiful against Cornwall's natural landscapes. This is discussed in detail during your pre-session consultation too.
The Experience
Preparation
I like to prepare parents properly so that so that everyone arrives ready and the session can unfold. Over the years I have learnt how to avoid common pitfalls that can make or break a session.
On booking I’ll send you some styling tips and prep info, and we’ll make a time for a pre-session consultation video call to run over details, outfits etc before the shoot.
During the session
Family photoshoots are fun and intuitive, allowing time for warming up for those who are a little camera shy. Once we get going I give plenty of direction when needed and prompts to help the moments along, but it’s also important that everyone’s true personalities are allowed to shine so I let youngsters lead the way a lot of the time.
We’ll play games, explore, race, cuddle and whatever feels right on the day. I don’t expect anyone to perform or to spend an hour posing and smiling at the camera. Your job is to enjoy yourselves, and let me worry about how the photos turn out.
Delivery & Next Steps
After the session I’ll get to work curating and editing a final gallery of images for you to view. This is ideally done in person (approximately 2-3 weeks later at my studio in Grampound). If you’re on holiday in Cornwall we’ll do the viewing via Zoom.
This is where you will choose your digital images and select prints and products or all inclusive collections.
Pricing
An Investment in Your History
Choosing to document these fleeting moments is more than just booking a photoshoot. It is choosing to freeze a chapter of your life before it blurs past you. Because I believe you deserve a truly enjoyable, luxury experience, there are never any hidden costs, high-pressure sales, or surprise fees.
From full access to my curated client wardrobe and tasteful props, to an unhurried, entirely family-led rhythm in the perfect outdoor setting, everything is designed to hold your hand through the process.
Session fees begin at £65 which includes your custom planning consultation, the session itself. Collections begin at £64.80 per month for your final hand-edited portrait archive.
Most families choose to invest between £600 and £900 on their final collection of timeless digitals and heirloom artwork for their walls. There are smaller bundles for those wanting a handful of photos they can love forever beginning at £249.
The full pricing guide is available on request.
“Oh Michelle, these are so beautiful! Better than I had even hoped for. You’ve perfectly captured their personalities and that gorgeous beach - what an amazing set of photographs. There are so many we love... I can’t stop looking at them, and what a joy to have so many!”
“There are so many stunning photos from our shoot! Thank you so much for working with us Michelle. We loved every minute of our shoot and couldn’t be happier with the photos we received. Memories to treasure forever!”
Portfolio highlights - a glimpse at some recent family photography sessions in Cornwall…
Family photography session at Holywell Bay Beach, Newquay in Cornwall
A family with baby photoshoot at Porthcurnick Beach on the Roseland Peninsula
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do sessions take place?
I shoot beach sessions exclusively during 'Golden Hour' - the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset. This is when Cornwall’s light is soft, warm, and entirely magical, creating a timeless, glowing feel in your portraits.
Some planning can minimise the disrupted routines (from breakfast boxes 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 photoshoot, I can advise countryside locations with open shade or we can look for a beach with cliff shaded areas.
How far in advance do we need to book?
I have very limited availability for these sessions (especially in the summer months) so book as far in advance as possible.
What should we do 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 simply reschedule to a backup date that works for your family, or we can move the session indoors.
What if my kids won't cooperate or play up 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.
Sometimes a session starts out all wrong, and it doesn’t worry me. I've been doing this for many years and am happy to find the moments in-between, while patiently waiting for the storms to pass. I know it takes some little (and big) ones to warm up to me and the session, and I adapt my approach so that there’s room to ease in.
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 taking some pictures - but no pressure to perform.
Make sure you’ve prepared appropriate outfits 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 full style guide before your session, and we'll talk it through during your planning consultation.
Can we include our pet in our family photoshoot?
Yes, pets are very welcome for outdoors sessions. I’ll provide specific prep information to help things go as smoothly as possible, and we'll factor them into the session plan from the start.
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.
What locations do you recommend for family photography in Cornwall?
It depends on factors like time of day and your needs. For beaches, early mornings on the south coast work well and I regularly shoot on the Roseland Peninsula and Porthluney Cove beach. Carne, Pendower and Porthcurnick are favourites. For sunset beach sessions Holywell Bay beach is popular. If you can’t quite manage the sunrise or sunset, countryside and woodland locations can provide open shade so we’re not in the brighter sun. I have some beautiful countryside and woodland spots in areas of outstanding natural beauty I love to shoot at. Priorities are good light, pretty or interesting scenery, and easy access.
Do you travel across Cornwall for family sessions?
Yes. I'm based in Grampound between Truro and St Austell, but I travel widely across Cornwall for outdoor sessions. A small 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 to 90 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?
The session fee is £65, which secures your date and includes your pre-session consultation, preparation and styling guides, your photography session, and a guided photo ordering appointment. Images and artwork are purchased once you’ve seen the final edited images. Collections start at £64.80 per month and most families invest between £600 and £900 on a combination of prints, wall art and digital images. There are small bundles available from £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.
“Thanks for going through the photos with us. Really lovely photos which will be treasured memories. Thanks again for everything throughout the process.”
How to book.
If you’re interested in booking a Curious Creatures Photography family session, 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.
