Capture the moments where 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 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 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.
Planning a session this summer?
If you're hoping to make the most of Cornwall's long evenings and beautiful outdoor locations, take a look at my Summer Family Sessions.
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 can look at locations that feel like you - a quiet cove or countryside spot.
I am located in Grampound and my local beaches include family-friendly Carne and Pendower, Porthluney Cove Beach and Porthpean/Duporth beach in St Austell.
I can travel further afield, for sessions at Holywell Bay Beach, Fistral and Crantock in Newquay, Harlyn Bay, Watergate, Mawgan Porth and Porthtowan and Perranporth Beaches. There is a travel charge for locations further than 10 miles from Grampound.
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.
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. 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.
“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
Earthy and muted tones always work well. I will provide a styling guide to help you choose comfortable outfits that feel like you and photograph well - it’s not about the clothes, and keeping it simple and not overthinking it too much is probably the best approach.
How it works
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.
We’ll play games, explore, cuddle and do 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 this time shared together.
Delivery & Next Steps
After the session I’ll get to work 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 family’s 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. You never know how much these photos will mean to you in the future, and their value will grow over the years.
My session fee is £65 for family photography sessions which includes your prep guides and the session itself. Print or digital sets start at £249, and all inclusive collections begin at £64.80 per month.
Most families invest between £500 and £900 on their family photographs, but if it’s just a handful of photos you need, you can choose a smaller collection.
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!”
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?
I shoot beach sessions as near to golden hour as possible. This is when Cornwall’s light is soft, warm, and magical.
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 photoshoot 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 (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 reschedule to a backup date that works for your family, or we can move the session indoors.
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.
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 style guide before your session.
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.
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. 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 £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 £64.80 per month and most families invest between £500 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 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.
