Frequently Asked Questions

  • A full 60 minute family story photo session along the Causeway Coast is £99 paid upon booking. This entitles you to 60 minutes of coverage at a location of your choosing (within 20 miles of Portrush). Local beaches in Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock, forest parks in Coleraine, Ballymoney and Garvagh and at-home sessions are all popular.

    Before your session you will receive a detailed Family Story Session Guide, questionnaire and contract. We will discuss your family, what you want to capture and what is important to you. This is where the storytelling begins!

    After our session you will be invited to view your digital gallery of fully edited images. Here, you can choose one of three collections, Essential Story, Signature Story or Heirloom Story. Each collection is designed to ensure that you receive a meaningful collection of storytelling images. Alternatively you can create your own collection with a range of digital and fine art products straight from your gallery shop.

    Check out my pricing page for full details of all packages and bespoke add ons.

  • The photo sessions that I offer are unique, thoughtful and deeply personal. They aim to capture your life and your loved ones honestly without pretence.

    These sessions move away from traditional posing in matching outfits. No two sessions will ever be the same.

    Everyday routines and unique family traditions form the fabric of your family. These rituals strengthen family bonds, and create lasting memories. What may seem ordinary now will be the moments you look back on, the ones you want to relive just one more time. These are the photos you didn’t know you wanted and once you have them you will cherish them forever.

    I am a big fan of printing our images, your story is already meaningful, printing your images is simply choosing not to let it fade. I have partnered with a UK based fine art specialist to create lasting keepsakes of your family story. Each product is handcrafted to last a lifetime, but not at the expense of the environment. All the materials come from sustainable sources and, wherever possible, they’re also recycled. Have a look at my Products page for more details.

  • I move myself around you and your surroundings to get different compositions and lighting . Depending on your taste I may gently guide you based on the direction of the light or to get certain people, pets or items in and out of frames.  If it feels right I may suggest we explore the shoreline, or search for acorns, these little prompts are great for families and help build a varied gallery while remaining authentic.

  • You will be surprised how effortless documentary photo sessions can be. With an activity planned everyone already knows roughly what to expect and if little ones are involved sure we are all just orbiting their world anyways! My three year old would much rather I let her explore the shoreline than make her stand and sit and twirl on demand.

    With a detailed questionnaire prior to your session I will learn your family dynamics, and help you decide what activity or location are best suited for you. I will find out what you hope to achieve from this session, if you have family members you want me to focus on or any specific frames you want me to capture. For example, you might want me to prioritise images with daddy and daughter playing. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you book, that’s my job.

    On the day we will meet and start our activity and I will move myself around you and the surroundings to get a full gallery of beautiful storytelling images.

  • I try to keep my wardrobe advice to a minimum. You should be comfortable, dressed appropriately for the weather and avoid any large patterns or logos.

    It’s natural to want to look your best so aim for outfits that make you feel confident and look like you. Layers can help in our ever changing weather and don’t be afraid to wear a bright outfit if colours are your thing.

    We don’t often leave the house as a completely colour coordinated family and you don’t need to either.

  • Your inspiration can help us build an idea for the story you want to tell but I will avoid posing an exact replica of another image or do anything that is out of character for your family. If we did this you might get a nice aesthetically pleasing image, that looks great on your wall and social media, but it’s going to lack real emotion or meaning.  For example if you have a Pinterest board of daddy twirling his daughter by the beach, and your family love the beach, then absolutely we’ll make a beach day of it and I’ll keep my eye on daddy and daughter so that I’m ready to capture any natural playful moments that arise. The resulting images will be so much more true to who you are.

  • Yes absolutely, my family story sessions are designed to capture your family through all stages of life.

    For little ones I come to your home and we capture the magic of the newborn bubble. These new routines that you’ve found yourself thrown into, nappy changes, feeding, cuddles and contact naps make for a truly special first story. From wide angle shots to showcase your new family dynamic to up close shots to capture every tiny toe, you will have a beautiful gallery to cherish for years to come. As a mummy of two I know only too well how precious and fleeting this time is.

  • Yes absolutely, my family story sessions are designed to capture your family through all stages of life.

    For maternity shoots you can choose a session at home or outdoors. What we do is entirely up to you. For at home sessions some lovely activities include preparing the nursery, building the crib, washing tiny clothes, and packing your hospital bag. This time is full of such sweet anticipation. For families already with siblings then you can get them involved in the preparation too or simply spend some time together doing your favourite activities as you prepare for your new addition.

    For an outdoor session we can take our time and go at your pace, a leisurely walk along the beach or forest, or sit down for a little picnic, getting some fresh air and getting that oxytocin flowing!

    There is no best time for this type of session but somewhere in the late second trimester/early to mid third trimester would likely suit most mothers to be.

  • Pets are welcome and encouraged as part of the family story sessions and short stories. Just have a look through my portfolio! They are as much a part of the family as anyone else.  I love animals, I am a zoologist and marine conservationist by trade so it comes with the territory!

    If you want a story that has your pet as the main character and not just a supporting role then absolutely we can do this.  I would love to photograph your dog walks, cat cuddles, collecting eggs from your chickens, whoever and whatever you have as pets!  If this is what you are after then go ahead and book one of the family story sessions.

  • The full family story documentary sessions and mini short stories are suitable for couples in all stages of life.

    If you want to capture your engagement as it happens then absolutely a full session will work well. That is documentary photography at its finest! Get in touch and we can iron out the finer details of what hedge I’m hiding behind.

    I do not currently offer any set wedding or elopement packages.

  • This question should be on everyone’s FAQs but unfortunately it rarely is.

    Recognising the profound impact of our photography industry on the environment, I prioritise conscious choices to positively influence our planet. This follows through to my professional fine-art printing supplier.

    Hand-bound in Yorkshire and using the finest quality cover materials, papers and inks, your album and prints will stand the test of time. My supplier takes so much care when producing your keepsake which is why I trust them wholeheartedly.

    Your fine art products are crafted to last a lifetime, but not at the expense of the environment and its delicate global ecosystem. All the materials come from sustainable sources and, wherever possible, they’re also 100% recycled.

    I work only locally, within 20 miles radius of Portrush in my small attempt to keep my carbon footprint down.