MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi, I’m Sue, Your Photographer

As a photographer with 20 years of experience capturing the milestones of babies and families, I also understand the importance of preserving those special moments.

As a parent myself, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of parenting and assume that we’ll always remember the early years. But before we know it, time slips away and the opportunities for beautiful, natural portraits of our children are lost.

I completely understand. Finding time for photos is easily pushed to one side hoping for the perfect time. You often don’t realise how fast your baby or child is changing until your scroll back. Suddenly time speeds up, and as a parent of a teenager, I can tell you how quickly they grow, and each phase holds special memories.

So don’t wait any longer, let’s talk!

LET'S TALK

Portrait of Essex Baby photographer Sue Kennedy

I’m thrilled about helping you to tell your family’s story in photographs.

I absolutely believe you should print the photos that you love, hang them on the wall and enjoy them every day.

Someone once said to me “digitals are temporary, prints are generational.” And it’s true.

I offer both options and will guide you through each step of your portrait experience, at my studio in Harlow, Essex.

As a mother myself, I know how priceless those framed photos of my daughter are. And I want the same for you.

LET'S TALK

Example of a lounge displaying three canvas prints above a grey sofa

Why you can trust me to take your family photos …

because if you don’t it might never happen! Life is busy, and you could miss it. It’s easy to put off, but I’m here to make it as seamless and stress-free for you as possible.

01.

EXPERIENCED

I’ve been photographing children & their families for the past two decades. That’s a lot of hours negotiating with toddlers …

Young girl photographed with her toy bunny held close to her face.

02.

SIMPLICITY

And that’s why I like simplicity, keeping props simple and clothing changes minimal is a lot less stressful for you.

03.

RELAXED

I create a relaxed and comfortable space for families, the whole location is, and this allows for those magical moments you weren’t expecting to be captured.

toddler sitting crossed legged smiling at camera

LET'S TALK

{

Displaying family photographs in the home can help children develop a stronger sense of self and family identity, which in turn can boost their self-esteem and self-worth.

Source: American Psychological Association (APA)

5 month old baby boy lying on his tummy on a wool rug lifting his head and smiling

Win boy and girl standing together, with the little boy grinning slightly behind his sister and both holding their soft toy rabbits. Photography by Sue Kennedy, Harlow, Essex

My Approach

There are plenty of family photographers out there – so how do you know which one to choose?

After almost two decades of experience capturing family moments at my Harlow-based studio, here is what you can expect from my approach as a photographer.

I’m a family photographer that captures every stage of your family’s growth.

Unlike other family photographers, I capture your family’s growth as it unfolds: from bump to baby and beyond.

With some clients, I meet them when mum comes in for her maternity shoot. I then document baby’s first weeks in the studio once they’ve arrived (somewhere between newborn and 12 months old). And I’m pleased when the family returns for another portrait session when their first baby is now an older brother or sister!

I love this because it means that rather than focusing on just one stage of your baby or child’s growth in my photographs, I get to capture and witness every milestone as your family grows.

It’s the best part of my job when your family trusts me to document your most intimate moments together – and the frames scattered throughout your home are mementoes from the different years you’ve visited my studio.

LET'S TALK

My studio is not high street – but it is high touch

From the beginning, my focus was to create a boutique portrait photography business, one that served clients who sought a highly personalised experience.

I book you in, create your photographs, prepare them for your private viewing, create your bespoke artwork, viewing and process the order using a network of high quality professional suppliers. I’m a small business owner that supports other small business owners: my lab, framer, accountant and graphic designer are all experts I rely on to deliver the finest quality work.

When you visit my studio, you’ll realise right away that it is not high street. It’s a space in a converted flourmill surrounded by other creative businesses and artisans who are passionate about what they create. It’s quirky and friendly and it really feels like a family. We all support one another and deeply care about our clients and community.

I like to think this positive communal energy helps families feel comfortable when they walk through the door for a photo session.

My family photo sessions are focused on comfort, not control

I have my own photographic perspective and style: natural portraits of children. I aim to capture legacy portraits you’ll be proud to frame and pass down for generations to come.

I don’t loudly direct shoots. I let them flow naturally, tweaking as I needed, creating a collection of photographs that respond to that child or children or family I am with. I always ask the parents what they need to feel comfortable. If you’re bringing a little one into the studio, I’m keen to work around your child’s naptime and feeding schedules.

Some photographers I have observed have a shoot routine that they won’t deviate from. But as I photograph children mostly (who we can all agree have minds of their own!), I find a strict shoot routine just hikes up stress levels especially when the children won’t perform to order.

I have a more organic approach, which my clients like.

I stay up to date with what’s happening in my industry

I like to stay up to date with what’s new in the industry, and love learning, which is good because there is always something new to get a handle on. And photography demands you have a level of skill in both art and science.

But it’s not just photography that I learn about. I also stay current with skills that make me a better business owner, and that allow me to exercise my creativity in different ways. This means that I can continue to offer a better experience to my clients as I stretch myself personally and professionally.

Ultimately my goal is to run my business in a way that works for my clients and me.