If you’re looking for photography that feels natural, relaxed and centred around your child’s personality, you’re in the right place.
Mother & Child Portrait Photography
Why Mother & Child portraits matter
There’s something powerful about being in photographs with your child. Not posed, not perfect – just the two of you as you really are right now.
So many mums tell me they’ve got hundreds of photos of their little one, but almost none that include them. Life moves at a pace, and it’s easy to slip into being the one behind the camera rather than in the frame. But your child will treasure having these portraits one day – the proof of how loved and seen they were in their early years, and how present you were in them.
These portraits aren’t about looking polished.
They’re about connection, warmth and the tiny interactions that show who your child is – and who you are to each other.
And yes, dads can be included.
A relaxed, child-led experience
Every photo session begins with a chat.
I want to hear what you enjoy most about your child right now – the little expressions and quirks that make you smile each day. From there, the session unfolds naturally.
Most mums tell me they’re convinced their child is “too” something – too loud, too shy, too wriggly, too quick, too curious. They arrive feeling they should somehow keep things neat and formal, even though that’s not who their child is.
But here’s the part that always surprises them:
It’s those exact traits that make the portraits so special.
The way your child leans in, the way they light up, the way they cling, wiggle, laugh, hide, dart across the room – these are the things you love about them, even on the tiring days. And that’s exactly what I photograph.
By the end of the session, parents usually realise they didn’t need to “manage” anything at all. Their child was perfect as they were.
Your Mother & Child Portrait Experience
Mother and Child Portraits in Essex & Hertfordshire
For child-only portrait experiences. Click here for a Baby Photographic Experience or a First Birthday Cake Smash Portrait Experience.
time in the studio for your child-led portrait session
A discovery call so I can understand what matters most to you
an in-studio design appointment to choose the portraits you love
£130 credit towards printed artwork
Artwork starts from £100. Whether you prefer a single framed piece or a curated Treasure Box of mounted prints, you’ll only choose the portraits you truly love.
Book your portrait experience today for only £95!
Or call the studio 01279 433392
What to Expect During Your Mother and Child Portrait Experience
The whole experience is calm and unhurried.
I want you to enjoy being close to your child or children, without feeling you have to shape the experience – the natural connection between you is more than enough.
Here’s how it works:
STEP ONE
Book Your Call
A simple conversation before booking.
We’ll chat about your child, what you love most about them right now, and what you hope to enjoy on your walls at home.
STEP TWO
A relaxed, child-led session
Your child stays in charge of the pace. I guide gently when needed, but mostly I respond to who they are and how they explore the space.
STEP THREE
Choosing the portraits you love
You’ll only purchase the portraits you genuinely connect with. I’ll guide you through options – from prints to wall collections – so nothing feels overwhelming.
STEP FOUR
Artwork designed for real family homes
Your portraits are printed and beautifully finished so you can enjoy them straight away, not lost in a folder of digital files.
Not ready yet? Leave your details for thoughtful emails about slowing down and noticing the little things – written for parents who want a gentler rhythm in their week. Perfect for parents who want to get to know my approach first.
Artwork Designed for Your Home – Not Just Files on a Phone
Wall Collections
that become the heartbeat of your home
Treasure Box
filled with mounted prints you can look through anytime
Storyboards
that bring together the many expressions you love
Not quite ready? Leave your details here to get behind-the-scenes insights and a splash of humour, perfect for busy parents wanting to get to know me better until the time is right. Or follow me on Instagram @suekennedyphotographer
What ages are best for Mother & Child portraits?
There is no perfect age.
Every stage offers something beautiful:
- Around 4–8 months: soft expressions, curiosity, little handholds
- Around 1 year: emerging independence, playfulness
- Toddlers & beyond: huge personality, cuddles, eye contact, and unpredictable charm
If you missed the newborn window – truly, you haven’t missed anything.
These portraits hold just as much meaning.
MOTHER & CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ’S
What should we wear?
Something comfortable that you can move in and cuddle freely in. Soft, neutral tones tend to work well. We can talk through options on the call so you feel confident before you arrive.
My child never sits still. Will that be a problem?
Not at all. Stillness is optional – personality is not.
I work with whatever your child brings on the day: wriggling, wandering, clinging, giggling, or sudden bursts of enthusiasm. All of it photographs beautifully.
I’m not usually comfortable being photographed. Do I have to ‘pose’?
No formal posing required. I guide gently when needed, but the session is really about you being close to your child, not performing for the camera. Most mums are surprised by how natural it feels.
Can Dad be in the photos too?
Absolutely. He’s welcome to join for a few portraits if he’d like to – even if he starts the photo session claiming he won’t.
Book a Call
If you’d like to talk through your ideas and how you’d like these portraits to look in your home, a quick call is the easiest starting point.
No prep needed – just book a time that works for you.
My Studio at Parndon Mill
My studio sits within Parndon Mill — a peaceful, riverside creative community on the Herts/Essex border.
It’s quiet, easy to reach, and offers the headspace parents often don’t realise they need.
From the moment you arrive, everything is unhurried, gentle and fully guided.
a note from Sue
If you’re wondering whether your child will sit still… they won’t. And that’s absolutely fine – I don’t expect them to. I’ve met wrigglers, watchers, chatterboxes, shy ones, bold ones, and children who seem to run purely on solar power. All welcome.
I don’t expect children to follow instructions, sit neatly, or behave in a way that would impress a distant relative. I simply work with whatever they bring. You don’t need to manage anything or produce a “well-behaved version” of your child. I’m looking for who they actually are, not the polished version you sometimes feel obliged to present.
Your role is to be with them. My role is to notice the small things you miss when you’re busy doing the entire job of parenting. It’s a partnership that works surprisingly well.
And yes, dads can join in too – usually after announcing they won’t, and then quietly drifting into the frame.
