Honest, joyful portraits of your growing child
Child Portrait Photography
Childhood doesn’t pause – but you can.
I work with mums and dads who want to slow things down long enough to really see the love they’re building with their children. The laughter, the curiosity, the spark that’s so uniquely theirs. My child-led portrait experiences give you space to breathe, reconnect, and create artwork that brings a quiet sense of pride every time you walk past it at home.
For ages 1 year and above, perfect for toddlers through to young teens – each stage full of its own personality, confidence, and quirks worth celebrating.
Some families first come to me when their children are babies, while others arrive later, once personalities really start to shine. If you’re looking specifically for portraits of babies under 12 months, you can read more about my Baby Portrait Experience. For parents who want to be photographed alongside their child, my Mother & Child Portrait Experience may be the better fit.
A Calm, Child-Led Approach That Lets Their Personality Shine
Children don’t need to “perform” here.
There’s no pressure to sit still, smile on cue, or behave perfectly – because that’s not real life, and it’s not how meaningful portraits are made.
I follow your child’s pace, respond to their curiosity, and work with their natural confidence (or shyness). When you take away the expectations, children relax. They explore. They show you pieces of who they’re becoming – and that’s what I photograph.
No themed sets.
No props that overpower them.
Just simple, honest portraits that feel like your child.
Parents often leave saying, “I can’t believe how well they cooperated.”
That’s the magic of letting children be themselves.
If You Worried You’ve “Missed the Moment”… You Haven’t
Many parents tell me they feel they’ve “missed the moment” because they didn’t book portraits when their child was a baby. But the truth is, some of the most meaningful photographs happen long after the baby stage.
Once they’re running, chatting, negotiating, learning, questioning, and discovering who they are, there’s even more to celebrate. Their humour sharpens. Their confidence wobbles and grows. Their expressions become more layered and revealing. You start to see glimpses of the person they’re becoming.
These are the years full of tiny (and not-so-tiny) shifts:
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the wild independence of those early toddler years
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the missing-teeth grin around age six
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the proud leap from primary to secondary
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the quiet, thoughtful phases that appear out of nowhere
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the sudden height changes that make you do a double-take
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the spark in their eyes when they talk about something they love
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the beginnings of teen confidence and self-awareness
Life moves quickly, and these stages are easy to overlook in the busy seasons of school runs, work, after-school clubs and everything else.
Most parents realise time has slipped by when they scroll back on their phones – and see just how much their child has changed.
But you haven’t missed anything.
Children are wonderful to photograph at every age, especially as they grow into themselves. These portraits capture not just what they look like, but how they think, feel and express themselves right now – the details you’ll one day be amazed you ever forgot.
If you’re unsure about timing, this guide may help:
👉 What age is best?
And your future self will be glad you made it happen now.
What to Expect During Your Child Portrait Experience
The whole experience is calm and unhurried.
I want you to enjoy watching your child just be, without rushing them or trying to make anything “perfect.”
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.
Your Child Portrait Experience
Toddler, Child & Teen Portraits for Essex & Hertfordshire Families
time in the studio for your child-led portrait session
my preparation, guidance and expertise
a relaxed experience designed entirely around your child
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!
For children & teens (ages 1-14). Click here for a Baby Photographic Experience or a First Birthday Cake Smash Portrait Experience.
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 Child Portraits?
There isn’t one perfect age.
There’s only this age – the one they’re in right now.
Two years…
Seven years ...
Every stage offers something different, something real, something worth remembering.
If you aren’t sure which stage you want to celebrate, I’m always happy to talk it through.
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.
CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ’S
What should my child wear?
Simple, comfortable clothes work best. Neutrals and soft tones photograph beautifully. For more ideas, read what my child should wear.
What if my child is shy, energetic, or unlikely to sit still?
Most parents feel this way. A child-led approach means there’s no pressure – and children usually surprise everyone.
Do I need to be in the portraits?
It’s entirely up to you. Many parents choose to be in one or two portraits so their child has something meaningful to look back on.
Do you offer digital files?
Printed portraits come first because they’re the easiest way to enjoy your photos every day – but yes, digital files are available.
Book a Call
If you’d like to talk about your child, what you’re hoping for, or what kind of artwork would feel right for your home, a quick call is the easiest way to begin.
There’s nothing to prepare – just choose a time that suits 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.
Useful Reads for Parents
These short guides might help as you plan your session:
Are school photographs enough?
When it comes to school photographs, we all know their particular function: to act as a reminder...
What Should My Child Wear for Their Portrait Experience?
One of the most common questions parents ask is:“What on earth should my child wear so they still...
Episode 039: Capturing Childhood Memories
Capturing childhood memories starting with toddler photography You've survived the baby days, and...
a note from Sue
I’ve spent more than 20 years photographing children here in my Harlow studio, and the thing I hear most from parents is, “I can’t believe how much they’ve changed.”
My approach is simple, calm and child-led – no pressure, no performing, just genuine portraits that reflect who your child is right now.
If you value printed artwork and want something beautifully real for your home, you’re in the right place.
