FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
IN HERTFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE & LONDON
One day, your children won't remember every detail...
They won't remember every place they visited or every ordinary day that passed.
But they'll remember how it felt to BELONG in their family.
The way you held them close. The quirky jokes, interests and wisdom you shared.
The love, comfort and support that surrounded them every single day.
Every chapter DESERVES TO BE REMEMBERED
Time has a quiet way of slipping past us, especially as we watch our children grow.
One day you realise the ordinary moments you felt like lasting forever, have quietly become memories, and somehow, everything has changed. Once again.
Every chapter brings something new, and every one deserves to be remembered.
That's why family portraits matter
Not because they are meant to magically 'freeze' time, but because they bring us back to the LOVE, CONNECTION and JOY that filled those ordinary days we now realise were extraordinary.
A LEGACY your children will treasure.
Photographs remind your children not only what your family looked like, but what it felt like to grow up surrounded by love, encouragement and a place where they always belonged.
Years from now, these portraits will become the photographs your children reach for without even thinking. The ones displayed in their home, shared around the table and, one day, passed on to the next generation.
Based in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, I photograph families throughout Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London, creating timeless and heartfelt portraits that CELEBRATE the people that matter the most to you!
The only photographs we regret are the ones we missed.
From the moments that mattered. From the people who were so dear to us.
AUTHENTIC, NATURAL & UNMISTAKABLY YOURS
Unique to you
No two families are the same, and your family photography experience deserves to be just as unique.
Together, we'll create a beautiful collection of elegant, timeless portraits that celebrate the love, connection and everything that makes your family one of a kind.
Your session can take place in studio, in the comfort of your own home, or at a meaningful outdoor location—whichever feels most like you.
 
 
 
A relaxed experience for the whole family
My family sessions are joyful, relaxed and unhurried.
There's no pressure for perfect behaviour, awkward posing, constant smiles or everyone looking at the camera.
I genuinely enjoy the time to get to know your family, helping everyone feel comfortable so their personalities can naturally shine.
Gently guided, never forced
While I gently guide you when needed, I also leave plenty of room for natural interaction.
Some moments are playful, others are quiet, but together they create portraits that feel true to your family.
With simple styling and carefully considered details, the focus always remains where it belongs—on the people you love and the bond you share.
Portraits to grow up with
The result is photographs that feel authentic, natural and unmistakably yours—heartfelt heirloom portraits that will feel just as beautiful years from now as they do today.
Portraits your children will one day look back on, not because everything was perfect, but because they show the people, relationships and love that shaped their childhood.
 
"Mari-Liis was absolutely fantastic with my girls! She made them feel comfortable straight away and somehow managed to capture their personalities perfectly in every shot.
It didn’t feel forced at all — we genuinely had such a fun, relaxed time together.
Such a special experience and memories we’ll treasure forever!"
SUHAILA & IMRAN
 
"Choosing Mari-Liis to photograph our family was one of the best decisions we made!
Neither my husband nor I enjoy being in front of the camera, but she quickly put us at ease and made everything feel so natural that we simply enjoyed spending time together as a family.
We were playing, cuddling and interacting rather than constantly looking at the camera.
When we saw our gallery, it felt like we were looking at our family exactly as we are."
MANDY & WILLIAM
"Mari-Liis was incredibly professional and so wonderful with the kids, making everyone feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
She captured our family’s personalities and connection so beautifully. I can’t recommend her highly enough."
GURPREET
YOUR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT EXPERIENCE
STEP 01
 
ENQUIRE & BOOK
The easiest way to enquire is by completing my booking form below . Tell me a little about your family, who's joining the session, and whether you're celebrating any special occasion.
I'll be in touch within 1–2 working days to confirm my availability and answer any questions you may have.
You have secured your session after paying the session fee.
 
PLANNING & PREPARATION
STEP 02
 
Before your session, we will have a consultation where we can talk through your ideas and preferences.
I love getting to know a little about your family, so the session feels personal and relaxed for everyone from the very beginning.
You'll also receive my detailed preparation and styling guide, together with personal support choosing outfits for the whole family.
You're welcome to use my complimentary client wardrobe, which has a wide variety of choices for children.
 
STEP 03
 
YOUR SESSION
Finally, the day of your session has arrived!
You can arrive feeling calm and relaxed, knowing that everything has been taken care of—from outfits, toys to refreshments.
We'll take everything at your family's pace, allowing plenty of time for little breaks, snacks, cuddles and outfit changes if needed.
There is never any rush.
There is no need to worry about whether your children will cooperate, or how to pose in front of the camera. Throughout the session, I will gently guide and support you, making sure we capture a beautiful variety of individual and family portraits for you to choose from.
All I ask is that you go with the flow, be a calm and reassuring presence for your children, and simply enjoy this special time together.
 
VIEWING & COLLECTIONS
STEP 04
Around 7–14 days after your session, you'll receive a private online gallery of your professionally edited photographs.
Once you've viewed your gallery, you can choose the collection that best suits your family.
Every collection includes a credit towards beautiful printed artwork, elegant albums, keepsake products or additional prints, giving you the flexibility to preserve your photographs in the way that feels most meaningful to you. Because they deserve more than being stored away on a hard drive—they deserve to be seen, shared and enjoyed in your home with your stories, day after day.
I collaborate with trusted professional print labs here in the UK to create beautifully handcrafted products that are made to last for generations. From designing your album to placing your order, I'll take care of every detail, making the process simple, personal and enjoyable from beginning to end.
These are more than beautiful photographs —they're heirlooms of your ever-changing family, created to be enjoyed today and treasured for generations to come.
Every child deserves a MEMORY how deeply they were loved.
PRICING & COLLECTIONS
Session fee £99
Secure your booking and everything needed to create your photographs.
Your session fee is due at the time of booking and secures your date.
Your session fee includes:
Pre-session consultation and session preparation guide
Personalised styling advice and planning for your session
Up to 1.5 hours session in the studio or in the comfort of your own home
Travel within 15 miles from Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, where applicable
Family and sibling photographs
Complimentary use of client wardrobe and age-appropriate toys for children.
The session fee does not include digital photographs or finished products, which can be selected separately from the collections below.
Your collection
Choose how you want to enjoy & preserve your photographs.
Around two weeks after your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery to view your finished photographs and decide how you’d like to preserve them.
Every collection includes digital photographs and a selection of beautiful prints, with the option to add wall art, albums, keepsakes or additional prints if you wish.
Black-and-white versions of all purchased digital images are complimentary on request.
I work with trusted UK print labs to create high-quality, handmade products that can be personalised to you, made to be enjoyed and treasured for generations.
The full product price list is available separately.
THE KEEPSAKE COLLECTION
For families looking for something smaller but meaningful.
£299
10 professionally edited digital photographs
10 mounted 10 × 8" prints
10% off wall art, albums, additional prints and keepsakes
25% OFF YOUR NEXT FAMILY SESSION FEE, booked within 12 months
The Keepsake Collection must be chosen before your session. It is intentionally curated by me and does not include additional image purchases.
THE HEIRLOOM COLLECTION
For families who prefer the freedom to choose what means the most to them.
 
 
£399
20 professionally edited digital photographs, chosen by you from a full (35+) gallery
Additional digital photographs available at £20 each
10 mounted 10 × 8" prints of your chosen images, beautifully presented in a keepsake box
15% off wall art, albums, additional prints and keepsakes
25% OFF YOUR NEXT FAMILY SESSION FEE, booked within 12 months
THE LEGACY COLLECTION
For families who want to preserve the whole story.
 
 
£549
30 professionally edited digital photographs, chosen by you from a full (35+) gallery
Additional digital photographs available at £10 each
10 mounted 10 × 8" prints of your chosen images, beautifully presented in a keepsake box
20% wall art, albums, additional prints and
keepsakes
50% OFF YOUR NEXT FAMILY SESSION FEE, booked within 12 months
Your children won't only inherit your photographs.
They'll inherit the love, the stories and the people inside them.
You don't need to wait for special occasion or perfect moment.
Trust me - you already have everything you need: the people you love, the bonds you share, and the beautiful chapter of life your family is in right now.
Simply say hello through the enquiry form below and I'll take care of the rest!
FAQ
When is the best time for a family photoshoot?
The perfect time is now, whatever chapter of your family's life you're in.
While many people think about family photographs during holidays and special celebrations, you don't need a special occasion to book your family session.
Do you offer in-home or outdoor sessions?
Yes. All sessions can take place in my studio in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, in the comfort of your own home, or at a selected outdoor location—whichever you prefer.
For in-home sessions, I'll bring everything we need to create beautiful, studio-quality photographs. You'll have plenty of flexibility to schedule your session around your family's routine, rather than chasing the changing natural light or worrying about the weather forecast. I'd much rather chase the beautiful moments and your smiles!
I don't like photos that are posed and stiff. Is the studio session right for us?
Absolutely! This is one of the biggest misconceptions about studio photography.
While some families imagine that natural photographs can only happen outdoors or at home, that's simply not the case.
Children can play, explore and enjoy the time with you no matter the environment, as long as they feel curious, relaxed and comfortable.
A family session in studio has many benefits. It allows us to work around your child's routine without worrying about the weather or chasing the changing light, while still creating beautifully consistent, studio-quality photographs. That means we can simply relax and enjoy the session, letting the moments unfold naturally.
I feel awkward in front of camera. I'm not sure if this is for me.
I get you! Believe it or not, this is one of the most common things parents tell me before booking their session. As adults, we become much more aware of ourselves and it's easy to worry about how we'll look in photographs.
That's exactly why investing in a professional photographer makes such a difference. You don't have to think about flattering angles, where to stand, what to do with your hands or whether the light is right. My job is to take care of all of that for you. With my experience, I know how to gently guide you when needed, helping everyone feel comfortable while creating portraits that simply aren't possible with a quick selfie or someone taking a few snaps on a phone.
Before long, your attention shifts away from the camera and back to where it belongs—being with your family. The jokes, play, cuddles and interaction becomes the focus, and that's when the most meaningful portraits are created.
The truth is, your children won't be looking for perfect photographs one day. They'll be looking for photographs with you. They won't notice the things you're worried about today. They'll simply be grateful that you stepped in front of the camera and gave them something they can hold onto for the rest of their lives.
So if you're still a little unsure how you will feel about it, I'd encourage you to do it for them. I promise I'll take care of the rest.
What if my child won't cooperate, sit still or smile at the camera?
The great news is that children don't need to "behave" or "cooperate" for beautiful photographs. In fact, that's never the focus of my sessions.
Every child is different. Some sessions are full of belly laughs and energy, while others are quieter—filled with curiosity, gentle smiles and little moments of exploration.
Not every child enjoys a high-energy approach with lots of jokes, singing and excitement. For some children, that can feel overwhelming rather than fun. What usually helps most is time and patience—something I have plenty of.
The truth is, a beautiful portrait doesn't always need a big smile or direct eye contact with the camera. Some of the most heartfelt photographs happen while your child is playing, exploring, sharing a moment with you or simply being themselves.
Of course, those beautiful portraits looking straight at the camera with a smile often happen too—but they can be never forced.
I'm afraid that my child may have a tantrum during the photoshoot
Honestly? This happens more often than not —and that's completely okay.
Children have big feelings, while they're also still learning how to express them. A tantrum, tears or a moment of frustration don't mean the session has failed.
We'll simply pause, have a cuddle, a snack, a little play or a break if it's needed. There is never any pressure to keep going before your child is ready.
With plenty of patience, flexibility and a calm approach, we almost always find our way back to happy moments. And sometimes, after the biggest tears come the biggest smiles.
The most important thing is that your child feels safe, understood and never rushed. Everything else can wait.
What if my child has additional needs or sensory sensitivities?
Every child is welcome, so please don't let this be something that holds you back for documenting your family.
With many years of experience working with families and children with additional needs before opening my photography studio, I understand that every child experiences the world differently. Some children may need more time, space or a slightly different approach to feel comfortable.
Before your session, I would simply love to spend some time understanding your child's individual needs, what helps them feel safe and relaxed, and how we can adapt the session to make it a positive experience for everyone.
How should I prepare for family session?
You'll have the best experience when everyone feels relaxed and comfortable—and that starts with knowing what to expect.
I'll make the preparation easy with a simple guide you'll receive before your session, filled with helpful tips and checklists. It covers everything you need to know, from choosing your outfits and what to bring, to preparing your little ones for a successful session.
Nothing complicated—just thoughtful guidance to take the stress and worry off your shoulders, so you can simply look forward to enjoying your experience.
What should we wear?
Choosing the right outfits can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your photographs.
For family portraits, it's firstly important that everyone feels like themselves. Rather than matching exactly like a school group photograph, or having one person stand out in a bright or clashing outfit (unless that's your intention!), the key is to choose simple, neutral-coloured clothing that coordinates without being identical.
It may sound a little complicated, but it doesn't have to be!
When you book a session with me, you'll receive my outfit preparation guide and my personal 1:1 support to help you coordinate all your outfits so they photograph beautifully. I'm a big believer that you already have everything you need in your wardrobe, so there are no shopping lists to follow.
I also have a carefully curated client wardrobe for children, available for you to use complimentary. It's a wonderful option for replacing bright colours, busy patterns or favourite character clothing with timeless pieces that keep the focus exactly where it belongs—on your family.
Can you provide outfits?
Yes. I have a carefully curated client wardrobe of beautiful outfits for newborns, babies and children, all complimentary for you to use during your session, helping you to create a beautifully cohesive look.
There's no need to spend extra money on a new wardrobe just for your photoshoot!
How long does a family session last?
A typical family session lasts around 1-1.5 hours.
The exact length depends on the ages of your children and the size of your family, allowing plenty of time for everyone to relax and enjoy the experience.
Do you charge extra for large families?
No. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and I never charge extra for the number of members in your immediate family.
What if someone is unwell on the session day?
We'll simply reschedule.
Your wellbeing comes first. Simply let me know as soon as possible.
Can we have all the unedited photos of our session?
No. Raw, unedited photographs are not available for purchase or release, as each final image reflects the care, attention and quality behind my work—and that's what you've hired me for as a professional photographer.
You can trust me to carefully select the very best photographs from your session, so you never have to. Each image is thoughtfully refined where needed, ensuring your final gallery is beautifully finished in my signature style.