An Heirloom Family Photography Session in Cambridge
April 24, 2025
Earlier this year, I found myself back in the heart of Cambridge, retracing old footsteps through familiar streets, ivy-lined walls and chapel courtyards — but this time, not for a wedding. I was returning to photograph a family who chose to celebrate the present by honouring the past: Robyn, Dafydd, and their one-year-old daughter Moriyah invited me to Westcott House, where they once lived as students, to capture the simple, beautiful reality of family life as it looks right now through family photography.
Westcott House is a theology college similar to Ridley Hall down the road where my wife trained to be a vicar: it’s full of character and timeless spaces. It was the perfect backdrop for a family photo session that felt both personal and artful — where we took the photos was literally this family’s back garden when they lived here. Have a read of this blog about an Heirloom Family Photography Session in Cambridge and why investing in custom artwork of your family memories is more meaningful than hundreds of digital files.
Why families are choosing heirloom artwork over digital overload
We live in a world where it’s easier than ever to take hundreds of photos in an instant. If you’re anything like me your phone is overflowing with photos — little fragments of everyday life, family moments, screenshots! Most of us already have thousands of images of our loved ones saved somewhere in the cloud, rarely looked at, often forgotten. We’re not short on content — but that doesn’t mean we’re surrounded by the kind of photographs that actually mean something.
I remember taking photographs of my son on the day he was born, the week after he was born, and then every month until he was 1 – we then printed an album to cherish and now that he’s nearly 4 I have zero regrets and only thankfulness for the effort we put in!
Robyn and Dafydd understood this too for an Heirloom Family Photography Session in Cambridge — and it’s something that more and more families are starting to recognise — is that the most meaningful photos aren’t necessarily the ones you have the most of. They’re the ones you live with. The ones that aren’t just buried in the cloud but are proudly framed on your wall. The ones you pass by every day as you head to the kitchen, the ones your child sees as they grow, becoming part of their own sense of home and belonging. They’re the photographs you stop to look at when the house is quiet, the ones you share with guests and tell stories about. You don’t just see them — you feel them.
My parents house and my in laws house are full of photographs and it’s something that my son loves to look at whenever he visits.
That’s why Robyn and Dafydd chose my heirloom family photography package. Instead of prioritising hundreds of files that might sit unseen on a hard drive, they chose to invest in a small collection of carefully curated images — each one chosen for its emotion, composition, and storytelling power — and to display them beautifully in their home. The heirloom approach is about presence, not just preservation. It’s about using a decent budget to hold onto what matters by giving it pride of place.
This kind of decision — to focus on quality over quantity, to choose art over clutter — is becoming more and more common amongst families who want to slow down, be intentional, and savour the season of life they’re in. It’s a quiet rebellion against the throwaway culture of fast photography. It’s by no means cheap, but it’s a deeply worthwhile one.
The session: a blend of relaxed documentary and refined family portraiture
We planned the shoot entirely around Moriyah’s rhythm for an Heirloom Family Photography Session in Cambridge — not just in terms of timing, but in the feel and flow of the session. One-year-olds operate on their own sweet schedule you’ll know if you have kids. Rather than trying to bend that to fit a rigid plan, we created space for all the things a little one needs: snacks, feeds, playing with toys and swapping toys. It meant we could follow her lead, keeping things relaxed and responsive — never rushed. Robyn and Dafydd brought several adorable outfits for her, each one chosen with love (and practicality in mind), as well as a bag full of her favourite toys out of shot — preferably aesthetic things, but familiar things that brought comfort and joy. That gave us the flexibility to shift gears throughout the shoot, capturing a lovely range of moments: from high-energy play to quiet cuddles and everything in between.
There’s something truly magical about photographing a one-year-old. It’s a short, fleeting stage of life where everything is new, exciting, and full of possibility — and it shows in every authentic expression. There’s a certain wild joy to this age: they aren’t speaking yet, but they have bags of character that only blossoms with age. Moriyah rolled around with delightful determination, gripping her parents and reaching for spring blossoms in turn. She was curious, playful, and occasionally contemplative — all of which we captured in different ways.
We moved through the gardens and familiar corners of the college, creating a mix of set-ups that felt honest and unforced. Some were set up in comfy spaces and others where I had them walking around. I wanted to see Moriyah playing independently and connecting with her parents. Every image was emotion-led, grounded in authenticity and connection, rather than formality. It wasn’t just about documenting what she looked like at this age — it was about capturing who she was in that moment.
Family photography rooted in place and purpose
Choosing to shoot an Heirloom Family Photography Session in Cambridge at Westcott wasn’t just a sentimental gesture — it was a deeply intentional one. This wasn’t simply about finding a picturesque setting (though Westcott House, with its quiet courtyards, old stone buildings and soft, seasonal light, certainly offers that). It was about going back to the place where the family grew for Robyn and Dafydd. A place steeped in their shared history — where Robyn trained to be a vicar, near where Dafydd then got his children’s worker job and finally started to imagine a future as a family. There’s something quietly powerful about returning to a setting that has shaped who you are, and using it as the canvas for a new chapter of your story.
Moriyah, of course, won’t remember the way her little fingers brushed through daisies or how she sat on the steep steps within the grounds. She won’t remember the sunlight on her cheeks, the giggle she let out when her mum tickled her toes, or the gentle hum of springtime in the air. But one day, she’ll look at the photographs hanging in her family home and see more than just pretty pictures. She’ll see the place where her story began — not just her as an individual, but as part of something bigger. A family built on love, shared history, and rooted belonging.
And that’s the quiet magic of placing your memories in print. It transforms fleeting moments into heirlooms. It gives your story a physical form that can be seen, touched, and passed down.
I think that digital files have their place — they’re convenient, yes — but they live hidden in folders and “clouds”. A printed photograph, carefully chosen and beautifully displayed, is present. It speaks, it reminds and it anchors your family history in something real and lasting — something that invites you to remember, every single day.
Why premium artwork for families makes all the difference
When families book me for heirloom photography, they’re not just booking a session — they’re making a meaningful decision about how they want their memories to live and breathe within their home. It’s more than ticking a box on a to-do list or capturing a milestone before it slips away. It’s about honouring this chapter of their lives with the care and intention it deserves. The heirloom collection is designed for exactly that — not for files to be forgotten on a USB stick, but for memories to be displayed, revisited, and truly felt.
Every piece of artwork I offer is created to be lived with. The frames are built with museum-grade archival materials that resist warping, fading, and discolouration — years down the line. The paper stocks are thick and tactile, the colours stay faithful and luminous, and the finish has a richness that can’t be replicated by cheap online prints. This isn’t about mass production — it’s about craftsmanship. About choosing something that does justice to the emotional weight and artistry of the images themselves.
Time and time again, I hear from families who’ve had photos taken in the past but never quite got around to doing anything with them. Or they tried printing them online, only to find the colours were off, the paper was flimsy, and the result just didn’t feel… right. Underwhelming, forgettable, not what they’d hoped for. And I completely understand — when you’re busy juggling life, it’s easy for those images to sit unseen, gathering digital dust. That’s where hiring a luxury photographer comes into it’s own.
That’s why part of my process is helping you go beyond the gallery. I work with you to curate your favourites, and guide you through thoughtful, beautiful display options that suit your home and style. I come to your family home and help you envisage what could go where. Because when you see your family, beautifully framed and hung with care, it becomes so much more than a photo. It becomes a presence in your space. A part of your everyday. A reminder of what matters most — not just for you, but for your children, and for the future.
Professionally framed artwork, starting at just £100 for the smallest size, brings those memories to life in a way that clicking through a screen never could. It elevates them. It gives them the permanence they deserve. And more than that — it makes you stop, smile, and remember every time you walk past.
My approach to family photography in Kent & Cambridge
With a background rooted in fashion and portraiture — and well over a decade behind the camera capturing weddings and families — I bring a blend of technical expertise and a relaxed, people-first approach to every shoot. My early career was shaped by editorial work, where lighting, composition, and storytelling mattered in equal measure. That experience now feeds into every family session I shoot, giving me the tools to work confidently in a variety of settings and lighting conditions, while always keeping the emotional core of the image front and centre.
I’ve learned over the years that the most powerful photographs don’t come from rigid poses or perfect backdrops — they come from real connection. That’s why my style is intuitive and emotion-led, focused on making people feel comfortable and seen. I don’t micromanage every detail, but I’m there to gently guide — whether that’s helping you settle into the best light or simply creating a quiet, calm environment where little ones can explore and be entirely themselves. It’s often the in-between moments — a shared glance, a spontaneous laugh, a small hand reaching for yours — that become the most treasured.
My goal is always to make your shoot feel less like a formal appointment and more like time well spent with the people you love. A shared experience. A memory in itself.
I’ve worked with families across Kent, Cambridge, and beyond, and every session is uniquely tailored — to your space, your rhythm, and your priorities. Some families choose the comfort of their home, where everything feels familiar. Others head to the coast or the countryside, or like Robyn and Dafydd, return to places that hold a special part of their story. Wherever we shoot, my aim is always the same: to create something honest, beautiful, and lasting. It never takes much longer than an hour, but it’s truly worth it. These are photographs that don’t just record what your family looked like in this moment — but reflect how you feel with them.
What’s included in the heirloom family experience?
The heirloom option is designed for families who want more than just a digital gallery — it’s for those who value presence over pixels, and want their memories to become a meaningful part of their home. Every element of the experience is crafted with care, intention, and a focus on lasting memories.
Here’s what’s included:
- A pre-shoot consultation
We’ll chat beforehand — either over the phone or via video — to tailor the session around your family’s personality, your budget, and the spaces you love most. Whether you’re envisioning something cosy at home, outdoors in nature, or at a meaningful location like your old college grounds, I’ll help you plan a shoot that reflects who you are. Average spend is £2k+ and every family and home space is unique. - A relaxed, natural shoot (1–2 hours)
We work at your family’s pace, with space for outfit changes, snack breaks, and whatever else your little ones might need. There’s no pressure to perform — just space to be yourselves, with me gently guiding things along in the background. - A guided viewing and selection session
Once your images are ready, we’ll go through them together — usually in person. I’ll help you narrow down your favourites and guide you through display options that suit your home and style. It’s a thoughtful process that ensures your photographs are showcased beautifully and meaningfully. - A curated collection of professionally retouched images
Every chosen image is carefully edited by hand — enhancing the light, tone, and colour while keeping everything natural and true to life. The goal is to elevate, never over-edit, so that your photos feel timeless. - A choice of premium artwork pieces
You’ll be able to select from a range of fine-art display options, including bespoke frames, handcrafted wall art, or heirloom albums. Samples are available to view and all pieces are custom-designed for your home and created in the UK to ensure they stay as vibrant and beautiful decades from now as they are today. - Digital copies of your printed images
For every image you choose to print, you’ll also receive a matching digital file — perfect for sharing with family and friends online, or keeping as a digital backup, and once spend exceeds a certain amount you obtain all the images digitally too.
This experience is about more than just having photos taken — it’s about creating something tangible and lasting. The heirloom option gives you a collection of memories that aren’t just for now, but forever.
Display your memories on your wall — don’t just store them
It’s so easy to let the days blend into each other — school runs, bedtime routines, work emails, the never-ending pile of washing. Life with children is wonderfully full, but also fleeting. One minute they’re wobbling through their first steps, and the next, they’re jumping off the sofa in superhero capes. The truth is, we blink… and time flies.
That’s why family photography matters like an Heirloom Family Photography Session in Cambridge. It’s not about posing perfectly or dressing up for the camera — it’s about pressing pause. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s a way of saying: this is us, right now, and letting that truth live on long after the moment has passed. These images reflect more than just appearances — they capture connection, character, and the quiet, ordinary magic that makes your family uniquely yours.
Whether it becomes a single framed portrait above the fireplace, a gallery collage wall that greets you in the hallway, or a handcrafted album you pull down on rainy days to flip through together — these aren’t just photos. They’re touchstones. Memory-keepers. A way for your children to one day look back and see just how deeply they were loved.
They’re your family’s legacy, told with care, emotion, and professionalism — and designed to last for generations by someone who cares deeply about family (there’s me, my son and my pregnant wife!).
Ready to tell your family’s story?
If you would like an Heirloom Family Photography Session in Cambridge or Kent and you are dreaming of custom artwork that reflects your family’s personality, warmth, and connection — I’d love to help you create it.
Whether you’re in Kent, Cambridge, or further afield, get in touch and let’s talk about what you’d love to see on your walls. I only take on a limited number of family sessions each year to ensure every client receives a personalised experience, so early booking is highly recommended.
