A little bit more about me and my soul
Over time, my work grew into something quieter, softer and more true to me - a gentle kind of story-telling that holds space for real connection.
I’m a practical dreamer — the kind of person who gets a thrill from ticking off a to-do list but still cries at love songs and sunset skies. I set out the coffee cup the night before, line up tiny socks and wipes like a mini morning army, and make sure every job is done before bed… not just because I like a tidy space, but because it gives me more time to be present for the slow, sweet moments with my girls.
I love a holiday — but only if it’s all-inclusive and I don’t have to cook, clean, or even think about restaurants. The dream? Food appears, drinks are poured, and all I have to do is chase my kids through a sun-drenched garden or splash zone. Bliss.
I wish I was a matcha girl, I really do — but after one how-to video, I decided flat whites were my fate (at least until both girls are in school). When I read, it has to be a real book. I like the feel of paper, the sound of turning pages, and seeing how far I’ve gone by the way the bookmark moves.
I love Prosecco, candles that smell like a cosy Sunday, and country music on full volume. And when I do get a quiet moment, you’ll find me on the sofa watching the kind of reality TV that asks absolutely nothing of me — because sometimes, switching off is the dream.
I always like the idea of a bath — but five minutes in, I’m ready to get out. I miss the days I had time to do my makeup. Red lipstick used to be my thing. These days, I’m more no-fuss, but maybe one day I’ll bring her back. She’s still in there, waiting patiently under the baby wipes and snack wrappers.
Beautifully photographed by @Dariapalmerphotography and edited by myself
Motherhood has transformed me in ways
I never expected.
It’s deeper, harder, and more beautiful than I could’ve imagined. It’s a love that feels endless, a strength I never knew I had, and an unspoken bond that ties us together through every sleepless night. I’m not the mother I thought I’d be, but in every way, I’m exactly who I need to be. My daughters have a piece of my heart and a sprinkle of my soul.
I’ve always been a mix of heart and habit — creative, but craving a system. And I’ve always adored photographs. We’ve pretty much outgrown our house with the number of photo albums we have. Capturing real, beautiful, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments for other people? That feels like magic.
The way they study a flower like it’s the whole universe.
Afternoons like this — soft, still, and sewn into memory.
A quiet minute in the garden, and everything felt just right.
Little fingers, big wonder.
Family, Newborn & Maternity Photographer in Derbyshire
I'm drawn to the kind of beauty that doesn't ask to be noticed - soft light, gentle hands, fleeting glances
That's where the story lives.
When I was 18, I started my career in design — lingerie, to be exact — and I truly loved it. It gave me space to be creative, to travel, and to work with some amazing companies. I even lived and worked in Dubai for a year, after which I picked up a bit of freelancing along the way, and soaked up every bit of the excitement that came with it.
Then, just as we started thinking about growing our family, I discovered lifestyle photography for the first time. I remember stumbling across the work of Clicked by Kate and feeling instantly drawn to the way she captured connection and emotion — it was different, it felt real. I knew then: If I’m ever lucky enough to have children, I want her to photograph us. And she did.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I started following more photographers, booking sessions for our own little family, and quietly wondering if this could be something I could do too. But I had no idea if I’d be any good at it — and after years of building a career, starting over at 30 with a mortgage and two kids felt like more of a daydream than a real possibility.
Then, when our second daughter Margo was just four months old, I was made redundant. It was unexpected, and scary… but also the first time I had space to think about what I really wanted next. Going back to design meant late nights, travel, and missing bedtimes — and suddenly that just didn’t feel right anymore.
At ten months postpartum, my amazing husband bought me my first camera. I started learning the settings, practicing constantly, and somewhere between the chaos of motherhood and that growing creative itch, I realised — maybe I could do this. So I threw caution to the wind, upgraded my gear, and put myself out there to build this little dream of mine.
Now, I get to document the kind of moments I used to long for — the slow, in-between magic of family life. The connection. The softness. The tiny details that become everything when we look back.
And that’s why I love what I do.
Not your traditional portraits - just raw romantic, real-life magic
Storytelling lifestyle photography for families, newborns, couples, maternity, brands & weddings across Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire.
" Dear Simona, Thank you so much for your time and for such a wonderful experience. We truly enjoyed the session, and the photos are absolutely lovely and you captured everything beautifully. I really appreciate your talent, patience, and attention to detail. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I’m so grateful for the results."
Natalija (Derbyshire)