Every storytelling photography session I create begins long before I pick up my camera. Whether it’s a cosy in-home newborn session or an outdoor family adventure across the rolling hills of Derbyshire and Leicestershire, each moment is shaped by thoughtful preparation and a genuine connection. My lifestyle photography is all about capturing the feeling — the quiet in-betweens, the laughter, and the real, unposed moments that tell your story exactly as it is.
From the moment you book, I guide you through every step — sharing a prep guide full of simple tips, a tailored questionnaire to get to know your family or brand, and styling support to help you feel relaxed and confident. Whether we’re capturing a growing bump, a new chapter of motherhood, or the heart of your small business, every session is designed to feel effortless, personal, and beautifully you.
What Every Session Includes
No matter the type of session — in-home or outdoors — the process is built around helping you feel comfortable, connected, and confident so your photos reflect who you truly are.
A Personal Prep Guide
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a prep guide designed to help you get the most out of your storytelling photography session. It’s full of gentle reminders, ideas for what to wear, and little tips to help you relax in front of the camera. Whether we’re capturing your family in your own home or exploring the countryside in Derbyshire or Leicestershire, this guide helps everything flow naturally.
A Thoughtful Questionnaire
Before your session, I send a short questionnaire to learn more about you — your story, personalities, and what matters most. It helps me tailor every detail, from the location to the small gestures I look for. It’s how I ensure each lifestyle session feels personal and meaningful.
Styling Support
Styling plays such a big part in how your photos feel. I’m always happy to discuss outfits, colours, and textures that photograph beautifully, whether you prefer soft, neutral tones or something with a touch of warmth and depth. You can also explore my styling blog for extra inspiration.
Here’s a little snippet from the prep guide
Newborn Sessions
My newborn sessions are calm, unhurried, and baby-led — often taking place in the comfort of your own home. I bring along a few soft blankets and simple, timeless outfits you can choose from, or we can use your own favourites. The focus is always on connection: your gentle touch, sleepy snuggles, and those fleeting first days together.
Family Sessions
Family sessions are about celebrating the beautiful chaos — the laughter, the cuddles, and the in-between moments that make your story yours. Whether we’re in your garden, a local park, or one of my favourite outdoor spots across Derbyshire and Leicestershire, I bring small props like bubbles or paper aeroplanes to keep things playful and relaxed. I also love when families bring sentimental items — a blanket, toy, or keepsake — that adds a personal touch to the story we tell together.
Couple Sessions
Couple sessions are designed around connection and comfort. Beforehand, I put together a little mood board so we can align our visions and decide on the level of intimacy and emotion you’d love to capture. Whether it’s a cosy indoor session at home or a golden-hour walk outdoors, I want you to feel completely at ease being yourselves. I can also send a style guide to help you choose tones and textures that photograph beautifully in natural light.
Brand & Creative Sessions
For brand and creative sessions, collaboration is key. You know your brand best, and my role is to translate that vision into authentic, storytelling imagery. After you complete your brand questionnaire, I’ll create a mood board that captures your style, tone, and message — which you can review before the shoot. I also offer a style guide to help you prepare outfits and props that fit your aesthetic. Together, we’ll bring your story to life through thoughtful, lifestyle-inspired imagery that feels natural and true to your brand.
Moodboard
Actual shoot
"I had a branding and family photoshoot with Simona and she was incredible. I felt very comfortable and she guided me in every step. Plus, the photos are incredible! Thank you so much. I’ll definitely work with her again in future."
- Kyla (From Keeping Business creative)
Bringing It All Together
Whether we’re documenting your family at home, celebrating love outdoors, or creating meaningful brand imagery, every step of my process is designed to help you feel seen, relaxed, and confident. My goal is always to capture the raw, romantic, and real moments that make your story unique — turning everyday memories into timeless photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.