family photography Archives - Marianne Taylor Photography | Portrait & Family Photographer in Cornwall

Harju Family: family & portrait session in Newquay

February 27, 2026 · Leave a Comment

Ok, the truth is, it’s been a little while since this session! But as I started dusting things off on the website and blog, I realised there were things I hadn’t blogged yet, as this part of my business has been on a bit of a hiatus. For the past few years, I’ve been focusing on product and lifestyle photography, but lately I’ve been really missing work that feels more, well, human. So, I’m warming up this blog and seeing where it takes me.

The first time I met Sirpa and Timo, was all the way back in 2011 when I photographed their London elopement! Then, in 2017, they returned to London but now with their son, for a Southbank family session. That brings us back to the last time we got together, when the family travelled all the way from Finland for a session by the sea in Newquay. This was partly a portrait shoot in honour of Sirpa’s birthday, but I did get to capture the whole family together on some blustery cliffs as well.

After the session, I designed a book that included all three of their sessions from over the years. It really feels special to get to play a little part in people’s lives over so many years. It also makes you realise how fast years fly by!

Family Session by the sea in Cornwall

October 2, 2017 · 1 Comment

We had to postpone the Michell Family photo shoot in Cornwall multiple times as it just would not stop raining! But eventually, we decided to just go for it and the sun agreed and came out in all its glory! The North Cornish coast was the perfect backdrop to capturing beautiful moments for this young family, and I enjoyed every minute of our time together!

London Southbank Family Session

May 22, 2017 · 5 Comments

It was so much fun popping into London to meet up Sirpa & Timo (whose elopement I shot allll the way back in 2011!) and spend some time documenting them on the South Bank with their son Sami. I love catching up with old clients and hearing about what’s happening in their lives. It also feels super special to get to capture new important moments for them to treasure in the form of a family session.

The weather might have been a bit drizzly and grey, but it sure didn’t dampen the smiles!

Wintery Family Session in Cornwall

January 26, 2017 · 2 Comments

Lydia got in touch to arrange a Family Session, as she had managed to gather her whole family, who are spread over great distances, together in order to spend Christmas in Cornwall. On a slightly damp and grey day, we made full use of the beautiful garden outside their rented cottage and captured this special moment in time. The weather might have a been a bit on the chilly side, but all the jokes and laughter made for a warm couple of hours spent together!

Sunset Family Session on Venice Beach

December 6, 2016 · 10 Comments

Salty waves, sandy toes, and wide smiles. While the days are getting chillier and chillier in the UK, going through pictures from last month’s sunset family session on Venice Beach in California certainly helped fill me with a warm glow! There’s something pretty magical about an ocean bathing in golden light, and it’s hard to find a more perfect setting for family photography than a beach with plenty of room for everyone to run around. Pour a cuppa and join me in a little bit of California dreaming below!

London Family Portraits in the spring

May 25, 2016 · 1 Comment

This London family session was a little bit different! With three generations attending, this was by far the largest group I’ve ever done a Together Session with. The shoot itself was a birthday present to Lida, the matriarch of the family, from her children. It was a rare occasion having all her family on the same continent, which made it that much more special to capture this moment of time for her.

Because Lida simply loved blossoms and wanted to capture all the members of her family individually, we made many pretty portraits inside the blossoming trees, ignoring the funny looks we might have gotten from passers-by! While it was a little bit hectic trying to get everyone organised, I loved the exuberant energy and all the laughter and teasing between siblings – old and young.

Happy Birthday, Lida, you really are a gorgeous lady, inside and out! x

A windswept mother & daughter session by the sea

April 19, 2016 · 7 Comments

I can’t quite describe how happy my heart is about being able to do family shoots by the sea in Cornwall! This mother & daughter Together Session was rather windy, but that didn’t dampen the joy of spending time together by the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

This session shows you that there’s no set formula for what a family shoot needs to look like. It’s not just for families with small children, it can be a great way to spend time with older kids, or spend quality time with one sibling at a time. There’s no reason why a family shoot couldn’t consist of a completely grown up family, either. You can never have too many beautiful pictures of yourself together with your loved ones.

Partington Family | Together

November 4, 2015 · 13 Comments

Oh, my gosh how time flies! It really doesn’t feel like three years since Ling & David’s wedding at Hampton Court House, and yet, since then they’ve managed to live in Amsterdam for a few years before moving back to London with little Mia who’s now two years old. Crazy!

It was so lovely getting to hang out with Ling, David and little Mia at their new home in Richmond, and see how they have settled into this new phase in their life. It’s hard not to feel motherly toward all my clients! We also nipped into close-by Richmond Park for a few shots among the beautiful autumn colours. Getting to see where the journey takes my wedding clients is the absolute best part about family sessions!

Chan Family | Together

September 17, 2015 · 3 Comments

It seems like only yesterday when we enjoyed the gloriously sunny streets of London with Kimmy & Tze for their engagement shoot, but it’s funny how time works, as enough of it has passed for little Jasper to have come along! It was so lovely to meet up again for a Family Together Session in London in order to make some new memories. I just love seeing how life evolves for my clients, plus, meeting Jasper (of the amazing hair) was such a treat!

London Family Together photography by Marianne Taylor

Yip Family | Together

August 21, 2015 · 1 Comment

Ah, London in the summer! One of my favourite things about London as a city has always been the fact that there is so much greenery everywhere, and for this Family Together Session with Caitlin, Ee Yung and little Marcus we certainly made the most of the green spaces South London has to offer. I had such a lovely time with the Yip family, as they were saying farewell to this area of London before moving to a new house on the other side of town. Also, who could resist that adorable giggle?

London Family Together photography by Marianne Taylor

The Magic of Cornwall: family fun in the sun

June 22, 2015 · 1 Comment

Plan a family photography session in Cornwall. Click through for tips for places to stay and see!

Unfortunately a family photo shoot is too often a stressful dreaded date on the annual calendar, involving uncomfortable Sunday best clothes and awkward poses. But it doesn’t have to be! I’ve rather fallen in love with relaxed Family Together Sessions, and can’t wait to start doing more down in Cornwall. Wouldn’t you rather capture moments together while on a family weekend away to one of the most beautiful places the UK has to offer? Let me do your family shoot in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, and let’s make natural happy family memories to treasure together.

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Cornwall photography by Marianne Taylor.

Things to Do

There’s so much to do for each member of the family. North Cornwall offers some brilliant family days out, including kite-surfing, cycling, rock pools and bird parks – read this article for some great ideas for the active family. Don’t forget Newquay if you are looking for a surfing weekend, and lots to do in a trendy yet family friendly destination.

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Some images from a Family Together Session in Rock with The Millard Family.

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Places to Stay

Here are some family friendly accommodation recommendations.

Sands Resort
A family run resort offering 2 roomed family accommodation, excellent facilities and complimentary family activities.

Beach Retreats
Self-catering accommodation on the Cornish coast offering a choice in size and price to suit your requirements. Pets are also accommodated and as a bonus, you can pre-order groceries which will be ready for you when you arrive.

Watergate Bay Hotel
On a spectacular beach in North Cornwall, this hotel offers a beach holiday complete with the ability to get active in the swim club or learn a new sport with the extreme academy offering lessons in surfing, kitesurfing, waveski, stand-up paddlesurf and handplaning.

Headland Hotel
An iconic family owned hotel and cottages in Newquay, offering a host of specials throughout the year to accommodate families – well worth checking out.

The Park at Mawgan Porth
Whatever your style of family holiday from camping to cottages to luxury summerhouses – you can find it all here. Close to one of the best beaches, with plenty of things to do, this is a great option for families and friends to get away together.

Perran Springs
Keen on camping, caravanning and getting back to nature for your holiday? Then this holiday park is just right for you. With different fishing options and nature trails, there is so much on offer here. For more holiday park options have a read here.

Cornwall photography by Marianne Taylor.