portrait photographer cornwall Archives - Marianne Taylor Photography | Portrait & Family Photographer in Cornwall

Solo Portraits: Johanna on Crantock Beach in north Cornwall

June 22, 2026 · Leave a Comment

As I dust off the corners of this blog, I keep finding little sessions that I’ve done here and there over the years that I never blogged. It seems that I wasn’t THAT dormant after all, it’s like I’ve been regularly getting hits of portrait sessions to keep my need for working with humans satiated!

Johanna is a photographer based in Finland, and one of my oldest dearest friends. When she was updating her materials, she needed new portraits, so when she came to Cornwall for a visit, it seemed obvious that we needed to head down to the beach for this session.

If you’re looking for a portrait session in Cornwall, Crantock beach with its gentle dunes and magical evening light never disappoint!

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!

Brand portraits: Bloomtown founder Preya

September 11, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Preya founded Bloomtown, a sustainable skincare brand with her husband Med from their kitchen table. She needed some portraits for her social media surfaces, and came in for a brand portrait session. The studio session gravitated towards pink, but we made sure to also capture some outdoors images that echoed the two years she spent in Indonesia where the idea for Bloomtown was born.

Brand Portraits: Kasha from Snapsha Photography

August 28, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Photographers need brand portraits, too! It was so lovely to meet Kasha and traipse around Newquay and the colourful houses of Nansledan with a bunch of balloons in tow. Colour was very much on the agenda for this Cornish brand portrait session. And before you ask, the ‘ugly/funny’ faces animation was very much Kasha’s idea and requested specifically! :D

Jo & Co: summer collection editorial and brand portraits

August 22, 2019 · Leave a Comment

What a glorious summer’s day we had for this shoot! It was such a great day photographing editorial images of the new Jo & Co collection, as well as brand portraits of Jo and the gang. The weather could not have been lovelier, and Cornwall was really bringing all its charm!

Hilda : Siren of the Sea solo portrait session at Watergate Bay

June 5, 2019 · 2 Comments

It had been a few years since I’d seen Hilda last, and when she told me she wanted to do a solo Siren of the Sea session in Cornwall I couldn’t have been happier! Springtime is so magical around here, and we got really lucky with a beautiful evening in the middle of a rainy week.

‘Everything happens for a reason… If it wasn’t for Marianne I wouldn’t have thought of coming to Cornwall. I’m so glad I did, as I was totally stunned by the beautiful scenery – the beaches, the cliffs… I had the most amazing time. For twice now when Marianne did my shoot, the punt we took always paid off. Last time – the beautiful skies during the shoot and the pouring rain the second we’re done; and this time – the discovery of a beautiful path covered in lovely flowers when we slowly climbed up the ‘other’ cliff. It made me realise how important it is to count my blessings; and always be grateful for all the wonderful things that happen in life…‘

– Hilda

It was so lovely to spend time with you, Hilda, and I think everyone will agree you looked just as gorgeous as the scenery!

{P. S. Hilda’s makeup was done by Sally Orchard, and her hair was perfectly tousled by Ro Hair.}

Jonnie: male model portfolio session on Fistral Beach in Newquay

April 28, 2019 · 1 Comment

On a still slightly chilly spring day, we had a commercial shoot booked in with Jonnie, and since he drove five hours (!) to come all the way to Cornwall, we decided to also shoot a little beachy portfolio session – would have felt like a waste of all that traveling otherwise! Even though we didn’t see the sun, we did get an almost empty beach to play on!

‘For me, Cornwall is a getaway, somewhere I associate with freedom. Having moved there for the better part of 6 months, which was originally supposed to be only 2 months, it played a significant role in forming my opinions on things such as the environment, as the Cornish coastlines offers some of the best views I’ve seen in this country (best experienced on a surfboard at 5am!). I am still amazed whenever I visit at how much diversity is catered for, as the range of lifestyles and cultures I have come across here is so broad. I tend to visit every couple of months to visit family but if I was not tied up at home I’d be there every other week!’

– Jonnie

I had such a lovely time on this shoot, and, as you can see from the quote above, Cornwall means a lot to Jonnie, so it felt like a privilege to get to capture him in the environment he loves so much.

Cornwall model portfolio session: Beth on Crantock beach

February 11, 2019 · Leave a Comment

The dunes on Crantock beach, the wind in her hair, and THAT dress. I mean, this is what Cornwall model portfolio session dreams are made of!

Frøy : beachy model portfolio session in Newquay

November 19, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Frøy fround her way all the way from Norway to study in Cornwall, and while here she’s also found a career in modelling. Looking at these images we shot for her portfolio makes me miss summer so hard! (P.S. we also shot the cutest couple session with Frøy and her boyfriend on this pretty day.)

‘I can think of no better place than Cornwall to be able to do freelance modeling. The beautiful scenery makes for some amazing backdrops and great images.’

– Frøy

Thanks, girl, it’s always such a pleasure to capture your beauty!

Rosanne & Olly : a love story of two beaches

September 17, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Oh my, how time flies! It suddenly seems ages ago when we went for a cliffside walk with Rosanne & Olly (avec the most adorable Turnip!) on one of the many many days last summer when the sun was just relentlessly bright and warm all the way into the evening. What I’d do to go back now! Not a lot beats the magnificent views of Cornwall, but getting to spend time giggling with these two just might, adorable doesn’t quite cover it.

From opposite sides of the coast, we met in the middle and a relationship developed from laughter, adventure and love of music. One year on, and it’s still the same – exploring, walking and smiling.

– Rosanne & Olly

Ro & Olly, I know you don’t care for the ‘mushy’ stuff, but I can’t help get a bit sentimental looking back at how cute you two are together – thanks for letting me share a moment of happiness with you.

Sophie & Gareth : Midsummer’s couple session in Cornwall

June 26, 2018 · Leave a Comment

It was Midsummer’s Eve and the weather really couldn’t have been more beautiful when we headed out to West Pentire for Sophie & Gareth’s couple session. Sophie loves colour, so we were beyond excited that the poppies were out for us – what could be more perfect than a cliff-top poppy field on a gloriously sunny day?

‘Cornwall will always have a place in our hearts. It was only supposed to be a year – I was straight out of uni and needed some time to figure out what our next steps were. 8 years later, and Cornwall has allowed us to not only build a business together but also to develop a pace of life that no other part of the UK would’ve allowed – to enjoy together, to grow together, to explore together.’
– Sophie & Gareth

We wrapped up the session with a walk on Crantock beach and some pizza afterwards. I loved spending time with these two, enjoying the beautiful Cornish scenery, and all the laughter and joy. It really was the perfect Midsummer!

Living is easy : country sunset portraits

September 15, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I’m pretty sure you’re beginning to recognise this girl. Since moving to Cornwall, Lucie has become a muse to me, and she really helped me rekindle my love for photography. I’m so happy to get to work with her, both on commercial projects, but also on personal projects and inspiration shoots like this one.

I’ll never forget what a lovely evening we spent capturing these leisurely images under the candy sky. These kind of evenings and shoots make me feel like my heart is bursting with love for Cornwall, and for being able to make a living with the camera in my hand.

Editorial portraits : it’s a surfer’s life

August 24, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Lucie is a new ‘Flavour Enthusiast’ and brand ambassador for Little’s Coffee, and recently we shot some editorial portraits of her for the flavoured coffee brand. You can see Lucie’s introduction interview over on their blog.

THE TEAM

Photographer: Marianne Taylor
Model: Lucie Rose Donlan
Coffee: We are Little’s
Surfboard: Adam’s surfboards

Editorial portraits : On a summer’s day

August 10, 2016 · Leave a Comment

On a lazy summer’s day, on a field above the sea in Cornwall. These are the days you’ll remember.

THE TEAM

Photographer: Marianne Taylor
Dress: Sailaway Dress Company
Model: Lucie Rose Donlan

Day as a ballerina : a styled portrait session

August 2, 2016 · 2 Comments

I’ve been shooting a LOT lately. I feel like an old flame has been rekindled and I want to be doing so much more with photography again. One of the ways of shaking things up is by combining client work with projects that are inspirational to me. These ballerina lifestyle portraits of dancer Rose Hartigan are an example of such a collaboration. I had such a clear idea in my head of how I wanted to portray her and her strong dancer’s physique, and I’m so happy with the way these images came together .

I really hope you’ll like these portraits, and feel inspired to celebrate whatever your particular strength may be with a photo shoot. Also, keep an eye out for a pretty special Siren of the Sea session we also shot with Rose, coming up later on!

THE TEAM

Photographer: Marianne Taylor
Hair: Severin Hepburn of Hepburn Collection
Make-up: Tamsyn Siddiqui

The Magic of Cornwall: surfer lifestyle portraits

July 19, 2016 · 5 Comments

Seeing that there’s a heatwave sweeping across the UK, I thought it appropriate to share these sunny Cornish lifestyle portraits!

Lucie is a surfer and surfing instructor based down here in Newquay, North Cornwall. These portraits were taken as a part of a shoot inspired by the laid-back surfer lifestyle of the Cornish coast. The Atlantic Ocean calls surfers to its embrace no matter what time of year it is, and Lucie is an example of someone who lives for the sea, and of it. Her passion is truly infectious! I hope you enjoy this shoot, and perhaps get inspired to come down to Cornwall for a lifestyle shoot (or a surf!) of your own!

THE TEAM

Photographer: Marianne Taylor
Model: Lucie Rose Donlan
Hair: Severin Hepburn of Hepburn Collection
Jewellery: Jane’s Handmade Jewellery
Surfboard: Adam’s surfboards
Accessories: Roo’s Beach
BTS video (coming soon!): The Storycatchers

Rose & Robin : Joyful anniversary session by the sea

July 18, 2016 · 5 Comments

It’s crazy to think it’s four years since Rose & Robin’s wedding day! To celebrate, these lovely souls travelled to Cornwall for an anniversary photography session by the sea. It was just the loveliest to get to share some giggles and beautiful moments with Rose & Robin again, and to see that four years on, they are as madly in love as ever!

I really wouldn’t mind if I got to spend the rest of my life standing on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, taking pictures of people in love. That would be just fine with me.

(Also, hydrangea game in Cornwall = strong)

The Siren of the Sea : Elli

May 18, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I met Elli for the first time when she was just 3 months old. A few years later, she was the subject of one of my favourite portraits I’ve ever taken. Now, at thirteen, she is turning into such a beautiful and gentle young woman, and I couldn’t be happier that I had the chance to photograph her here in my beloved Cornwall! I don’t know what it is, but my soul is at its happiest doing these shoots, feeling the wind and hearing the roar of the ocean.

If you want to have your own Siren of the Sea portrait shoot down here in North Cornwall, do get in touch! (Likewise, if you have a woman or a girl in your life you’d like to treat to a beautiful experience & some pretty magical images!)

The Magic of Cornwall: The Siren of the Sea

March 31, 2016 · 12 Comments

Ever since I moved to Cornwall, I’ve yearned to do a shoot that incorporated some of the stunning scenery here, from the beautiful beaches to the magnificent cliffs with views over the majestic Atlantic Ocean, combined with the kind of portrait photography I want to do more of in the future. When I came across Lucie, who’s a local surfer and a model, I knew she was a ready-made Siren of the Sea, and I couldn’t wait to photograph her!

Putting this shoot together was also a chance to get to know and work with some of the incredibly talented suppliers in the local area, and I really couldn’t have been happier with our little team. Here’s to creating many more beautiful things together in the future!

I hope you’ll enjoy these images, and perhaps even get inspired to travel down to the breathtaking North Cornwall to have your very own day as a Siren!

The Team

Photographer: Marianne Taylor
Model: Lucie Rose Donlan
Hair: Joanne Einnis of Gold Bird Hair Design
Make-up: Chloe Drew
Flower crown: Elle Grime of Inspire Hire
Gowns: Minna

The magic of Cornwall: plan a romantic getaway

May 25, 2015 · 1 Comment

As I’m getting closer to the BIG MOVE over to Cornwall (woop!), I thought I’d share some of my recommendations for romantic getaways. Whether you’re planning an engagement, pre-wedding or anniversary shoot, you couldn’t ask for a prettier setting than the quintessentially British seaside town of Padstow, or the wild and rugged coastline around Newquay, with its multiple beaches, such as Watergate Bay, which is the perfect place to stay if one or both of you would like to try your hand at surfing!

Cornwall is a stunning county, set on a peninsula completely surrounded by the sea, with a dramatic coastline, stunning cliff-tops, miles of sandy beaches and picturesque fishing harbours. It offers so many things for a perfect couple’s getaway – from the art scene to the food scene, walking trails, water-sports and amazing Celtic history. It’s also easy to reach by air with its own airport and regular flights from London and other European cities (with Exeter airport only a short drive away with even more flight destinations), or by train and car.

The picturesque fishing town of Padstow.

Kelly & Nik’s anniversary session in Fowey.

St. Ives, a gorgeous seaside town brimming with arts, culture and Cornish atmosphere.

My recommendations for romantic places to stay in the north Cornwall area (where I’ll be based) include:

Watergate Bay Hotel
Perfect for a beach holiday, especially for keen surfers – this hotel offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Be active or just chill and enjoy – everything is designed to offer you the best of Cornish hospitality.

Scarlet Hotel
Cornwall’s escape for adults only, offering luxurious rooms each with their own individual outside space, is your chance to get away to for a private romantic break. Stunning views of gardens, cliffs, sea and sky, great food at the Scarlet restaurant and the in house Spa treatments on offer will go a long way to recharging your batteries.

Beach Retreats
Self catering holiday homes with that extra touch help you make the most of your break away. Pre-order groceries for your holiday and arrive to everything packed away and ready for you.

Fistral Beach Hotel
Breath-taking cliff top views from luxurious rooms with your choice of added extras to make that special occasion just that little bit extra special. Check out the special break packages on offer and book your seaside adventure now.

Headland Hotel
A family owned hotel or self catering cottages with spectacular views, Cornwalls only 5 bubble spa and fine dining available – there is something to suit everyone’s requirements for the perfect romantic get-away.

Pen & Cam’s anniversary session on Pentire Head in Newquay.

Whether you’re a first-timer, or an avid Cornwall visitor, I guarantee your time there will hold precious memories. Let me capture those memories in a Together Session, while you are relaxed and enjoying a special time away. I can showcase your love story and create timeless memories to treasure forever. No matter what the occasion is, it’s all about the two of you together, focusing on one another and celebrating your love.

Contact me here for your Together Session in Cornwall.

Solo Portraits: Johanna on Crantock Beach in north Cornwall

Harju Family: family & portrait session in Newquay

Brand portraits: Bloomtown founder Preya

Brand Portraits: Kasha from Snapsha Photography

Jo & Co: summer collection editorial and brand portraits

Hilda : Siren of the Sea solo portrait session at Watergate Bay

Jonnie: male model portfolio session on Fistral Beach in Newquay

Cornwall model portfolio session: Beth on Crantock beach

Frøy : beachy model portfolio session in Newquay

Rosanne & Olly : a love story of two beaches

Sophie & Gareth : Midsummer’s couple session in Cornwall

Living is easy : country sunset portraits

Editorial portraits : it’s a surfer’s life

THE TEAM

Editorial portraits : On a summer’s day

THE TEAM

Day as a ballerina : a styled portrait session

THE TEAM

The Magic of Cornwall: surfer lifestyle portraits

THE TEAM

Rose & Robin : Joyful anniversary session by the sea

The Siren of the Sea : Elli

The Magic of Cornwall: The Siren of the Sea

The Team

The magic of Cornwall: plan a romantic getaway

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