Documentary family photographer in London

Hello, I’m Michaela!

I’m a South London-based documentary family and newborn photographer and also a mum of two girls who are growing up way too fast!

I’m drawn to capturing the beauty of ‘real’ family life - the happiness, love and joy but also the moments in between. When I look back at the photographs I’ve created, it’s the ones that bottle up ‘real life’ moments and details that stir up the most poignant memories for me.

I’m the right photographer for you if:

• Your real family story is more important to you than creating a Pinterest board.

• You want a relaxed family photography experience that doesn’t require preparation and planning.

• You want to look back at this season of your family life and laugh at all the love, mess and joyful chaos.

• You want your children to have tangible proof that you love them no matter how they behave or what they look like.

• The thought of posing or having your photo taken makes you very uncomfortable.

• You want your photographer to ‘fit in’ around your family routines and activities.

• You have a sense of humour and are able to embrace life’s glorious imperfections.

Why ‘documentary’ family photography?

I started out as a ‘lifestyle’ family photographer. My aim was to create natural looking photographs highlighting everyone’s best features, in the best possible light, and in the best locations. After a while, I began to question the lifestyle approach, with its one-sided focus on only the good stuff. I felt like I was perpetuating an obsession with achieving perfection and it didn’t sit well with me. You can find out more about my photography journey here.

I love ‘documentary’ family photography because it’s about letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and celebrating who we really are. It’s about honestly documenting relationships, personalities, interactions, and everyday routines and rituals. It’s about creating well composed and meaningful photographs that show the beauty of our everyday. It’s about celebrating ‘real life’ as opposed to the ‘perfect life’. This is what I aim to do whenever I pick up my camera.

Fancy a chat?

If you’re wondering whether documentary family photography is right for you, or you’d like to find out more about my approach to photographing families and babies, I’d love to hear from you! I’m a big believer that having a conversation is the best place to start…