ABOUT ME
Photography and my appreciation for beautiful pictures has always been a part of me.
I live and work around the York area, which is where I spend most days working on current and future photography work. I enjoy planning portraits with couples, families, new parents and editing. I love my work and my photography studio utilises my creativity.
I specialise in taking great photographs of people. Portrait photography has always been a passion of mine, as I just find people really interesting. Before creating this business, I spent twelve years in care work and developed a skill in putting people at ease, through being a good listener and putting their wants and wishes first.
When I’m not working, I’m still never far from my camera! I have 3 daughters and 4 beautiful grandchildren. They all spend time in the Studio too and have got pretty used to modelling for me, allowing me to try out new ideas or the use of new props.
Photo Shoot Party
“A thirteenth birthday party is a big event in any girl’s life. I can honestly say I have found the perfect solution. A party, which ticks all the boxes, glamour, excitement value for money, and not just a lasting memory but pictures to remind you of close friendships and a wonderful time-shared. Mandy really does make the party special, not only is she an extremely talented photographer; she has a real presence that brings out the best poses and shots, whilst keeping it light, friendly and fun. Libby describes it as her best party ever and her friends agree it was right up there.”
Dawn (Libby’s Mum)
Child’s Photo shoot
“Mandy made us feel very welcome on our recent visit to Studio Portraits. On arriving, I found the studio was much bigger than I expected. I did have some ideas of my own for the shoot and Mandy used her professional eye, to make them perfect. Mandy had some brilliant ideas, which I ended up liking more than my own! I expected it to be a few weeks before I received my photos. Instead I received them in only days. The end result is amazing and at only a fraction of the cost that I have paid in the past. Erin had so much fun that she wanted to return the very next day! Thanks”
Melanie (Erin’s Mum)
Personal Shoot
“After 15 years of refusing to be photographed- since appearing in the Sunday Telegraph, Style magazine, in a very uncomplimentary image, Mandy gently coaxed me into doing a shoot with her.
The shoot was great fun and the results were simply breath-taking!”
Elizabeth
Modelling Portfoilio
“In June 2010, Mandy photographed me modelling Elizabeth’s hats, for a feature story, to be run in the August edition, of Yorkshire Living magazine. The images were simply stunning. The article not only covered 3 pages, but one of my images made the front cover! Since then, Mandy has helped me create a fantastic modelling portfolio. I am now signed to a modelling agency and have recently worked on TV shows such as Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
None of this would have been possible if it hadn’t been for Mandy’s encouragement. “
Jenny
Bump photography
“I was quite nervous about having my photograph taken, but didn’t want to miss the opportunity to capture my big baby bump. I’m so glad I found Mandy as she did a fantastic job and looked after me from start to finish. Mandy has great skills in putting people at ease and making them feel comfortable, so there were no awkward or wooden poses. She worked really hard throughout the shoot, so there were lots of great pictures to choose from.
Rebecca
Corporate Shoot
“I have worked with many photographers, worldwide.
I have found Mandy to be an amazing photographer, with absolute attention to detail, working with professional determination to get the shot needed for my designs. It is rare to find such an enthusiastic and fun lady, who goes out of her way to create Perfection!”
Elizabeth Parker Hats
Wedding
“We booked Mandy to take our wedding pictures and we were so glad that we did! Mandy was so professional, she made everyone feel so relaxed while she was taking the pictures. Infact Mandy just felt like one of our guests. Me and Leigh were so pleased with the end result…Fabulous!”
Paula & Leigh September
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to bring to my shoot?
It really helps if people can prepare for their session and think about what they want before they arrive.
Bring kids ‘as they are’, in clothes they enjoy wearing, or bring along things which are special to them-such as treasured toys, musical instruments, or dance outfits. If one outfit doesn’t quite sum you up, there’s a changing area in the studio too.
Is there anything else i need to prepare beforehand?
It can be useful to have a look online to get some ideas about your photographs, for example trying a search for images with ‘newborn babies’, ‘bump photography’, or ‘children’s portraits’. This will help you think about what types of clothing might work best (such as everyone having something red on), clever ideas for small props you could bring, or just to give you more of an idea how the finished result might look. I like being able to swap ideas with clients, as it’s much easier to understand what they want. Of course I have lots of my own ideas and tricks too.
I am bringing my teenager that isn't keen on having their picture taken.
It’s not just teenagers who can initially lack confidence or enthusiasm about having their photograph taken: this is something which happens at the start of most shoots. By involving people in their photograph, things soon become more relaxed and I work hard to put everyone at ease and help them to have fun. It’s easiest to photograph teenagers who feel that they are allowed to be themselves. Let them suggest their own outfits, or encourage them to bring along instruments, or equipment which helps to tell their story. It will also keep them busy and less focused on the camera.
I have a scar on my arm that i don't like
It is important that everyone who comes to the Studio feels comfortable, so please let me know if there is anything you don’t want me to include in the photographs. For scarring on an arm, I can help you with appropriate poses and positions, or it may be better to consider clothing to minimise what is shown. After each shoot, all images are checked individually and I am able to sensitively tweak and edit them at your request. A small amount of editing can add a wow factor to the final image and can be used for evening skin tone and removing blemishes
How far in advance do I need to book?
There’s no minimum amount of notice that I require to organise a shoot, but slots for the Studio tend to get booked 2-3 weeks before. You also need to allow some time after the shoot for arranging prints or other products. For instance if you are organising a family portrait for Grandma’s birthday, give yourself enough time to schedule the shoot, choose your favourite images and then place your order. If you would like to arrange some photographs, get in touch and we can choose a date to suit you. In November and December, the Studio can get very busy, so it is best to plan ahead at that time of year. Once we’ve booked your shoot, you will then have time to prepare any new outfits, or hunt for any fun extras like props.
When do I pay for my shoot?
A Studio Shoot costs from £25 and this is payable on the day. There is nothing else to pay until you have chosen your final photographs and products and received your order.
What are your opening times?
At Studio Portraits everything is designed to be as easy and convenient as possible. Therefore I don’t advertise fixed opening times and can be flexible to your needs. Your photo shoot can be arranged during the daytime, evenings, or at the weekend. This way, there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved.
Then, whilst you’re putting together your order the photographs will be available in a secure online gallery: your images 24/7!
