A family crossing a small river in a lush, green forest.
Four children are playing a game of tug-of-war on a paved path with a hedge in the background.
Close-up of a person's hands playing a piano, wearing colourful, patterned long-sleeve clothing and multiple rings.
A couple celebrating their wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests who are smiling and clapping.
Two children hugging outdoors, one wearing glasses with a star-shaped decoration, in a black and white photo.

Family and event photographer Yorkshire

Nic Shuttleworth has a documentary approach to photography – capturing real stories that matter, with warmth and personality.

An immersive experience that captures moments from the heart of your family, event, or business in a relaxed and natural way.

Let’s capture the time of your life.

Book Nic as your photographer:

There are several types of photography available:

“A truly beautiful and inspiring day. Nic’s confidence and professionalism put me at ease straight away and led me through a ‘day in the life’ of myself, whilst capturing images that are absolutely incredible.”

A woman with shoulder-length hair wearing glasses, a wristwatch, and a cozy sweater, sitting on a sofa with patterned pillows against a dark background.

Documentary family, event and brand photographer Nic Shuttleworth.

Photography sessions are available throughout Yorkshire, the UK and overseas by arrangement. Covering (but not limited to); Yorkshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, County Durham, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cumbria and London.

Latest photography stories from the Journal gallery

Here’s a selection of some of my recent family, events, weddings and brand stories to have a look through, along with some useful adivse and articles about documentary photography

Featured
Branding photography, everything you need to know.
Branding photography, everything you need to know.

Why telling real stories about your business is so important, how to stand out from the crowd and create powerful images that matter.

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North Yorkshire Family photography, Broughton Sanctuary.
North Yorkshire Family photography, Broughton Sanctuary.

Take a glimpse into a North Yorkshire family photography session in the beautiful grounds of Broughton Hall, with an unforgettable falconer experience!

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Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2025, a scene from the sidelines.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2025, a scene from the sidelines.

A scene from the sidelines, brilliant atmosphere, tribute and energy at the annual Leeds event.

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Family photoshoot: Everything you need to know.
Family photoshoot: Everything you need to know.

All of the things you need to know about booking a family photoshoot, from tips on location, what to wear and things to do, read all about it here.

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Family photography and managing mood swings!
Family photography and managing mood swings!

We’d love a family photography session, but what happens if the children are in a mood? Find out what do we actually do when all hell breaks loose!

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18th birthday party photography surprises and celebrations
18th birthday party photography surprises and celebrations

I had a lovely walk along the river Ouse in York on my way to document this surprise 18th birthday get together at Star Inn the City.

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Let’s get real comfortable in front of the camera!
Let’s get real comfortable in front of the camera!

5 things which will help you feel relaxed, and enjoy the documentary experience way more than you ever imagined.

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Documenting milestones: A surprise family get together.
Documenting milestones: A surprise family get together.

Explore how documentary photography can capture family milestones in a meaningful and authentic way and how party prep is just as interesting as the celebration itself.

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Behind-the-scenes at a styled wedding shoot in Skipton.
Behind-the-scenes at a styled wedding shoot in Skipton.

For me, even in a staged setting, it’s the real moments that I find myself drawn to, capturing genuine moments of the brilliantly talented collaboration in front of me.

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“Oh my goodness Nic, these are stunning! Are you sure this is this our family?! The photos are beautiful and really capture our personalities.

You’ve captured our energy and the relationships between us all. Love, love, love them!

Maria, Family Photography, Yorkshire.

See what’s happening on Instagram

NEW in the Journal Gallery: Branding photography, everything you need to know. - Why telling real stories about your business is so important, how to stand out from the crowd and create powerful images that matter. My approach to branding photograph
Ivan and the girl. Portrait of a girl with Ivan (the owl) @broughtonsanctuary a few weeks ago, exciting! “You don’t have to knock anyone off their game to win yours.” - A’ja Wilson 📸 Our community of @clickprophotographers
Happy Father’s Day to these two absolute legends, the husband @alistair_foster and my dad Martin Shuttleworth who definitely won’t see this post but will be celebrating with us later 💙💙. Thank you for EVERYTHING that you do, from us jok
Colourful scenes at PRIDE 2025 in York at the weekend. Amazing atmosphere as always (even in the rain), such a vibrant event. #streetphotography #fujifilmuk #yorkshirephotographer #pride2025 #york
TO THE SEA, a @shutter_hub publication is launching today on World Oceans Day! An ode to the ocean, something for the sea 🌊. Celebrating many visions of the sea – environmental, actual, emotional, and more. Oh how I love to be beside the se
Scenes from a family photography session this spring - a morning walk through the woods right when the bluebells were out. Family photography packages are available to book this summer! DM for more information. Real stories matter. - #YorkshireFam

“Nic’s love and respect for people of all walks of life is one of her best qualities.”

Martin Shuttleworth (Nic’s Dad).

Multi award-winning documentary Photographer.

I have been awarded as a winner of the Portrait of Britain 2025 by the British Journal of Photography and am honoured to have received many international photography awards for my work including This is Reportage Family, The Family Photojournalist Association®, Click Pro Photographers Fearless Photographers and Made for Documentary to name just a few.

I’m a member of Click Pro Elite Photographers, in the top 25 of family photographers worldwide (FPJA®), Top 10 UK Family Photographer (TIRF) and have been selected by Vogue many times, my work has been published and exhibited throughout the UK.

You’re in safe hands let’s say!

50th anniversary celebration. Event photography Sheffield

What is documentary photography?

Also known as candid photography, documentary photography is a genre that captures moments as they unfold in a natural and unposed manner, allowing the essence of authentic emotion, interaction and real personalities to shine through.

It’s the opposite of traditional posed photography, the focus here is on unscripted events, genuine reactions, and the spontaneous beauty of everyday life. This approach invites viewers to experience the story behind the image, often showcasing the raw and intimate moments that define relationships and experiences of our lives.

Whether it’s a moment of togetherness, connection, joy, laughter, or, perhaps reflection, this approach to photography aims to make photographs that glimpse and preserve images of real lives, loved ones, families, and friendships that are filled with narrative and meaning.

On the dance floor. Wedding Photography Leeds.

Destination photography in Yorkshire and throughout the UK.

If you are travelling to Yorkshire from around the UK or overseas, there are some stunning locations for family days out combined with a photography session. From the breathtaking moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales to picturesque coastlines and villages (we love Robin Hoods Bay), charming market towns, stately homes and the historic city of York.

I’d love to meet you on your journey, so if you are interested in documentary photography for your visit to Yorkshire and beyond, get in touch and we can plan a day out together!

Let’s capture the time of your lives, I’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch via the form below to enquire, I look forward to hearing from you and making some plans!