Documentary Family Photography Yorkshire.

Let the time of your life be documented without a care in the world. Relaxed, unposed photography for laid back families.

Family Documentary Photography with Nic Shuttleworth

I love to document real-life moments as they unfold, nothing staged or contrived with forced smiles or saying “cheese” to the camera for what seems like an eternity.

I’m passionate about telling thoughtful stories full of warmth and personality. I believe that family is everything and always strive to make real photographs that matter.

Let’s capture the time of your life.

“We had a super day with Nic doing our photoshoot. She made us feel at ease straight away and it felt very natural yet professional. We are so pleased with the results, the photos capture our family perfectly and really pick out our childrens’ characteristics! Would definitely recommend her services to friends and family.”

Katy, Family Photography, Yorkshire.

What is Family Documentary Photography?

  • Young girl looking through a red spy glass directly to camera

    1. Reframing the art of the family portrait.

    In our social media dominated world where images of idealised perfection are everywhere, arguing that it’s ordinary, unposed and unedited moments of family life that make the most ‘beautiful and moving photographs’ might seem a bit left field. Except we already know that real life is where the magic happens.

    In family life especially, it’s the intimate and everyday moments that tell the stories of our lives. Sadly, often these are the same special moments that pass us by unnoticed, uncelebrated, in between all the rush and busyness of our lives.

  • Portrait of a girl through a car window black and white

    2. Family life isn't always perfect, but there are so many perfect moments.      

    As a Family Documentary Photographer it’s my job, my passion, my art to capture those moments and share them with you. Storytelling lies at the heart of my approach. I love that a picture has the power to capture a moment and tell a story. Whether it’s a moment of togetherness, connection, joy, laughter, or, perhaps reflection.

    Whether it’s a certain smile, peculiar expression, or a freaky dance move, I’m looking to make photographs that glimpse and preserve images of real lives, loved ones, families, and friendships that are filled with story and with meaning.

  • Three children eating cake and getting messy

    3. No 'standing on ceremony' or saying 'cheese' to the camera for all eternity!

    A documentary photography shoot is the opposite of a studio shoot. Clichéd backdrops, matching outfits and cheesy smiles are definitely out, real life dramas, spills, strops and mucky pups are in. I will come to your home or favourite place, and make photographs that say something unique about your family and your life together.

    A family documentary photography session is super relaxed, allowing you to enjoy yourselves without a care in the world, so much so that most clients forget that i’m taking photographs at all!

Multi award-winning Family Documentary Photographer.

I’ve been honoured to have received many international photography awards for my work including This is Reportage Family, The Family Photojournalist Association®, Click Pro 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 in the UK.

Family Photography Gallery

“Oh my goodness. You had me in tears! Your photographs are absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much you talented lady xxx”

Emma, Family Photography.

Latest Family Stories from the Journal

Here’s a selection of some of my recent family photography sessions to have a look through, along with some useful advice and articles about Family Documentary Photography.

Fine Art Design Service

I have an extensive background in Design and Art Direction and specialise in producing beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art for your family and home.

I love nothing more than to create something unique and special for you, and seeing photographs in print and on the walls in your home is my absolute joy. So I offer a complimentary design service for all fine art print products to help with the decision making process!

Black and white portrait of a woman with blonde hair wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

Hey I’m Nic Shuttleworth, an International award-winning and published Family Documentary Photographer based in Yorkshire UK, passionate about telling thoughtful stories full of warmth and personality.

Photography, as storytelling lies at the heart of my approach, I believe that family is everything and strive to make photographs of real lives, loved ones, families, and friendships that are filled with narrative and meaning.

Let’s capture the time of your life.
I’d love to meet you.

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!

Family Photography is available throughout the UK and Europe by arrangement. A selection of options are available from £245.