Studio school portrait of an older child in school uniform, photographed in a Portishead photography studio near Bristol

Bristol School Portrait Photographer

School photography in Bristol – studio portraits for primary and secondary school children

Starting school, moving up a year, or simply watching your child grow are moments worth capturing properly. My school photography in Bristol is offered as relaxed, studio-based sessions at my Portishead studio, creating timeless school portraits for primary and secondary school children without the rush or pressure of traditional school photo days.

Is your little one starting “big” school this year? It’s such a special milestone and one that deserves to be remembered. Perhaps this is your child’s first year at preschool and their very first school photographs, or maybe you’re simply looking for updated portraits of your children in their school uniform.

All school portraits are photographed at my Portishead photography studio near Bristol, in a calm and relaxed environment. Sessions are booked in 20-minute time slots, allowing plenty of time to capture a variety of natural, confident portraits without rushing. Siblings are very welcome to join in for shared photographs too.

After your child’s session, you’ll be able to view and choose your images on the same day, keeping the experience simple and stress-free.

Digital images are available to purchase, along with matching professional print packages. Digital photographs are delivered by email once payment has been made, and prints will be ready for collection after returning from the professional print lab.

To keep things straightforward, I offer a simple range of options rather than an overwhelming list of packages. Prints are available in two sizes: 5×7 (standard) and 10×8 (large). If you’d like additional prints or digital images, this can easily be arranged during your viewing appointment.

A £49 booking fee is required to secure your session. This is deducted from your final order on the day, so if your chosen package is equal to or less than this amount, there’s nothing further to pay. Any additional prints or digital images can be added while selecting your favourites.

As a parent myself, I understand how disappointing it can be to receive school photographs that don’t quite reflect your child – crooked collars, messy hair, or expressions that feel rushed and unnatural. That’s why I take the time to gently adjust the small details and create a relaxed environment where your child can feel comfortable and at ease.

Each school portrait session is a personalised experience, designed to let your child’s personality shine through. From the way they smile to the way they carry themselves, the focus is on creating natural, confident portraits that feel true to them. You’ll be presented with a selection of around 20 carefully edited images in a private online gallery, where you can choose your favourites and order prints to share with family and friends.

If you’re looking for a more considered alternative to traditional school photographs, I’d love to welcome you to my Portishead photography studio near Bristol for your child’s school portrait session.

"Katie takes amazing photos - we had her take our daughter’s Y6 photos last year which were just beautiful so we were in no doubt about her taking her Y7 ones. Once again she took great shots - the school ones were due to be taken on the first day of school so I did not hold out much hope for a decent photo. Two weeks later and we finally get to see the school ones - as predicted terrible - she looks totally windswept and damp hair because of the rain that day. As they only have school photos taken in Y7 and Y12 will be counting on Katie for all the coming years for sure!"

School portrait sessions typically run during September and October each year, aligning with the start of the academic year and a time when many families like to update school photographs.

I regularly photograph children from local schools in Portishead and Pill, including St Peter’s, Portishead Primary, Trinity, High Down, St Joseph’s Primary, Gordano and St Catherine’s. These sessions all take place in my Portishead photography studio, offering a calm, one-to-one alternative to traditional school photography.

Children from any primary or secondary school across Bristol and the surrounding areas are very welcome to book a studio school portrait session.

"Highly recommended! Was not happy with my daughters school photos so booked in for a session with Katie and have had some absolutely amazing school photos done! She made my daughter feel so comfortable ready for the photo shoot!"

back to school photography in portishead bristol, secondary school girl from gordano school in portishead, katie forshaw photography

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Availability during September and October is limited, so early booking is recommended.

Once a year, I also offer a limited run of Back to School portrait sessions using a fun themed backdrop. These sessions are ideal for marking a new school year or capturing that first-school-day excitement in a relaxed studio environment.

Themed sessions are completely optional and are offered alongside my classic school portraits for families who would like something a little more playful.

Availability is limited and usually runs during September and October.

A fun, styled option available at selected times

Back to school portrait of a primary school girl in uniform at a Bristol school photography studio in Portishead

Frequently asked questions

Where do the school portrait sessions take place?
All school portrait sessions take place at my photography studio in Portishead, near Bristol. I don’t visit schools for these sessions, which allows for a calmer, more personal experience for each child.

How long is a school portrait session?
Each session lasts around 20 minutes, giving us plenty of time to help your child feel comfortable and capture a variety of natural portraits without rushing.

Can siblings be photographed together?
Yes, siblings are very welcome. I can photograph children individually as well as together during the same session.

What should my child wear?
Most parents choose to bring their child in their school uniform for a classic school portrait. You’re also welcome to bring an additional outfit if you’d like a slightly different look.

When will we see the photos?
You’ll be able to view and choose your images on the same day as your session, either in person or via your private online gallery.

Do I have to buy prints or digital images?
There’s no obligation to purchase anything beyond your booking fee. After viewing your gallery, you can choose the digital images and prints you love most.

What ages are school portrait sessions suitable for?
Studio school portrait sessions are suitable for primary and secondary school-age children.