Aby Rafter Photography

I’m Aby — a wife, mum and creative soul who loves capturing the unscripted moments that make family life so special. As a specialist family photographer based in Southbourne, Bournemouth, my approach is simple: relaxed, natural and full of heart. I aim to create portraits that feel like you — unforced, warm and honest — images you’ll want to look at every day. My Southbourne studio is a bright, calm, natural light space designed to put you at ease. There will be tea, coffee and plenty of biscuits; the atmosphere is friendly and unrushed so children (and grown-ups) can be themselves. I’m warm and conversational behind the camera — I’ll offer gentle guidance to find the best light and flattering poses, but mostly I let those in-between moments unfold. That’s where the storytelling images live: playful, affectionate, and true to your family. For families with older children I also photograph on location. I love outdoor sessions where children can run, explore and play — these sessions often produce the most candid and joyful portraits against beautiful natural backdrops around Bournemouth and the surrounding area. I keep my family bookings limited so each session gets the time and attention it deserves; I also run a select number of mini sessions twice a year (around Mother’s Day and in the run-up to Christmas) for quick, seasonal updates. My style is honest, modern and focused on emotion. With a background in drama and a love of art and interior design, I’m drawn to composition, light and the small details that make a portrait sing. Whether you’re after a pared-back studio portrait, a lively outdoor shoot, or a relaxed family session to mark a milestone, I work to create a comfortable, enjoyable experience that results in images your family will treasure. If you want family photographs that feel real — full of laughter, tenderness and character — I’d love to meet you in Southbourne. Let’s capture the story of your family in a way that feels natural, joyful and unmistakably yours.