Relaxed, lifestyle family photos in Dorking by Leslie Bliss. Specialising in newborns, babies and children, she captures authentic bonds and character for timeless family portraits.
My mission: to capture uniqueness. Based on the Surrey/West Sussex border and operating from Dorking, I specialise in lifestyle family photography that celebrates personality, relationships and the small, telling details that make your family unique. I approach every family session with a gentle, conversational style developed over years photographing people and animals. Whether you prefer an at-home newborn shoot, a playful outdoor session with children, or a portrait that includes the family dog, my aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone — parents, babies and pets — can be themselves. My background in editorial work and equestrian portraiture taught me to wait for authentic moments and to compose images that tell a story. That experience, together with a BIPP Best Licentiate award, informs every family portrait I make. Why choose me? I focus on capturing connection rather than forced poses. I work unobtrusively to preserve natural interactions: a child’s grin, a newborn’s tiny hand, the way a parent looks at their child. Sessions are tailored to your needs and the ages involved — newborn shoots are handled with calmness and safety, children’s sessions are flexible and play-led, and milestone shoots (baptism, communion, birthdays) are sensitively captured to reflect the occasion. How I work: we begin with a friendly conversation to understand what matters most to you — locations you love, the moods you want and any practical needs. On the day I create a relaxed, easygoing environment and guide gently rather than direct heavily, encouraging natural expressions and interactions. After the shoot I carefully edit and present images that reflect the character and bonds of your family, producing timeless portraits you’ll want to display and share. I love photographing families because of the warmth and individuality they bring. If you value thoughtful, characterful family portraits taken by someone who listens, adapts and takes care with every detail, please get in touch. I photograph newborns, babies, children and family groups around Dorking and across the UK, and I’m always happy to discuss your ideas and the best way to capture them.