Olivia Shaw Photography

I’m Olivia – a Guildford-based photographer who loves nothing more than recording families as they are: messy, bright, funny and full of love. With years of experience shooting children, newborns, nursery portraits and personal branding, my true passion is family photography. I approach every session with a calm, informal energy that helps everyone relax so I can capture honest moments of connection and joy. My style is natural and lifestyle-led. I favour soft natural light, familiar surroundings and meaningful interaction over posed, studio setups. Whether we’re wandering a favourite Surrey field, exploring a lavender patch or cosied up at home, I look for those tiny gestures—a shared look, a spontaneous giggle, a sleepy newborn yawn—that tell your family’s story. My aim is to create images that feel timeless and real, the kind you’ll want to display and hand down. Working with me is easy and personal. Before the shoot we’ll talk about what matters to you, the best locations, and how to make the session comfortable for children of any age. On the day I guide families gently rather than directing rigidly: I use prompts and playful interaction to get natural expressions, and I make sure sessions are relaxed so parents can be present. For newborn shoots I work in your home using natural light and a lifestyle approach—no props—so we capture the early days in a calm, authentic way. I’m based locally in Guildford and love exploring Surrey for outdoor shoots. I pride myself on being approachable, patient and professional; clients often tell me my calming presence makes even the most camera-shy children feel at ease. The result is a collection of images that feel like you: warm, candid and full of life. If you want family photographs that reflect real connection and the quirks that make your family unique, get in touch. I’d love to talk about a location and plan a relaxed photoshoot that fits the way you live.