Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio in Huddersfield offers boutique family photoshoots by Melanie Westhead. Care-led, contemporary images capture natural, joyful moments with newborns, children and whole families.
Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio is a boutique, 5-star family photography studio in the golden triangle of West Yorkshire, rooted in Huddersfield. Led by Melanie Westhead, the studio specialises in family photography and family portraits with an artist’s eye for styling, composition and emotion. Mel’s creative background and personal story — from designer to dedicated family photographer — informs a compassionate, imaginative approach that helps every family feel relaxed and celebrated. Why choose Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio for your family photoshoot? The studio is designed around comfort, beauty and contemporary luxury. Care is the core of the work: whether you’re booking a newborn or a multi-generation family session, Mel prioritises a calm atmosphere where children can be themselves and parents can enjoy the experience. The result is natural, storytelling images that evoke joy, nostalgia and a sense of la dolce vita — images you’ll want to live with and display. What makes the approach special is the blend of thoughtful styling, playful props and hand-edited finishing. Mel plans each session with a pre-shoot conversation so she understands family dynamics, special needs and the moods of little ones. Sessions can take place in the studio — a contemporary, carefully curated backdrop near woodland and rural settings — or outdoors, using the landscape to create relaxed, story-driven portraits. For families with newborns or very young children, the emphasis is on patience, safety and gentle direction so that authentic connections are captured without pressure. How we work together: from the initial call through to viewing the finished images, the process is personal and service-led. You’ll receive a curated online gallery with Melanie’s hand-edited selections and clear ordering options for prints and wall art. Families often return for milestone sessions — maternity, newborn, birthdays and children’s portraits — because the environment feels welcoming and the imagery becomes part of family memory. If you want family photography in Huddersfield that balances creativity, professionalism and genuine care, Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio offers a specialist family photoshoot experience you can trust. Melanie brings patience, experience and a love of capturing the small, priceless moments that tell your family’s story.
Choose the perfect package for your special day
45 minute studio hire option (listed as 1 hr 15 min booking total on site) for small groups up to six people. Portable studio setup requires minimum space and 30 minute setup time.
2 hour outdoor photoshoot within 20 miles of HD8 (additional travel charge beyond). Includes 25 edited images to choose from and any five images supplied as JPEGs.
2 hour studio hire (portable or studio set) for your own photoshoot. Maximum 15 people; minimum space 3m x 3m for portable studio; setup time approx 30 minutes; images included in price.
2 hour newborn photoshoot; use of all props; up to 25 edited images to choose from; five images saved to memory stick; one framed 10" x 8" print; pre-session planning call. Travel to home available where needed.
2 hour studio photoshoot. 30 edited images to choose from, 10 edited images saved to memory stick, one 8" x 10" framed print. 1-5 people in immediate family. Pre-session planning call. Option to buy prints/canvas art or extra images.
Commercial photography sessions on location or in studio for businesses, priced from £600. Tailored to brief, including interiors and product work.
Full-day wedding photography with comprehensive coverage and creative, natural storytelling. Contact for full package details and bespoke options.