Circle of Life Photography

Circle of Life Photography is Ian Trayner’s Surbiton-based studio dedicated to family and maternity photography. As a specialist in family work, Ian combines a lifetime of photographic practice with professional qualifications (LSWPP, LSIFGP) and a reputation as a “master of lighting” to create images that matter — photographs your family will enjoy for generations. Why choose Circle of Life Photography? Ian’s approach is deliberately personal and bespoke. He listens first: a pre-shoot consultation (in-studio, by phone or email) helps him understand what you really want — whether that’s a relaxed lifestyle session at home, an energetic outdoor shoot, or more stylised studio portraits with dramatic lighting. Ian’s experience in fashion and commercial lighting informs every family session, giving you access to creative lighting and styling that often sits beyond ordinary family photography, while always keeping emotion and authenticity at the heart of the pictures. What makes his work special is the balance of technical skill and human sensitivity. Ian loves capturing “people behaving naturally” and specialises in creating emotional images with impact and meaning. Whether photographing newborns, children, maternity portraits or multi-generation family groups, he aims for images that tell a story — gentle, honest, and beautifully finished. How he works with families: bookings include a detailed pre-shoot conversation, the shoot itself (studio or on-location), and a relaxed studio viewing session where you choose the images and products you love. Ian keeps the atmosphere friendly and unhurried so children and babies can be themselves. He also offers optional professional make-up and hair styling for clients who want a model-experience day. He believes in delivering finished products as well as files. Circle of Life specialises in high-quality wall art, photo books, albums and folio boxes produced by professional labs, and offers high-resolution digital files under licence for clients who want them. Low-resolution web images are provided with print products for easy sharing. Rooted in Surbiton and serving Kingston upon Thames and nearby areas (home visits within roughly 40 minutes), Ian brings warmth, creativity and technical excellence to every family photoshoot. He also volunteers with the charity Remember My Baby, reflecting a compassionate approach to delicate family moments. If you want family portraits that combine feeling, craft and lasting quality, Circle of Life Photography specialises in creating them.