Rachel Hein Photography

Warmth and happiness, candidly captured — that’s the heart of my family photography in Edinburgh. I’m Rachel, a Portobello-based photographer who’s been working professionally for over a decade. I love creating images, but my real passion is for people: helping families relax, laugh and be themselves so I can capture honest, timeless portraits you’ll want to live with. I specialise in relaxed, natural family sessions — whether that’s a beach morning at Portobello, a rambunctious afternoon in the park, or a cosy at-home shoot with a newborn. My approach is gentle and conversational: I pay attention to the small, fleeting moments between you rather than forcing stiff poses. That means the photos feel authentic, full of personality and emotion — the little smiles, the messy cuddles, the adventurous energy of children. Working with families is as much about building a friendly, calm atmosphere as it is about lighting and composition. I aim to make every session easy and enjoyable: we’ll chat beforehand about what matters to you, meet in a place that feels natural for your family, and I’ll guide you through playful prompts so everyone forgets the camera is there. You’ll come away with a collection of professional family portraits ready to print, display and share. I shoot children and babies with patience and care, always adapting to each child’s temperament. Newborn and baby moments are treated with particular tenderness — gentle positioning, natural light and a relaxed pace so we can capture those first tiny details without stress. I also love celebrating family milestones like birthdays and everyday family life that tells your story. Based in Edinburgh and often found at Tribe Porty or walking my labrador Finn, I bring local knowledge and a warm, down-to-earth manner to every shoot. If you want family photographs that feel natural, joyful and unmistakably yours, get in touch — I’d love to talk about a session that suits your family and the places you love in Edinburgh.