Heidi Horton Photography

I loved catching up with Lachie & Tansy last week for a family portrait session at their home near Dacre. It seems like not that long ago we photographed these lovebirds on their wedding day, and yet in November that will be two years ago!

Now they have a handsome baby boy, Frederick, who without a doubt stole the show for these photos! Freddie is twelve weeks old and was a delight to photograph - he has the cutest wee expressions! Here's a few of my favourites from the session...

Tansy & Lachie, it was so great to see you both and to meet Freddie! Thank you for asking me to take these portraits for you. xx

Baby Charlie had a bumpy start to life, receiving urgent open heart surgery just days after being born. Charlie had a congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries. But now over two months after his surgery there's no looking back - this kid is growing so fast, full of smiles and absolutely loved my camera during his portrait session earlier in the month!

There is so much goodness, happiness and love in these portraits which tugs at my heart because I know that Tish & Phil have been through hell and back on this journey with their family. I'm just so happy to see them out the other side and to see Charlie thriving. These portraits tell a story - they remind us of what a wee warrior Charlie is, but that he is also part of a very special family. I first photographed Phil & Tish three years ago now - an engagement session before their wedding. It has been such a privilege to continue to be their photographer through life's milestones. Phil & Tish just imagine your next family portraits with the boys running in two different directions! 😆

As much as I love capturing that fleeting newborn phase, I have to say 2-3 months old is my favourite age for baby portraits because you get to capture so much personality and awareness.

This image below just cracks me up. I remember Fletcher giving me all the facial expressions during his portrait session at the same age!

Phil & Tish - thank you for asking me to photograph your beautiful family. I loved getting to spend some time with Charlie and catching up with you all! These photographs are rolling off my printer today and they look incredible. Can't wait for you to see them.x

Ever wondered what it's like to get your portraits created by Heidi Horton Photography?

​Right from the beginning of our business I decided to put a huge emphasis on the experience we give our clients. I believe my job as photographer is not only to take the photos but also to provide an awesome experience during the whole process. Capturing your story is not a transaction for me, it's a privilege.

With weddings that extra experience comes in many forms right from booking, through the planning stages, on the big day & after. While portrait sessions aren't as in-depth as weddings, I still bring the same philosophy to my portrait clients too. My portrait sessions are fun and relaxed, as is the whole experience from planning through to the finished product. I love the connections I get to make with the people I photograph and I strive to offer a luxury experience.

​So here's what you can expect from the portrait experience with me...

Enquiry
When you first enquire about portraits we have a quick chat about the sort of portraits you want created. We chat about potential locations, the best time of day for your portrait session, how you want to be photographed, when the last time you had portraits taken. I run you through how my portrait experience works and the pricing. I answer any initial questions you might already have.

Booking
After you've had a chance to look over my portrait information email and we've found a date that suits for your portrait session we get your booking confirmed and in the calendar. Your booking is confirmed with payment of your session fee plus acceptance of our terms & conditions which I email out to you. Our Portrait T&C's can be signed digitally online which make it easy and painless.

​This is pretty much the only formal part of the whole portrait experience and then it's on to the fun part!

Pre-shoot planning
We can do the pre-shoot planning either via email, a phone call or even a coffee date in studio. This part is all about how you want to be photographed. We talk about any goals or ideas you have for your portraits. If you already have an idea in mind of how you want to display the final products we can plan for that too. Whether you have a wall in your home you'd like to fill or maybe a keepsake box for the bookshelf - this can influence the style of the portrait session.

I also send you information & tips for preparing for your portrait session. Including what to expect and ideas for what to wear.

The portrait session itself
My portrait sessions are really relaxed and conversational. I know just how awkward it can feel being in front of the camera so I make sure everyone has a fun, enjoyable time with zero awkwardness. I'll give you all the guidance you need & I promise we'll have a great time during the shoot! 

​I don't put a time limit on my portrait sessions as every family is unique. Some sessions go for 30 minutes, others for 90 minutes! I let the sessions unfold organically - sometimes we'll start with the obvious combinations and shots, then move into capturing more candid photos. Each session is different and I encourage you to put forward any specific shots you want during our time together.

Your viewing session
After your shoot I process your photographs and invite you into the studio to view them. I play a slideshow of the images from your portrait session up on the big TV so you can see what we captured. Then we go through the photographs one-by-one and discuss options for what you might like to do with them. We can compare images side-by-side, select favourites and also look at the sample products in studio for inspiration.

I help you with ideas for getting the most from your photographs and answer any questions you may have. I can also design up a wall collage or frame series on the computer to give you a visual idea of how the finished product will look. This viewing session is all about how you wish to display and enjoy your portraits.

The final product
This is the exciting part - getting to hand over to you the final product! It's also a little sad because it brings the experience to a close (until next time!). 

I love when clients see their printed portraits for the very first time! There is something incredible about the tangible keepsake of a printed photograph. Being able to hold it in your hands. To feel and see the quality, the texture and crispness. It is at that moment that I am reminded of the true value of what I do and of what I have created for my clients. Those printed portraits will be treasured for the rest of time.