Q&A with family photographer Alexandra Moss & owner of The Studio Katherine Shattock 

7 min read

We're delighted to welcome Alexandra Moss and The Studio in Southfields to Amae, a calm, unhurried family photography session that works just as well as a gift as it does a treat for yourselves. Whether you're marking a new arrival, want something to properly capture this stage of pregnancy, or just want family photos that actually feel like you, sessions are available to book through Amae, as a gift card, as part of a gift registry, or simply for your own family. We spoke with Alexandra, and The Studio owner Katherine Shattock, to find out more.

Behind the space: The Studio, with owner Katherine Shattock

Alexandra shoots most of her family sessions at The Studio in Southfields, designed by owner Katherine Shattock. We asked Kate what shaped the space.

How did your experience as a new mum influence your design of The Studio?

The Studio is designed to be warm, welcoming and cosy, with beautiful light and neutral backdrops. As a new mum, the house was never tidy enough for photography (nor is it now!), but The Studio is, I hope, a bit of a home from home, with a sofa that converts to a sofa bed, a comfortable armchair for feeds and lots of blankets to choose from. There is also tea, coffee and Cano Water for our guests.

Anything else families should know before their shoot?

We also have lots of soft blankets, a variety of different backdrops, and even a gorgeous new children's bookshop, @beatrixandbrown, next door for some new props before your shoot. The Studio also has its own Pinterest board with ideas for maternity, newborn and family photography, if you're after more inspiration.

We asked Kate first about the space itself, then spoke with Alexandra about her approach behind the lens.

1. You describe your sessions as child-led. What does that actually look like on the day?

I always call children my little creative directors! I won’t ask them to do anything they don’t want to do. Instead, I create situations that allow everyone to fall naturally into place. I might ask, “Do you want to give Mummy a hug?” rather than telling a child to sit still and pose. My sessions flow through gentle prompts, games, exploration and natural interactions rather than following a strict shot list, there is a lot of throwing balls, snack breaks, singing and a giraffe jumping on my lens.There is also a lot of laughing, it's contagious!

2. A lot of parents worry their child “won’t perform” for photos. What would you say to them?

Anyone who books me as their photographer probably already knows that my style isn’t about looking straight at the camera and saying “cheese.”

I understand there can still be worries - especially that someone might have a meltdown. My approach is simply to go with the flow.

3. A lot of mums come to a shoot feeling body-conscious, whether that’s postpartum or pregnant. How do you help women feel confident in front of the camera? Are there any techniques or lighting choices you use?

As a mother of two, I understand how daunting it can feel to be in front of the camera, particularly during such a physically and emotionally vulnerable chapter. Our bodies go through incredible changes during pregnancy and after birth, and I’m always mindful of that.

I work with soft, natural light and flattering angles, and I offer gentle direction throughout so nobody is left wondering what to do with their hands or how to stand. I also advocate for using a makeup artist if that would help someone feel more relaxed and cared for. Equally, simply taking the time to do your makeup and put on a dress (or clean clothes!) you feel lovely in can make a world of difference.

More than anything, I create a calm, comfortable environment. I want every woman to feel seen and celebrated - not scrutinised. These photographs aren’t about looking perfect; they’re about recognising the beauty and strength in this particular moment of your life. I also want to say, your child isn't going to look back at this time and think 'gosh you don't look good in these mum'.

4. Bumps used to be hidden in family photos. Now they’re often the centrepiece. How has that changed your shoots?

I find this so interesting. When I asked my own mother for photographs of her while pregnant, she didn’t have any. I’m so pleased there has been such a significant cultural shift and that we’re now celebrating women and giving them the focus they deserve during this chapter.

Pregnancy is so short, even though it doesn’t always feel that way while you’re living it. Pregnancy is all about the anticipation, connection and emotion surrounding the arrival of your little one.

5. Any tips for the rest of us trying to take decent family photos on our phones?

Don’t bother! Book a photographer! I’m joking, of course.

My first tip is very simple: clean your phone camera lens. It makes an enormous difference. Find an area of your home with plenty of natural light, avoid harsh overhead lighting and try using Portrait mode for a softer, more professional-looking result. Rather than asking everyone to smile at the camera, photograph them doing something together. Genuine interaction will nearly always feel more special than a forced pose, or if you like the formal style, i sometimes do a little Q&A for everyone, e.g who's the better cook, who is the tidiest etc - it gets everyone feeling a little bit more relaxed.

For my own family photographs, I also love the nostalgia of a disposable camera, especially on holidays. I enjoy teaching my children about film and printing photographs. Everything has become so instant that i love to teach my boys about this side of this, and added bonus it lets us put our phones down.

6. What should families do to prepare for their shoot?

Every family booking with me receives a client guide with advice on how to prepare, including outfit inspiration, colour schemes and things that tend not to photograph as well, such as prominent logos or very busy stripes (or removing apple watches!). Before the shoot, I recap all the session details and create a mood board and portrait list so that we feel prepared while still leaving room for spontaneity. I also do pre-session consultations, where we can talk through any questions or concerns.

I encourage clients to look on Pinterest and send me any images that inspire them. This is a collaborative process, and I want to understand how each family would like to be photographed and remembered.

On the day, the most important thing is not to put too much pressure on yourselves or the children. Arrive with enough time that you don’t feel rushed, bring any essentials your little ones might need and trust that I’ll guide you through the rest.

7. Why The Studio in Southfields?

It’s such a beautiful Southwest London space with wonderful natural light and everything we need to create relaxed, timeless photographs. It also means families don’t have to worry about tidying or preparing their own homes at an already busy time - they can simply arrive and focus on being together.

The Studio has all the amenities needed to keep families comfortable, particularly those with babies or young children. It feels calm and welcoming and i'm always so pleased to go there as the light is perfect for me!

8. What do you hope families feel when they look back at their photos in ten years?

At my parents house we have a huge chest of drawers filled with photographs. Now that I have children of my own, I love looking through them with my older son, sharing the stories behind them and remembering what life felt like at that time, bringing back memories i have forgotten.

Ultimately, I hope families feel grateful that they preserved these memories. Photographs often become more precious as the years pass. They are reminders of the people we love and the lives we have shared and lived. I definitely want my own chest of drawers one day.

One day, these will be the photos someone pulls out of their own chest of drawers. If you know a family who could use an unhurried, child-led session (or you're due one yourself), Alexandra's sessions at The Studio are calm, considered and beautifully lit, and available to book through Amae, gift card or gift registry included. Find Alexandra Moss x The Studio on Amae →