Back to School
THEMED MINI SESSION | SOUTHSEA
The first day of school is one of those moments that feels impossibly big and beautifully small all at once. Our Back to School mini sessions are designed to capture that milestone before the uniforms are outgrown, the shoes are scuffed and this brand-new chapter becomes part of the everyday. Set around a vintage wooden school desk with thoughtfully styled details, these sessions create a timeless little snapshot of who your child was at the very beginning of their school journey.
Each session includes a personalised first-day board featuring as much or as little information as you’d like, from their name, age and new class to their favourite things or what they want to be when they grow up. As a mum myself, I completely understand the importance of protecting your child’s information online. You’re welcome to have one set of photographs with a detailed board for your own private memories, followed by another with only their first name, a simple message such as “My First Day of School”, or no board at all. That way, you can keep the personal version safely at home while still having photographs you feel comfortable sharing.
Moodboard
The Session
-
Up to 25–30 minutes at this fully styled set
Striped towels, wicker basket, parasol and vintage seaside props provided
All images from your shoot, professionally edited — typically 15–30, never fewer than 15
Private online gallery to view, download and share
-
DATE
Saturday 22nd August 2026
LOCATION
West Wittering Beach, Chichester
-
Usually within a week, though busy periods (Christmas, wedding season, etc.) can push this to up to two weeks.
-
Think 1950s seaside holiday, not modern beachwear — striped or gingham fabrics, vintage-style swimsuits, sundresses, and straw hats work beautifully. Muted, sun-bleached tones photograph best; avoid bold logos or neon brights. Bare feet are encouraged. Feel free to bring your own beach blanket, a parasol, or a favourite bucket and spade for little ones — anything with a slightly old-fashioned charm will sit right at home in the set.
Previous Sessions
Some of our
Book your slot
An old wooden desk, dragged outside and set up next to a chalkboard. A stack of books nobody's opened since June. This one's a small throwback to school before backpacks had wheels — ink-stained fingers, a shiny apple, that mix of nerves and excitement that comes with a new term. A vintage-style back to school mini session, properly styled, nowhere near an actual classroom.
What's Included
Up to 25–30 minutes at this fully styled set
Vintage wooden desk, chalkboard, book stack and props provided
All images from your shoot, professionally edited — typically 15–30, never fewer than 15
Private online gallery to view, download and share
Turnaround usually within a week, up to two weeks during busy periods (Christmas, wedding season)
Continue your story
Every love story needs a next chapter. Explore the portfolio to see how yours might look, or why not read some of our favourite love notes.
FAQs
-
Mini sessions are shorter (25–30 minutes vs. up to 90), take place at one pre-styled location rather than somewhere of your choosing, and come with fewer edited images — but they're a lower-cost, lower-commitment way to get beautiful, professional photos, especially around a seasonal theme.
-
Absolutely — the location and styling are set, but what you wear is entirely up to you. I'll usually send some outfit guidance once you've booked, so everyone coordinates nicely with the theme.
-
Outdoor themes have a rain date or backup plan where possible — I'll be in touch the day before if the weather looks uncertain, and we'll either adjust the time slightly or move to the next available date.
-
One slot covers one household. If you'd like a larger group — grandparents, extended family, several siblings and their families — get in touch and I'll see whether a longer, private slot can be arranged instead.
-
Join the mailing list or follow along on Instagram — new dates are usually announced a few weeks before the session, and popular themes go quickly
Save Your Space
Mini sessions are held on selected dates with only a small number of appointments available. Fill in the form below to tell me which session you’d like to book, and I’ll be in touch with the remaining times and everything you need to secure your place.