google reviews

Simon John Photographer: Portrait Photography

At Simon John Photographer I create portraits as unique as you, taking the time to understand each client's needs. I bring my individual style and artistic eye to every portrait session, whether it’s for fine art, fashion, wedding, weddings and other special events, or family photography.

Every client is unique, and my goal is to reveal and enhance each person's inherent beauty through portrait photography.

family portrait photography

Call me now on 01329 284445 to discuss your vision!

The Art of Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is more than just taking someone’s picture. It’s an art form that requires skill, creativity and an understanding of human nature. Portrait photography seeks to reveal the unique beauty of each person, capturing not only their appearance but also their individuality and personality.

My approach combines classic techniques with contemporary fashion trends to create portraits that are as timeless and expressive as a painting, resulting in images that remain family heirlooms.

Portrait Photography Hampshire

I’ve been creating portraits in Hampshire & Worldwide for over 40 years. As a freelance photographer commissions vary; everything from family portraits, children to fashion shoots, each session is carefully shot in thoughtfully chosen locations to ensure your personality is authentically captured. I use a combination of professional lighting techniques, styling and strong composition to tell your story.

I will relax you in front of the camera; no matter how camera shy & we will have a lot of fun! The right location can make a real difference in how your personality is captured in each shot.

portrait photography kids

Types of Photography

Portrait photography is a wonderfully diverse field, offering a range of styles to suit every individual and occasion. As a portrait photographer, I specialise in capturing everything from classic family photography to contemporary headshot photography, business portraits, and executive portraits. Each type of photography brings its own unique challenges and rewards. For example, headshot photography is all about capturing the right expression and personality in a single image, perfect for professionals looking to make a strong first impression. Business portraits and executive portraits focus on conveying confidence, approachability, and professionalism, helping you stand out in your industry. Family photography, on the other hand, is about capturing the warmth, connection, and unique story of your loved ones. As a talented photographer, I tailor my approach to each session, ensuring beautiful photos and great images that truly reflect the subject’s character and needs.

My Specialisms

  • Fine Art Photography: I create portraits that blur the line between fine art and social photography. Personalised wall art created just for you, designed to be displayed proudly on your walls.

  • Family Photography: Preserve precious moments with stunning family portraits that show the bonds and personalities of your loved ones. My unique style and approach are reflected in every image.

  • Children’s Photography: They grow up so fast, & we all lead busy lives. Allow me to preserve these special times with heartfelt portraits of your loved ones.

  • Newborn & Baby Photography: Right from the pregnancy stages through the first year. An important time full of emotion that needs to be preserved.

A variety of sessions are available to suit different needs and preferences.

portrait photography women jumping by the sea

Portrait Photography Tips

Achieving stunning, high-quality portraits is all about preparation and attention to detail. One of my top portrait photography tips is to carefully consider the location of your portrait session—whether it’s a studio with controlled lighting or an outdoor spot with gorgeous natural light, the setting can make all the difference. I always look for the best light to flatter my clients and create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Posing is another key element; I guide you through a variety of poses and expressions to capture your true personality and character, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident throughout the session. Details matter, from your choice of clothing to the background and composition of each image. By focusing on these elements, I’m able to capture beautiful, professional photos that you’ll be absolutely thrilled to display and share.

My Approach

  • Natural Light: I use natural light to create soft, flattering portraits that highlight your best features.

  • Studio Lighting: I bring professional lighting to achieve the perfect mood and atmosphere for your portraits.

  • Environmental Portraits: I photograph people in their proffered environment, whether it’s a beach, the countryside or streets London! I do love the relaxed approach in the comfort of your own home. You have access to your wardrobe for quick changes and a cuppa tea!

What to Expect

  1. Consultation: I'll discuss your goals, style preferences and any specific ideas you have for your portrait.

  2. Preparation: I'll guide you on wardrobe choices, makeup and hair allowing you to look your best.

  3. The Shoot: Relax and enjoy the experience as I capture a range of poses and expressions.

  4. Selection: Review your images and choose your favourites for artwork and editing by myself.

  5. Delivery: Receive your stunning wall portraits, books or files ready to display and treasure for years to come.

close up portrait photograph

Call me now on 01329 284445 to discuss your vision!

Business Photography

If you need self portraits for your business or a professional headshot for work or social media, I design something that will fit your brand & allow your personality to shine through. I offer headshots for individuals and team portraits for businesses, helping you present a cohesive and professional image.

I’m a renowned portrait photographer and I can use a mix of posed and candid images to accurately reflect your vision. A simple headshot gets right to the point, making a strong impression with clear focus on your face and eye contact. My brilliant approach and dedication to every job ensure that each client's needs are met with professionalism and creativity.

Your Portrait Experience

When you book a portrait session with Simon John Photographer, I offer a variety of portrait sessions tailored to your individual needs. I will chat with you to find out exactly what your portrait is for. From a relaxed setting with a creative spin to a studio set up, I can create a portrait you will love. Most people prefer relaxed, natural portraits over formal ones, and I strive to make each session comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a professional headshot, family portrait or fine art piece for your home, I’ll work closely with you to bring your vision to life. My expertise is the result of an ongoing course of learning and professional development, ensuring you receive high-quality results.

portrait photograph outdoors

Pricing and Packages

Every portrait photography session is unique, and I offer a range of pricing and packages to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a quick photo session or a more in-depth experience, you can choose from options that include a set number of images, professional editing, and a variety of print choices. For example, a basic package might feature a short session at your chosen location with a selection of beautifully edited photos, while a premium package could include an extended session, a larger gallery of images, and a custom-designed album to showcase your favourite shots. I believe in transparent pricing and clear communication, so you’ll always know exactly what to expect from your session. My goal is to provide you with professional, high-quality portraits and prints that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Benefits of Hiring a Talented Photographer

Choosing a talented photographer for your portrait session can make all the difference in the final photos you receive. A professional photographer brings not only technical expertise but also a creative eye and a deep understanding of how to capture your unique personality and character. Icons like Annie Leibovitz have shown the world how powerful a well-crafted portrait can be, and I strive to bring that same level of artistry and care to every session. With years of experience in family photography, headshot photography, and business portraits, I know how to help you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, guiding you through posing and expression to achieve stunning, high-quality images. The entire experience is designed to be enjoyable and confidence-boosting, resulting in beautiful photos that truly reflect who you are. Whether you’re seeking a timeless family portrait, a professional headshot, or executive portraits that set you apart, investing in a skilled photographer ensures you’ll be absolutely thrilled with the results.

Best Portrait Photographers Near Me

As a South Coast-based photographer with over four decades of experience I’ve established myself as one of the top portrait photographers in the UK today, offering a fantastic experience and results that clients love.

portrait photographer outdoors in forest

Book Your Session Today

Don't settle for ordinary portraits. Experience the artistry and expertise of one of the most renowned photographers in the industry. Contact Simon John Photography today to book your portrait session and create your own iconic images that will last.

Discover the power of portrait photography with Simon John – where every face tells a story and every image is a work of art.

google reviews
A young girl with glasses and long hair jumping in front of a green wall, smiling widely with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
Two people lying on a large graffitied octopus mural painted on a brick wall, with a background of blue fish swimming up the wall.
A young girl with light brown, shoulder-length hair standing against a vibrant green wall, wearing a navy blue and white striped long-sleeve dress, dark pants, and black boots, with her hands in her pockets, smiling at the camera.
Two female ballet dancers in black leotards perform jumps on a beach, with the ocean and sky in the background, captured in black and white.
A young girl with a big smile, wearing a denim jacket, a white shirt with a colorful cartoon print, and a multicolored tulle skirt, stands in front of a vibrant graffiti wall with abstract shapes and bright colors.
Black and white photo of a smiling young boy with short hair, wearing a long-sleeve shirt and jeans, standing with arms crossed against a plain light-colored wall.
Young woman with wavy, shoulder-length hair, wearing a striped crop top and baggy gray jeans, standing in front of colorful graffiti wall featuring a cartoon character reclining on a hand, with spiky black hair, pink cheeks, and sneakers, in an urban
A sleeping baby with brown hair, lying on a pink, fluffy blanket, holding one hand with the other while resting with eyes closed.
A family of three and a dog running on a sandy beach, playing with a green and blue ball flying in the air. The sky is clear and blue.
A family of four on a rocky beach with a vintage blue off-road vehicle under a partly cloudy sky. The mother and father stand in front of the vehicle, while their two young children are positioned in and around the vehicle, smiling and enjoying the d
Family group portrait standing under a wooden gazebo in a lush green garden.
Family of five, three women and two men, smiling and embracing each other, standing in front of a teal blue wooden background.
A man with two boys standing against a blue wall, smiling and posing casually.
A man and two boys posing against a metal wall, with the man standing and holding the younger boy on his shoulders, and the older boy standing next to them. All are smiling and dressed in casual clothes.
Two boys jumping in a park with lush green trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Family portrait of nine people, including elderly man and woman, posing on a wooden bench outdoors surrounded by lush green foliage.
A smiling family of four and a dog sitting on a light blue couch, posing for a photo against a plain gray wall with wooden floor.
Family of four sitting in a wheat field on a sunny day, smiling at the camera.
A young child with brown hair and blue eyes lies on a beige couch, resting their head on the armrest, gazing to the side.
A man and pregnant woman sitting on a gray sofa, with a teddy bear on the backrest between them, in a minimalistic room with plain white walls and tiled floor.
A young woman with long brown hair wearing a white short-sleeve shirt and blue jeans standing among green and yellow foliage with her arms crossed.
A couple holding hands under a large, sprawling tree in a grassy field during sunset, with a fallen log in the foreground.
A girl with glasses lying in a red, green, and blue striped hammock in a yellowish sunny yard holding a glass of pink drink, with a brown hen nearby on the grass.
A family of five, two adults and three children, smiles and poses together outdoors in a grassy field with rolling hills and horses grazing in the background.
Two teenage boys with curly hair and crossed arms standing against a wall, looking into the camera, in black-and-white photo.
Young man in a white t-shirt sitting at a piano with a thoughtful expression, in a room with guitars hanging on the wall and a framed artwork.
A young girl with glasses and a colorful dress sits on a metal bench outdoors, holding a brown chicken in her arms, with green foliage in the background.
A young girl standing in front of a colorful graffiti mural of a happy fox with closed eyes, a big smile, and hands on hips.
Two children, a boy and a girl, looking out of window, smiling, with the boy wearing glasses and a green shirt and the girl with glasses and a sleeveless top.
Two children, a boy and a girl, in front of a colorful wall mural with abstract characters. The boy is leaning against a scooter, wearing sunglasses, and the girl is riding a scooter past him.
A young couple stands close, holding hands and looking into each other's eyes in front of a colorful graffiti wall. Behind them, two other people, a man and a woman, are holding hands and smiling, standing in front of the same wall.
Two young girls holding black puppies in front of a stone wall.
A family of five, including two women, two young girls, and a young man, posing indoors with family members sitting on a wooden table and two large lamps and vases behind them.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, standing in tall grass near water with a harbor and ships in the background during sunset.
Black and white portrait of a young boy with crossed arms, looking directly at the camera, wearing a denim jacket against a plain background.
A woman with blonde hair and a black leather jacket standing next to a small green table and a white chair against a brick wall, holding a saxophone and smiling.
A woman wearing a sparkly pink jumpsuit and high heels stands on a stone ledge between Greek-style columns, holding a saxophone against a sunset sky with trees and garden in the background.
Three people running on a sandy beach with a brown dog, and a colorful ball in the sky.
Young woman with shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes lying on a blue bench, resting her head on her hand, wearing a light blue long-sleeve shirt with shoulder cutouts, black pants with white stitching, and a black backpack, against a background
Two young girls walking at the shoreline of a sunny beach, with clear blue water and sparkling sunlight reflections.
A man in a blue suit, white shirt, and white sneakers laughing and walking while holding a pair of black headphones against a turquoise wall with cartoon duck illustrations.
A mirrored ball with headphones resting on top on a pebbled beach during sunset, with a blurred person standing in the background
A woman with dark hair, wearing a colorful striped crop top and baggy gray cargo pants, stands on a ledge with her hands behind her head, against a backdrop of a white multi-story building with arched windows and a blue sky.
A young woman with light skin and brown hair, wearing a colorful striped tank top and gray pants, sitting on a small ledge outside a building, leaning against the wall with one arm behind her head. Her reflection is visible in the glass window next t
A smiling young boy with brown hair and blue eyes standing on a boat, holding onto a metal pole and looking at the camera, with cloudy sky and water in the background.
A family of five posing together in front of a blue wooden wall, smiling and embracing each other.
Two young girls stand outside, smiling and looking at each other, against colorful background panels. One girl wears a denim jacket and rainbow skirt, holding a stuffed animal, while the other girl crosses her arms in a pink jacket and a sequined ski
Young girl with long reddish hair and blue eyes playing violin, wearing a white lace sweater, against a plain white background.
Ballet dancer in a black leotard and pink ballet shoes performing a leap on the beach with dark stormy clouds and ocean waves in the background.
A family with two children running and walking along a forest trail, surrounded by green foliage and sunlight filtering through the trees.
Family of four sitting on rocks and grass in a natural outdoor setting during sunset.
A multigenerational family gathered in a living room, posing on and around a patterned sofa, smiling at the camera.
A young girl sitting on a stool wearing a pink dress and holding a pink flower, with a plush unicorn toy beneath her, against a plain background.
Family of four sitting on wooden steps outdoors. The mother is holding a sleeping baby, the father is with a young girl hugging his neck.
A young boy with freckles and short hair holding a grumpy cat with a flat face close to his face.
An elderly man in a suit and cap pushing a stroller with a young child, on a sidewalk with a cloudy sky background.
A baby sitting on an antique, ornate rocking chair with a green upholstery, against a dark, textured wall.
A couple is kissing in a lush green forest with three dogs nearby, standing on a dirt path surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage.
Black and white portrait of a young woman with long, wavy hair, wearing a leather jacket, crossing her arms, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression.
A family of four, including a pregnant woman, stands on a wooden floor against a plain white wall. One child is doing a handstand supported by the father, while the mother smiles at the scene.
Woman with curly hair wearing a black dress and high-heeled sandals, posing indoors against a textured wall.
A black and white photo of an adult hand holding a tiny baby's hand.
Two young children with light curly hair, one girl and one boy, sitting in front of a floral wallpaper background.
Two young children, a boy in a blue sweater and a girl in a pink dress, jumping and smiling on a bed in a warmly lit bedroom.
A woman practicing yoga outdoors at sunset, standing on one leg with her other leg bent behind her and her arm extended forward, against a sky with scattered clouds and trees in the background.
Four people, two women and two girls, enjoying outdoors on a sunny day against a clear blue sky. One girl is dancing with arms raised, wearing sunglasses and a teal dress. The other girl is playing a saxophone, wearing a denim jacket and a black skir
A black and white close-up photograph of a woman lying down, with her head resting on her arm. She has long hair, expressive eyes, and slightly parted lips, appearing contemplative.
A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, cream-colored ribbed sweater, leopard print shorts, and over-the-knee black boots, posing outdoors against a metallic corrugated background.
Young boy in yellow rain boots, jeans, and a striped shirt, standing in a field with a windmill in the distance.
A young boy with brown hair, wearing a gray t-shirt, black shorts, and black shoes, is balancing on a large tree branch over a stream. He is smiling and looking at the camera in a lush, green forest setting.
Family of five relaxing on a beige patterned sofa in a living room.
A young woman wearing a black tank top, black jeans, and black high heels stands against a brick wall with one hand on her hip, looking confidently at the camera.
Family of six with four adults, two children, and a dog posing outdoors in front of a wooden building, with pink flowers in the foreground.
A woman and a young boy sit on a wooden bench in a wooded area with green trees and purple flowers in the background. The woman has long brown hair and is wearing a denim jacket and a black skirt, while the boy has curly light brown hair and is dress
A young girl with long brown hair, wearing a floral crop top and jeans, stands with a scooter against a colorful graffiti wall, looking at the camera. A boy with short hair, wearing a white t-shirt and vest, leans on a scooter further down the wall,
A woman with curly hair standing outdoors in autumn, leaning on a wooden fence with a bag over her shoulder, smiling.