Little Shoes, Big Steps
First day of school photoshoots
Starting School Photography - in and around Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
For the mum who feels the shift before it even happens
They said the early years would fly. You didn’t realise it would feel like this.
The uniform’s hanging ready.
The shoes are by the door.
And suddenly – it’s real.
You’re making breakfast, watching their little legs swing from the chair, wondering how you got here so fast.
Because the first day of school isn’t just a beginning.
It’s an ending.
Of slow mornings and sticky fingers.
Of hands that always reached back.
Little Shoes, Big Steps is a short, gentle photo session that holds that moment – before it slips through your fingers.
📍Shot right on your doorstep in and around Bishop’s Stortford.
Just 15 minutes. No pressure. No posing. Just presence.
The proud grin.
The too-big uniform.
The baby face that’s fading – even if you’re not ready yet.
Please note: The photoshoots are held in the days leading up to the first day of school, NOT on the actual first morning itself
👉 Join the waitlist to be first in line when bookings open.
You won't realise it was the last time... Until you're looking back
This isn’t about a photo. It’s about a moment that’s already fading.
The first day of school moves fast.
Too fast for good light. Too fast for deep breaths. Too fast for you to be in the frame.
That’s why we do it before.
Before the chaos.
Before the tears.
Before the day takes over.
So you can hold the quiet before the shift – when their shoes look too big and they still reach for your hand without thinking.
👉 The school gates will open. The moment will pass.
But the memory? That’s what we’ll hold…
“Nicole took such gorgeous photos of our daughter's first day of school, so much better than we could have imagined. She made us feel super relaxed in front of the camera and was so great with our kids.”
What gets in the way of remembering
You can’t freeze time — but you can remember them like this
They’re not just starting school. They’re stepping into a whole new world – without you by their side.
Their hands still look baby-soft.
Their voice still trips on certain words.
Their confidence is new – but you can feel it growing.
This isn’t just a uniform and a smile. It’s the first time they’ve stood at the edge of their own story.
And one day, you’ll want to remember exactly who they were before the school gates opened.
👉 Join the waitlist – and be the first to book a session that captures the child they are right now.
A short, soulful doorstep session designed to bottle up the moment before everything shifts.
This isn’t just a photo. It’s a keepsake of who they were the morning the world got a little bigger.
No stress. No rushing. Just 15 minutes to capture you and your child - right now, right here, as they take their very first step into this new chapter.
📷 Includes 3 hand-edited digital images (with the option to purchase more if your heart can’t choose)
You join the list. The rest feels easy.
1.
You join the waitlist
You’ll get priority access before dates go public. Everything you need - sent straight to your inbox when booking opens.
Plus a very special offer (shhh).2.
You book your session
Each location has one set shoot day. Before you book, you’ll see the exact date for your area - no surprises. It’s simple, clear, and designed to fit around the first-day buzz.
3.
You receive your time slot
I co-ordinate the route based on proximity - so your session flows into the day without stress or back-and-forth planning.
4.
You simply show up
No prepping the house. No forced smiles. You just open the front door with your little one - and we capture the moment right there, in the space they’ve grown up in.
About me
Hi, I’m Nicole – photographer, memory-keeper, and mum to two little ones (including one starting school this September… so yes, I’m that mum too).
I live just outside of Bishop’s Stortford, where life moves fast – but I’m always looking for ways to slow it down.
As a lifestyle photographer, I’m here for the tender in-between. The crooked uniform. The proud grin. The glance you didn’t know you needed to capture.
I don’t just photograph children.
I bottle up the belonging between you.
Because one day, this will be the photo you hold on to.
Your Investment
How much does a starting school photoshoot cost?
Sessions are £75.
Simple, all-in pricing for one tender, well-held milestone.
And let’s just say… being on the waitlist comes with a little something extra.
“The photos were all amazing and I couldn't have asked for more. Such great memories that we can look back on and remember such a special and emotional milestone in our lives. Will cherish them forever.”
Don't miss the morning you'll look back on for years
It won’t feel big while it’s happening. But one day, you’ll wish you could step back into this version - the proud grin, the oversized sleeves, the hand that still finds yours. Let’s make sure you can.
I can't miss this - save me a spotFrequently asked questions
Here are some answers to common questions I'm asked. I hope you find this helpful, but if you still have a question, please do get in touch.
Still have a question? Get in touchIf I join the waitlist am I obliged to book a session?
No, not at all! By joining the waitlist, it’s just making sure that you receive email notification when the booking goes live, so you don’t miss out. If you change your mind or can’t make the date, that’s absolutely fine.
I might also have a cheeky special offer for those on the waitlist as well, so it’s well worth joining 😉
Will the photoshoot be on the actual first morning of school?
No – we’ll do it in the days before school begins. That way, there’s no pressure, no rushing, and no trying to hold it together while everyone’s feeling emotional. Just space to capture this milestone calmly, while it still feels exciting.
What if my child doesn’t want to be photographed on the day?
That’s completely okay – and totally normal.
I take a gentle, playful approach and never force a moment. Often, just chatting and giving them space helps them warm up naturally. And because we’re at your doorstep, they’re already in their comfort zone.Do I need to tidy up or prepare anything?
Nope – no pressure, no prep.
Just get your child (and any school-aged siblings) ready in their uniform. I won’t be coming inside or photographing your home, so there’s nothing else you need to do. You’ll also get a short guide sent to you before your session to remind you what’s going to happen.Can parents and siblings be in the photos too?
Absolutely – and I encourage it.
You’ve been part of every moment leading up to this one. I’ll gently capture a few natural shots of you together, if you’re comfortable. These often become the most cherished.And if you have a fur-baby as well they can definitely join in the fun!
How do I know when and where my session will be?
When bookings open, you’ll choose the date specified for your area. I’ll then confirm your specific time closer to the day – based on location flow. Everything will be communicated clearly in advance, so you’re never left guessing.
Can I buy more images later?
Yes – once your gallery is ready, you’ll be able to view all edited images and choose your favourites. The first 3 are included in your package, and additional images will be available to purchase if you’d like more (many parents do!).
