Creative Family & Couple Portraits in London

Couple & Family Portraits in London

Capturing your special moments and preserving them as beautiful photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Creative Portrait Session include?

1 x 2-hour photography session at a London location (home or studio environment)
Delivery of 20-30 photographs – depending on needs
Professional photo editing – grading, editing, light retouching and print-ready resolution
Commercial usage and rights transferred to you in perpetuity (you own your own photos, and can use them in PR or advertising or billboards without any additional fees. Yay.)

What will happen during our photography session?

Before our session we’ll define the creative look and style you’d like for your photos over email and a Pinterest moodboard.

Together we’ll plan what outfits you want to wear and other details to make sure you feel good on the day. Then it’s time to get a date in the diary to shoot at a London location!

Within 3 weeks, I’ll send over your images (known as a ‘contact sheet’) and you can shortlist your favourite photos. I’ll then deliver professionally edited images within 1 week – and you’ll get a set of lovely images that you feel thrilled about sharing with the world.

Can you tell me a bit more about yourself, Mel?

Sure! I’m Mel Legarda – a photographer who has shot writers, journalists, entrepreneurs, influencers and established music artists including Emile Sande, MNEK and Becky Hill. I have also created content for all sorts of global brands like Dior, Adobe, Jet2, Marriott, St. Regis, Miss Selfridge and UniQlo.

I love making portrait photography a fun, positive experience – especially if you’re not used to having your photo taken. Lately I’ve been working with couples on engagement and maternity shoots, and recently photographed my first wedding!

I also prefer working with natural light in homely environments, as this is where people tend to feel most comfortable, so if you’re looking for more of a glam studio shoot this package won’t be right for you.

How do I pay for the package?

A deposit of 50% is required before the shoot, with the remaining balance to be paid after delivery of images. If you’re self-employed, you might also be able to expense our photography session as it’s related to your work – check with your accountant!

Do you offer video as well?

Absolutely – just let me know what sort of video you’d like. Is it a longer landscape video for YouTube and sharing with the family, or an Instagram Reel? We can discuss!

I'm in! How do I book a session?

Drop me an email at hello@illumelation.com and we can get the ball rolling 🙂

Portrait Portfolio

Portfolio selection: Maternity, engagement, couples & portraits

Erica, Derrick & Zack

Family Photography

Sunshine & Chris

Wedding Photography

Venus & Joe

Engagement Photography

Ryan & Shylla

Engagement Photography

How the Photo Session Works

Secure our session with a deposit ✅

First up, we book in your photoshoot date and get it locked in with a deposit! Once the deposit has been paid, I'll start putting together a plan for your shoot.

We'll have a chat about your vibe, style and vision 💬

Once your photoshoot is booked, we'll make time to talk about the style, location and the creative vibes you're after. I'll send you references beforehand so you can be prepared on the day - I want your photos to feel special and tailor-made!

Your photoshoot day is here! 📷

The fun part! Don't worry if you feel nervous! I'll guide you through the whole session and make sure you come out looking and feeling like your best self. The balance of the package also needs to be paid on this day.

Photos go into the editing suite 🪄

I will edit photos one by one, not applying the same blanket edits to every photo, to make sure each one looks fantastic. Turnaround times can vary, with a maximum of 3 weeks turnaround in busy periods. I'll communicate this to you beforehand!

Your images are delivered 📩

I send over your edited photos in the highest possible resolution, and hopefully, you absolutely love them! It also means you now have a range of professional photos to use in print, on social media, across professional networks, and so much more. Yay!

Ready to book your photo session?

Reach out at hello@illumelation.com

Get in touch