The Magic of Cornwall by Marianne Taylor

The Siren of the Sea : Elli

May 18, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I met Elli for the first time when she was just 3 months old. A few years later, she was the subject of one of my favourite portraits I’ve ever taken. Now, at thirteen, she is turning into such a beautiful and gentle young woman, and I couldn’t be happier that I had the chance to photograph her here in my beloved Cornwall! I don’t know what it is, but my soul is at its happiest doing these shoots, feeling the wind and hearing the roar of the ocean.

If you want to have your own Siren of the Sea portrait shoot down here in North Cornwall, do get in touch! (Likewise, if you have a woman or a girl in your life you’d like to treat to a beautiful experience & some pretty magical images!)

A windswept mother & daughter session by the sea

April 19, 2016 · 5 Comments

I can’t quite describe how happy my heart is about being able to do family shoots by the sea in Cornwall! This mother & daughter Together Session was rather windy, but that didn’t dampen the joy of spending time together by the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

This session shows you that there’s no set formula for what a family shoot needs to look like. It’s not just for families with small children, it can be a great way to spend time with older kids, or spend quality time with one sibling at a time. There’s no reason why a family shoot couldn’t consist of a completely grown up family, either. You can never have too many beautiful pictures of yourself together with your loved ones.

The Magic of Cornwall: The Siren of the Sea

March 31, 2016 · 12 Comments

Ever since I moved to Cornwall, I’ve yearned to do a shoot that incorporated some of the stunning scenery here, from the beautiful beaches to the magnificent cliffs with views over the majestic Atlantic Ocean, combined with the kind of portrait photography I want to do more of in the future. When I came across Lucie, who’s a local surfer and a model, I knew she was a ready-made Siren of the Sea, and I couldn’t wait to photograph her!

Putting this shoot together was also a chance to get to know and work with some of the incredibly talented suppliers in the local area, and I really couldn’t have been happier with our little team. Here’s to creating many more beautiful things together in the future!

I hope you’ll enjoy these images, and perhaps even get inspired to travel down to the breathtaking North Cornwall to have your very own day as a Siren!

The Team

Photographer: Marianne Taylor
Model: Lucie Rose Donlan
Hair: Joanne Einnis of Gold Bird Hair Design
Make-up: Chloe Drew
Flower crown: Elle Grime of Inspire Hire
Gowns: Minna

The year in pictures

December 31, 2015 · 7 Comments

Favourite images from 2015 by Marianne Taylor Photography.

What a strange and wonderful year 2015 has been! When we were leaving Cornwall after a short stay last December, I remember saying a silent goodbye to the ocean and wishing I never had to leave… It’s kind of mindblowing that now, a year later, we actually live here!

Most of 2015 got swept up by the whole rigmarole of selling our old home, finding and purchasing not only a new house in Cornwall, but also a little ‘city base’ closer to London, and everything that goes with it, including two moves. We’re still trying to figure out the new rhythm of life, when to be where, how to get used to the travelling, but there’s one thing that’s certain – I’m never happier than under the Cornish sky, watching my beloved ocean.

Despite the year being a bit of a whirlwind with lots of new challenges on all fronts, I did get to take photos of some wonderful people and beautiful events, while also mentoring many incredible photographers via Her Lovely Heart. I hope you’ll enjoy this small collection of my favourite photos from 2015!

Coastline in Cornwall, UK.

Photographer in Cornwall.

Family Beloved Together Photography in Bushy Park London by Marianne Taylor.

Fine art destination wedding photography in the South of France by Marianne Taylor. Click through to see more.

Creative wedding reportage photography by Marianne Taylor

Coastline in Cornwall, UK.

Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.

The Magic of Cornwall: family fun in the sun

June 22, 2015 · 1 Comment

Plan a family photography session in Cornwall. Click through for tips for places to stay and see!

Unfortunately a family photo shoot is too often a stressful dreaded date on the annual calendar, involving uncomfortable Sunday best clothes and awkward poses. But it doesn’t have to be! I’ve rather fallen in love with relaxed Family Together Sessions, and can’t wait to start doing more down in Cornwall. Wouldn’t you rather capture moments together while on a family weekend away to one of the most beautiful places the UK has to offer? Let me do your family shoot in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, and let’s make natural happy family memories to treasure together.

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Cornwall photography by Marianne Taylor.

Things to Do

There’s so much to do for each member of the family. North Cornwall offers some brilliant family days out, including kite-surfing, cycling, rock pools and bird parks – read this article for some great ideas for the active family. Don’t forget Newquay if you are looking for a surfing weekend, and lots to do in a trendy yet family friendly destination.

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Some images from a Family Together Session in Rock with The Millard Family.

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Places to Stay

Here are some family friendly accommodation recommendations.

Sands Resort
A family run resort offering 2 roomed family accommodation, excellent facilities and complimentary family activities.

Beach Retreats
Self-catering accommodation on the Cornish coast offering a choice in size and price to suit your requirements. Pets are also accommodated and as a bonus, you can pre-order groceries which will be ready for you when you arrive.

Watergate Bay Hotel
On a spectacular beach in North Cornwall, this hotel offers a beach holiday complete with the ability to get active in the swim club or learn a new sport with the extreme academy offering lessons in surfing, kitesurfing, waveski, stand-up paddlesurf and handplaning.

Headland Hotel
An iconic family owned hotel and cottages in Newquay, offering a host of specials throughout the year to accommodate families – well worth checking out.

The Park at Mawgan Porth
Whatever your style of family holiday from camping to cottages to luxury summerhouses – you can find it all here. Close to one of the best beaches, with plenty of things to do, this is a great option for families and friends to get away together.

Perran Springs
Keen on camping, caravanning and getting back to nature for your holiday? Then this holiday park is just right for you. With different fishing options and nature trails, there is so much on offer here. For more holiday park options have a read here.

Cornwall photography by Marianne Taylor.