Ritchie Coatsworth Photography

I’m Ritchie Coatsworth — a portrait specialist working from a family‑friendly studio near Bishop Auckland and across the North East. Portrait photography is my core passion: I focus on creating professional portraits and natural, emotive studio images that genuinely reflect who you are. Whether you need a confident LinkedIn headshot, a relaxed family portrait, a newborn session or photos with your pets and horse, my aim is always the same: capture honest, memorable images in a calm, enjoyable way. My approach is informal and collaborative. Sessions are relaxed and unhurried — parents are welcome to join in, pets are treated with patience, and newborn shoots are paced around feeds and naps so your baby remains comfortable. I shoot in the studio and on location, using a considered mix of natural light and flash to create a diverse set of looks from classic studio portraits to softer, lifestyle images outdoors. I’ll recommend poses and subtle direction, but I prioritise real moments over stiff, staged shots. Working with me is straightforward and personal. We start with a chat — either on the phone or face‑to‑face — to plan the session and discuss the images you want. After the shoot I prepare a carefully edited selection of photographs for you to review during a relaxed slideshow viewing in the studio, where you can choose your favourites and options for prints or digital files. My studio experience is designed to be warm and welcoming so that everyone who visits leaves with beautiful photographs and a great memory of the process. I also offer business portraits and professional headshots tailored for company websites, portfolios and LinkedIn profiles. These sessions deliver confident, polished images while keeping the session efficient and focused on the image your business needs. If you’re in Bishop Auckland or the surrounding area and you’re looking for a specialist portrait photographer who values story, atmosphere and a straightforward customer experience, get in touch. I’d love to discuss how we can create portraits you’ll treasure — whether for family walls, social profiles or professional use.