Saraya Cortaville Photography

Saraya Cortaville is an award‑winning portrait photographer based in Cheltenham, celebrated for beautiful children’s and family lifestyle portraits shot on location. With more than two decades behind the camera and two industry fellowships to her name, Saraya’s work is rooted in a calm, playful approach that draws out authentic personality rather than forced smiles. She chooses locations with care — parks, countryside and places that hold meaning for families — so each portrait reflects the child and the family it represents. Why clients choose Saraya is simple: she combines technical mastery and an empathetic, relaxed manner. As a Fujifilm X Ambassador and former President of the BIPP, Saraya brings high‑level professional experience to every session. She shoots on location and designs each session to be enjoyable for children and straightforward for parents, creating an atmosphere where natural expressions and moments can unfold. After the shoot, families are invited to a viewing (in‑person or online) where Saraya guides them through image selection and encourages prints and display options that will become family heirlooms. Saraya also passionately shares her knowledge with other photographers. Her mentoring and training programmes range from short online critiques to in‑depth one‑to‑one training and hands‑on workshops. Having judged at national and international levels, she offers practical, structured guidance on developing a personal style, mastering light and composition, and preparing work for qualifications or competitions. Each mentoring session includes written notes and clear next steps, so photographers leave with both inspiration and actionable goals. Whether you’re booking a bespoke family portrait, attending one of Saraya’s portrait days, or seeking expert mentoring, you’ll find a thoughtful, experienced photographer who values craft and connection. Based in Cheltenham and working across the Cotswolds and London, Saraya specialises in creating timeless, natural images that celebrate childhood and family life — photographed with patience, creativity and technical excellence.