Specialist Fulham portrait photographer capturing soft, light-filled, natural portraits. I create elegant personal and family images with a relaxed direction, plus modern outdoor headshots for professional use.
I’m Heather Neilson — a specialist portrait photographer based in Fulham, SW London, known for creating soft, light‑filled images that feel natural, timeless and utterly personal. My work is rooted in a love of available light and simple locations: gently backlit meadows, quiet park corners and the window-light of family homes. The result is portraits that look effortless but are carefully composed to become the kind of photographs you’ll want on your walls for years to come. My background is a little unusual — a decade in law followed by a serious photography course in the US and two formative years working for leading studios in the Cayman Islands. That training taught me everything from newborn whispering to the business of beautiful fine‑art prints; it also shaped my calm, professional approach. I’ve been published internationally and contribute to Getty Images, but what matters most to me is creating portraits that capture connection, character and light. How I work: I aim to make sessions relaxed and enjoyable. Whether you’re booking an individual portrait, a maternity shoot, or a family session, I prioritise comfort and natural moments over stiff posing. I offer gentle direction to help people feel at ease, and I scout locations that give flattering, soft light at the time of day we shoot. For children and babies I combine semi‑posed moments with candid, documentary-style images so you get a variety of looks — from tender close-ups to joyful family interaction. While portraiture is my primary speciality, I also photograph modern, flattering headshots and business portraits as a considered, secondary service. My approach to headshots is a fresh alternative to the corporate studio: natural light, flattering angles and an outdoor or environmental setting that suits the individual — ideal for LinkedIn and personal branding. Beyond the shoot I place selected proofs in a private online gallery and carefully hand‑edit each chosen image. Many clients choose museum‑grade fine‑art prints or bespoke albums to turn those photographs into lasting pieces of art — I work with boutique professional printers (Folio Albums) to ensure the prints look as beautiful in your home as they do on screen. If you’re in Fulham or SW London and want portraits that feel both modern and enduring, I’d love to hear about your ideas and help plan a session that reflects you.