The Cotswold

Child Photographer

Sensory Friendly Photo Shoots

Cheltenham - Gloucestershire - Cotswolds

A different kind of photoshoot experience

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Artistic Child Portraits For Your Family,

Captured In And Around The Beautiful Cotswolds

Storybook Magic

Cinematic, thoughtfully composed images with beautiful light, colour and concept

Imaginative Play

Kids can become heroes, adventurers and storytellers in interactive, fun sessions

No Forced Smiles

Relaxed, natural portraits that let your child’s personality shine

Breathtaking Locations

Stunning and unique Cotswolds backdrops, perfect for exploring and creating magical, memorable photo sessions

Photography should be an enjoyable experience for every child, not something overwhelming or stressful. That’s why I offer sensory friendly, child-led photo sessions designed to be relaxed, flexible and free from pressure.

As an autistic photographer and parent, I understand how important it is to create a calm, comfortable environment where children can truly be themselves. Sensory friendly photo shoots aren’t just for autistic children - it benefits all children by allowing them to explore, play and engage at their own pace, without the expectation of sitting still or posing in a certain way.

I tailor each session to each child, choosing suitable locations, giving plenty of time for breaks and using a gentle, patient approach. If a session needs to pause or even try again another day, that’s completely okay - because the best photos come from moments that feel natural, not forced.

Find out more about my sensory friendly photo shoots

Full Sessions

A relaxed, child-led outdoor photo session capturing genuine moments in beautiful Cotswold locations. Perfect for families wanting a personalised experience with plenty of time for children to feel comfortable.

Signature Sessions

Signature Sessions are designed as an experience rather than a standard photo session, bringing together rare and carefully chosen locations with creative, story-led ideas. While your child is immersed in it all, I capture a collection of striking, cinematic fine art portraits that are completely one of a kind.

Mini Sessions

A short, seasonal photo session in a set location, offered a few times a year. A simple, relaxed way to capture a small collection of natural images, perfect for marking the moment or updating photos of your children.

Branding Sessions

Branding Sessions are designed for child-focused businesses looking for natural, engaging imagery that showcases what they offer. Using a relaxed, child-led approach, I capture children interacting with your products or spaces in a genuine way, creating images that feel authentic and appealing.

  • “Kat was so attentive and engaging with my children, she understood very quickly how to get the best shots from them - how to make them personally laugh, smile, play etc. As a result, the photos are so true to my children's characters, their individual personalities really shine through, making these photos such irreplaceable mementos.”

    Marnie

  • “These photos made me cry. You were able to capture their personalities as well as their relationship so perfectly. Thank you.”

    Charlene

  • “Kat's photos are truly different and unique. She is amazing with SEN children as my son has autism. She did a mini shoot with us and our photos were amazing!”

    Kate

  • “The session was really relaxed which was super enjoyable for the children and us as parents.”

    Emily

  • “You have literally made my day with these images! They are just perfect in every way.”

    Miriam

Why Choose Me?

Child photographer and son

Hi! I’m Kat

I’m a child photographer based in the beautiful Cotswolds, and I love capturing the magic of childhood through my lens. As a parent and an autistic adult with an autistic son, I know how important it is to create a comfortable, sensory-friendly environment where kids can be themselves. My son, who often inspires my ideas and even models for me, has taught me the value of letting kids’ unique personalities shine through in each photo.

I know that many families can find traditional photo shoots stressful, but I’ve designed my sessions to be the opposite. My approach focuses on natural moments, fun adventures and artistic storytelling. I work with you to create an experience that’s relaxed, enjoyable, and completely tailored to your family.

A flexible and positive photography experience for families, tailored to your child’s individual needs.

I always try my best to create a sensory friendly photo session, providing choices in location, timing and activities to suit your child. As an autistic photographer and parent, with a qualification in Understanding Autism, I bring both professional skill and personal understanding to my work. My aim is to capture beautiful moments while also ensuring everyone feels at ease. With a commitment to positivity and understanding, my photography sessions are designed with your family's comfort at heart.

Why Choose a Photographer Based in the Cotswolds?

Child in green coat sitting on moss-covered stone steps with snowdrop flowers.
  • Handpicked Cotswold Locations To Capture The Best of Each Season

  • Unique Cotswold Backdrops

  • Expert Location Knowledge

The Cotswolds is such a magical place, and it’s the perfect backdrop for creating unique, standout portraits. Being local means I’ve spent so much time exploring this beautiful area with my son, finding amazing hidden spots and testing them out for shoots. From charming villages to dreamy woodlands and rolling hills, I know some of the best places to make your photos truly special.

I’ve also learned how to adapt to the Cotswolds’ ever-changing weather, making the most of every season. Whether it’s a foggy morning that adds a dreamy touch, a frosty day perfect for magical winter scenes, or knowing where to head for golden light on a sunny day, I have the experience to create breathtaking images no matter the conditions.

The natural beauty of the Cotswolds adds so much to your photos - it’s the kind of backdrop that turns portraits into real works of art for your walls.

  • "We had Christmas photos at Over Farm on probably one of the worst days we could have chosen with all the rain, wind and floods but Kat made it so fun for my girls and they absolutely loved it so much they can't wait to go back again. She captured some beautiful images that we will treasure forever. I can't recommend her enough!"

    Dani

  • "Fabulous mini photo shoot for my two tots in the park, she is great (& very patient!) with kids and the photos were amazing, thank you!"

    Katherine

  • "Kat's photography is truly magical. She is super talented and I'm really pleased with the memories that she's captured."

    Brittany

  • "I would highly recommend Kat for her experience, her patience and professionalism. Thank you for producing some amazing images."

    Amanda

Ready to Book? Let's Make It Happen!

Let’s collaborate to create something truly special, tailored just for you. From unique concepts to relaxed, natural sessions, we’ll work together to bring your vision to life.

Ready to book or want to explore an idea? Contact me today, and let’s start planning your perfect photo shoot!

Child with red hair peering out of a train window labeled 'First Class.'

Kat Purchase Photography Blog