Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted School & Family Portrait Photography in Southampton
Established in 1969, we are a family-run business now in its third generation, serving clients across England and the Channel Islands for over five decades. Our reputation for exceptional quality and service stems from merging Cardwell Photography and Simons Studios in 1992, combining decades of expertise. Based in Southampton, we operate a state-of-the-art digital laboratory, ensuring hands-on quality control and rapid turnaround times. Our team of 30 local professionals, including award-winning photographers with academic and practical excellence, delivers tailored services for school, family, military, and wedding photography. We prioritise community impact, having raised over 10 million for clients through our high-commission model while maintaining affordability and artistic excellence.Our in-house approachfrom editing to printingeliminates third-party delays, ensuring precision at every stage. With flexible scheduling and customisable options, we cater to diverse needs, from traditional portraits to contemporary group shoots. Our 24/7 availability underscores our commitment to accessibility and client satisfaction, reinforced by testimonials praising our responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to capture authentic moments. As the longest-running photography company on the South Coast, we blend heritage with innovation to create enduring memories.
Services
Primary School Portraits
Senior School Portraits
Sibling Photos
Group Photos
School Leavers
Family Photos
Festive Photos
Military
Weddings
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in school and family photography.
- Our state-of-the-art digital laboratory ensures quick turnaround times.
- We provide 24/7 customer support for urgent inquiries.
- Our photographers are award-winning professionals with diverse expertise.
- We offer customisable packages to suit all budgets and preferences.
What people say
Excellent quality
Fantastic customer service
Quick turnaround
Professional photographers
Beautiful memories captured
Services
Primary School Portraits
Our primary school portraits capture children's milestones with professionalism and warmth. Using tailored poses and backgrounds, we ensure each child's personality shines through, offering traditional or contemporary styles. With minimal disruption to lessons, we provide high-quality prints and digital options at affordable prices, backed by decades of experience and positive client feedback.
Senior School Portraits
Senior school portraits celebrate students' achievements with elegant, lasting images. We offer flexible indoor and outdoor settings, complementing uniforms with curated backdrops. Our efficient process accommodates tight schedules, while our online ordering system ensures easy access to prints and digital files, praised for their clarity and quick delivery.
Group Photos
Group photography sessions immortalise class unity and team spirit through traditional, contemporary, or composite formats. Customisable options include school branding and layout preferences. Our large-group capability accommodates up to 1,000 participants, ensuring safety and organisation while maintaining artistic quality.
Family Photos
Family photoshoots create cherished memories with sessions tailored to all ages, including festive and special occasion themes. Our photographers excel at engaging children and coordinating group dynamics, producing natural, joyful images. Digital downloads and print packages offer versatile keepsake options.
Weddings
Wedding services capture your special day with 12-hour coverage, culminating in a USB of edited images delivered within a week. Our approach blends candid moments with structured portraits, supported by competitive pricing and a dedicated photography manager for personalised coordination.
People
Andy Gale
Photography Manager
Andy Gale oversees our photography services, bringing expertise in wedding and event photography. He manages our team to ensure consistent quality and offers a discounted wedding photography service to our clients.
Questions
What photography services do you offer?
We specialise in school portraits, family photos, military photography, weddings, and group events, with customisable options for all occasions.
How long does it take to receive photos?
Orders typically arrive within two weeks, with digital downloads available faster, ensuring timely access to your images.
Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
Yes, we provide discounts for schools or PTAs purchasing leavers' books in bulk, enhancing fundraising opportunities.
Can I customise my photo sessions?
Absolutely. We offer tailored backgrounds, poses, and themes to reflect your preferences, ensuring unique and personal results.
Are your photographers experienced with children?
Yes, our team excels at engaging children, using toys and props to create relaxed, natural portraits that capture their personalities.
