Shutter Hire Blog – Photography & Videography in Cardiff & South Wales

First Birthday Cake Smash Dinas Powys – Nina-Rae’s Pink & Gold Celebration First Birthday Cake Smash Dinas Powys – what better way to celebrate turning one than with a beautiful pink and gold birthday photoshoot? I recently had the pleasure of welcoming gorgeous little Nina-Rae to my Shutter Hire photography studio in Dinas Powys, Vale …

Matthew & Paige’s Gellifawr Woodland Retreat Wedding Videographer On 25th May 2026, I had the pleasure of capturing Matthew and Paige’s beautiful wedding at Gellifawr Woodland Retreat in Pembrokeshire. I was the Gellifawr Woodland Retreat Wedding Videographer for the day, but also provided the photography for their wedding, which meant I was able to document …

Behind the Scenes as a Comic Con Wales Photographer at ICC Wales Photographing and filming a huge pop-culture event is always exciting, but spending the weekend working as a Comic Con Wales photographer at ICC Wales in Newport was definitely one to remember. Comic Con Wales 2026 took place at the International Convention Centre Wales …

Commercial Photographer Cardiff – Priory Kitchens Photoshoot for Vale Life Magazine There is always something special about seeing your photography in print, but knowing that one of the photographs from a recent commercial photoshoot is going to appear on the cover of a magazine makes the project even more exciting. I was recently commissioned to …

Baby Boy Cake Smash Ideas – A Real First Birthday Session Planning a first birthday photoshoot for a little boy can be so much fun, especially when you start putting together the backdrop, cake, outfit and all the little details that make the session feel personal. This recent baby boy cake smash at my Dinas …

Real Cake Smash Photoshoot in Cardiff – A First Birthday Celebration There is something wonderfully unpredictable about a cake smash session. You can plan the backdrop, choose the colours, order the perfect cake and prepare every little detail, but once a one-year-old is placed in front of that cake, they very much decide what happens …

Cardiff Airbnb Photographer | Professional Photography That Helps Generate More Bookings If you’re searching for a Cardiff Airbnb photographer, professional photography is one of the best investments you can make for your holiday let. Before potential guests read your description or compare prices, they’re making an instant judgement based entirely on your photographs. I recently …

Coraley’s Rainbow Cake Smash Cardiff Coraley recently visited my studio in Dinas Powys to celebrate her first birthday with a colourful rainbow-themed cake smash session, and what a fantastic morning it was. As a Cardiff Cake Smash Photographer, I have the privilege of capturing many first birthday celebrations each year, but every session is completely …

Willow’s Bluebell Mini Photoshoot at Coed y Wenallt Coed y Wenallt Bluebell Photoshoot – Every spring, for just a few short weeks, the woodland floor at Coed y Wenallt transforms into a beautiful sea of bluebells. It’s one of the most magical outdoor locations in South Wales for family photography, and this year I had …

David & Katie’s Relaxed Wedding at Penarth Pier Pavilion & The Sully Inn Penarth wedding photographer Katrina Dimech captured David and Katie’s wedding at Penarth Pier Pavillion. There’s something incredibly special about weddings by the sea, and David and Katie’s wedding at Penarth Pier Pavilion was the perfect example of why so many couples choose …

What to Bring to a Cake Smash Photoshoot – Cardiff Parent Guide If you’re wondering what to bring to a cake smash photoshoot in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get from parents before their session – and the good news is, you actually …

Cake Smash Photoshoot Ideas – Cardiff Guide for First Birthdays If you’re looking for cake smash photoshoot ideas in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan, you’re in the right place. Planning your baby’s first birthday session is such a special milestone, and choosing the right theme can make a huge difference to how your final …

What If Baby Doesn’t Smash Cake? (Cake Smash Photoshoot Guide) What if baby doesn’t smash cake? It’s one of the most common questions parents ask before booking a cake smash photoshoot. If you’re feeling unsure, you’re definitely not alone. Every baby is different, and not all of them dive straight into the cake. The good …

What to Bring Cake Smash Photoshoot Cardiff – Simple Checklist What to bring cake smash photoshoot Cardiff is something many parents worry about before their session. The good news is you don’t need to bring much at all. In fact, most of the setup, styling and props are already provided – so keeping things simple …

Cake Smash Ideas Themes Cardiff – 10 Creative Ideas Cake smash ideas themes Cardiff is one of the first things parents search when planning a first birthday photoshoot. Choosing the right theme isn’t just about how your photos look – it actually makes your session smoother, more cohesive, and far less stressful on the day. …

What to Expect Cake Smash Photoshoot Cardiff – 7 Things to Know What to expect cake smash photoshoot Cardiff is one of the most common questions parents ask before booking their baby’s first birthday session. If you’ve never done a cake smash before, it can feel a little unknown – but that’s completely normal. The …

Maternity Photographer Cardiff – Complete Guide Maternity photographer Cardiff is one of the most searched terms for expectant mums looking to capture this special stage of pregnancy. If you’re considering booking a maternity photoshoot in Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan or South Wales, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know …

Is Maternity Photography Worth It Cardiff? 5 Honest Reasons Is maternity photography worth it Cardiff is a question many expectant mums ask when deciding whether to book a session. If you’re expecting and thinking about booking a maternity photoshoot in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan, it’s completely natural to wonder whether it’s something you’ll …

Maternity Photoshoot Mistakes – 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cardiff Maternity photoshoot mistakes are more common than you might think, especially if this is your first time booking a session. If you’re planning a maternity photoshoot in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan, this guide will help you avoid the most common maternity photoshoot …

What to Wear Maternity Photoshoot Cardiff – 7 Expert Tips What to wear maternity photoshoot Cardiff is one of the most common questions I get as a maternity photographer. If you’re searching for what to wear maternity photoshoot Cardiff, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident, comfortable, and …

Professional Printing – Why Using Lab Prints Matter – And Why I Only Use Pro Labs at Shutter Hire When you invest in professional photography, whether it’s a wedding, newborn session or family shoot, the final step is just as important as the session itself – printing your images properly. It’s something I’m quite passionate …

New House Hotel Wedding Photographer Cardiff – Tom & Rachel Rach and Tom’s wedding at New House Hotel Cardiff, Thornhill was one of those days that felt completely effortless from start to finish. As a New House Hotel wedding photographer Cardiff, these are the weddings you love to capture – relaxed, natural, and full of …

New House Country Hotel Wedding Videographer | Tom & Anita’s Wedding Highlights Tom & Anita’s wedding at New House Country Hotel in Cardiff was a beautiful celebration filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Their wedding took place on 20th July 2025, and it was such a pleasure to capture their day as a New …

De Courceys Manor Wedding Videographer | Dean & Ellie Dean and Ellie’s wedding on 16th August 2025 was such a beautiful day to capture. Filmed at the stunning De Courceys Manor in South Wales, their wedding had the perfect mix of elegance, emotion, and fun from start to finish. As a South Wales wedding videographer, …

Swansea Wedding Videography | Owen & Sheeba’s Wedding Film Owen and Sheeba’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, culture, and connection, set in the heart of Swansea. From a heartfelt ceremony at St James Church to a lively reception at the National Waterfront Museum, their day was filled with genuine moments that translated perfectly …

BrynHill Golf Club Wedding Videography | Luke & Natalie Luke and Natalie’s wedding at BrynHill Golf Club was a perfect example of why BrynHill Golf Club Wedding Videography is so special. With beautiful surroundings, relaxed moments, and a genuine connection between the couple, it was a day that translated perfectly into film. Located in the …

How to Choose a Wedding Videographer Cardiff Choosing the right wedding videographer Cardiff is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. While photos capture still moments, video brings your day back to life — the movement, the sound, and the emotion. With so many options available across Cardiff, Penarth, and …

Michelle & Harry’s New House Hotel Wedding Cardiff A Full-Day Wedding in Cardiff & South Wales Michelle and Harry’s wedding was a beautifully planned day, set across two standout South Wales locations — the charming St Mary’s Church and the elegant New House Hotel. As their photographer, I covered the full day — from morning …

What to Wear for Newborn Photos – A Simple Guide for Parents If you’re wondering what to wear for newborn photos, especially for your first session — it’s one of the most common questions I get from parents before their session. The good news is, it doesn’t need to be complicated. The right clothing choices …

Newborn Photography Vale of Glamorgan – A Calm, Natural Experience If you’re looking for newborn photography in the Vale of Glamorgan, you’re probably searching for someone who can create beautiful images while keeping your baby safe, comfortable, and relaxed. At Shutter Hire, my approach to newborn photography is simple — calm, baby-led sessions in a …

What is the Best Age for Newborn Photos (Cardiff Guide) If you’re wondering about the best age for newborn photos, you’re not alone… This is one of the most common questions I get from parents – when is the best age for newborn photos? If you’re planning a newborn photography session in Cardiff or the …

Newborn Photography Cardiff – What to Expect from Your Session If you’re looking for newborn photography in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan, one of the first questions parents usually have is simple — what actually happens during a newborn photoshoot? At Shutter Hire, my newborn sessions are designed to be calm, relaxed, and completely …

Penarth Family Photographer – Natural, Relaxed Family Photography If you’re looking for a Penarth family photographer, you’re likely searching for someone who can capture genuine moments, guide you through the process, and deliver images you’ll actually want to display in your home. At Shutter Hire, I specialise in family photography in Penarth, Cardiff, and the …

Holly’s Newborn Session | Newborn Photography Vale of Glamorgan If you’re looking for newborn photography in the Vale of Glamorgan, Holly’s session at Shutter Hire is a perfect example of how relaxed, personal, and beautifully styled your newborn photos can be. Based in Dinas Powys, I specialise in newborn photography for families across the Vale …

Choosing a Cardiff Wedding Photographer – What to Look For Introduction Choosing the right Cardiff wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. Your photos are what you’ll look back on for years to come, so it’s essential to find someone who not only captures beautiful images, but …

5 Wedding Venues I Love to Work At in South Wales If you are searching for the best South Wales wedding venues, choosing the right setting can make a huge difference to both your day and your photographs. As a Cardiff wedding photographer, I have worked at many incredible locations, and these are five South Wales …

Sitter Session Cardiff: 5 Beautiful Reasons to Capture This Stage Shutter Hire provides a sitter session experience that Cardiff families love! These usually take place when a baby can sit up independently, typically between 6 and 9 months old. This stage is one of the most joyful and expressive phases of a baby’s first year, …

What to Bring to a Newborn Photoshoot? Preparing for a newborn photoshoot can feel overwhelming, especially in those early weeks when everything is new and routines are still settling. One of the most common questions parents ask before their session is what they should bring with them. The good news is that newborn photography sessions …

Cake Smash Backdrops Cardiff: Six New Studio Designs for 2026 Cake smash backdrops Cardiff parents choose can completely change the look and feel of a cake smash photoshoot. That’s why I’ve recently added six brand new cake smash backdrops to my studio collection, ready for 2026 bookings at Shutter Hire in Dinas Powys, just outside …

Photography Business Strategy 2026: Stay Fully Booked (Without Burnout) Photography business strategy 2026 is about adapting faster than the market changes — without working yourself into the ground. Client expectations are shifting, AI is influencing buying behaviour, and competition is louder than ever. The photographers who stay consistently booked aren’t necessarily the “best” — they’re …

Newborn Photography Cardiff: Layla’s Award-Winning Newborn Session Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most special moments, and Layla’s newborn photography session was a beautiful celebration of those first fleeting days. This calm, baby-led session took place in my cosy studio in Dinas Powys and perfectly reflects the timeless, natural style …

When to Book Newborn Photography Cardiff If you’re expecting and wondering when to book newborn photography Cardiff parents trust, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked by expectant parents across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales. When to book newborn photography in Cardiff The best time to book …

Your Guide How to Choose a Maternity Photographer in Cardiff Pregnancy is such a fleeting and emotional chapter of life, and choosing the right maternity photographer plays a huge role in how those memories are preserved. If you’re searching for a maternity photographer in Cardiff, this guide will help you understand what to look for, …

Actor headshots Cardiff: A Guide to Actor, Model & Performer Headshots If you’re an actor, model or performer, your headshot is one of the most important tools you have. It’s often the first impression casting directors and agents see, and it needs to feel current, natural, and truly representative of you. As a Cardiff headshot …

The Wedding Confetti Shot: How to Get It Right for Photos & Video The wedding confetti shot is one of the most energetic and joyful moments of the wedding day. It usually happens straight after the ceremony, when guests line up and shower the newlyweds with confetti as they walk through together — creating movement, …

Outdoor Family Photography Cardiff: 12 Joyful Moments at Cosmeston Lakes Outdoor family photography sessions are one of my favourites, especially when a family wants a relaxed experience with plenty of variety. Sarah Baker’s booking was a brilliant example of outdoor family photography Cardiff families love: natural moments, genuine connection, and a location that gives everyone …

5 Essential Newborn Photography Tips for Photographers in the Vale of Glamorgan Newborn photography is one of the most beautiful yet demanding genres to master. It requires technical precision, patience, and a gentle touch — all while keeping baby comfortable, settled, and safe. For photographers across the Vale of Glamorgan — from Penarth to Barry …

Newborn Photoshoot Cardiff: 7 Beautiful Moments from Bodhi’s Session Those first few weeks with a newborn pass in a blur, which is why a newborn photoshoot in Cardiff is such a meaningful way to preserve those early memories. Bodhi’s session was a perfect example of what I aim to create for families — calm, baby-led …

Cobbles Collective Photographer – 10th Anniversary Shoot in Ogmore On 7th November, I had the pleasure of photographing Cobbles Collective in Ogmore-by-Sea, capturing a special milestone — their 10th anniversary. The imagery will feature in Vale Life magazine, celebrating a decade of creativity, community and hospitality excellence from this much-loved Vale of Glamorgan venue. You …

Cake Smash Photoshoot Cardiff: The Perfect 1st Birthday Celebration Your baby’s first birthday is such a milestone – full of laughter, mess, and memories you’ll treasure forever. If you’re looking for a fun, colourful, and completely unique way to celebrate, a cake smash photoshoot at my studio near Cardiff is the perfect choice. What is …

Dean & Ellie’s Beautiful De Courceys Manor Wedding – A Day of Colour, Emotion and Timeless Memories As a De Courceys Manor wedding photographer, I get to capture some truly incredible celebrations – but Dean and Ellie’s day was something special. From the joyful morning preparations to their vibrant outdoor portraits, this Cardiff wedding was …

The Vale Resort, Wedding Photography A Beautifully Intimate Summer Wedding at The Vale Resort – Anthony & Jemma On 26th July 2025, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Anthony and Jemma’s wedding at The Vale Resort in Hensol. This was one of the most beautifully unique celebrations I’ve been part of – a day …

Willow’s Newborn Photoshoot | Shutter Hire Vale of Glamorgan baby photographer Shutter Hire had the absolute pleasure of welcoming baby Willow Long into the studio for her very first photoshoot. This session was particularly meaningful, as Willow is the daughter of my colleague Steffan, who I work with in my marketing role at V3 Shared …

Graduation Photographer Cardiff Bay – Celebrating Success: Sarah Gwaza’s Graduation photographer Cardiff – that’s exactly the role I played on 15th July 2025 when I had the pleasure of capturing a special milestone for Cardiff University graduate, Sarah Gwaza. Her graduation was a moment to remember, and she wanted her photoshoot to reflect the pride …

New House Hotel Wedding Photography – Tom & Anita’s Cardiff Celebration Wedding Date: 20 July 2025 New House Hotel wedding photography offers one of the most breathtaking settings in South Wales, and Tom and Anita’s wedding on 20 July 2025 was the perfect example of why this venue is so special. Nestled in Thornhill, Cardiff, …

Why Local Businesses Should Join South Wales Guide At Shutter Hire Photography & Videography, I’m passionate about celebrating everything that makes South Wales such a fantastic place to live, work and run a business. Alongside my photography studio in Dinas Powys, I also manage the marketing for South Wales Guide— a fast-growing online platform designed …

Professional Corporate Headshots in Cardiff for Businesses & Teams In today’s digital world, your online presence plays a crucial role in shaping how you and your business are perceived. Whether you’re an individual professional or part of a larger company, the way you present yourself online can impact the opportunities that come your way. One …

Canada Lodge and Lake wedding photographer, David and Sophie’s Enchanting Wedding at Canada Lodge and Lake. ✨💍 On Thursday, 20th June 2024 — the summer solstice — David and Sophie exchanged vows in a truly unforgettable celebration at the stunning Canada Lodge and Lake in Creigiau, Cardiff. A 12:30 pm ceremony under summer sunshine, surrounded …

  Event Photographer Cardiff – Capturing Bro Radio Community Awards 2024 As an Event Photographer Cardiff, I had the privilege of documenting the Bro Radio Community Awards 2024 at the stunning Penarth Pier Pavilion. On 7th June 2024, this landmark venue was alive with excitement as the Vale of Glamorgan gathered to celebrate its unsung …

Digital Files Photography: A Client’s Guide to Digital Photo Delivery If you’re booking a professional photoshoot and wondering what you’ll actually receive, digital files photography is one of the most important things to understand. Clients often ask what digital photo delivery means, how it works, and what they’re allowed to do with their images once …

Newport Wedding Photographer: Michael & Joanne’s Mansion House Registry Office Wedding Michael & Joanne’s Mansion House Registry Office Wedding in Newport As a Newport wedding photographer, every assignment has its own unique charm, but Michael and Joanne’s day at the Mansion House registry office in Newport was truly unforgettable. Not only was it a beautiful …

Trusted Vale of Glamorgan Newborn Photographer | How to Choose the Right One Choosing a newborn photographer in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as new parents. Bringing a newborn into the world is a momentous occasion filled with love, joy, and countless unforgettable moments. Selecting …

The Importance of a Wedding Album Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life — a celebration filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. From the vows to the speeches, and from the first kiss as a married couple to the last song on the dance floor, every moment deserves …

Helen & Matthew’s St Tewdrics House Wedding in Chepstow On a crisp autumn afternoon, Helen and Matthew Slater celebrated their love in a truly magical St Tewdrics House wedding. Taking place on Saturday, 12th November 2023, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by family, friends, and the breathtaking Welsh countryside at one of the most sought-after …