Natural Portrait Photography in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

I’m Paul Saunders, a portrait photographer based in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. I photograph people who are visiting the area or choosing it as a special place to be photographed, including couples, families and individuals.

Many of the people I work with are on holiday, staying locally, or travelling here because of the scenery and sense of space. Others come from Glasgow, Stirling or elsewhere in Scotland and are happy to travel to the National Park for their session. Being based here means I know the area well and can suggest locations that suit the people, the season and the feel you’re after.

My approach is relaxed and straightforward. Sessions are designed to feel natural and unforced, which works especially well for people who feel a little unsure about being photographed.

This page shares examples of my portrait work, explains how sessions work, and answers common questions.

Portrait Photography in Natural Settings

I photograph portraits outdoors and on location rather than in a studio. Natural environments tend to put people at ease and provide far more interesting backgrounds than artificial lighting and backdrops.

Sessions often take place in and around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, including woodland, lochside locations, villages and quiet outdoor spots. I’m always happy to suggest locations, but I also photograph people at holiday accommodation, gardens and places that have meaning to them.

The aim is always the same: honest photographs that reflect people as they are, without stiff posing or pressure.

Watch the short video for some examples of my photography.

Family Photography Gallery

Portrait Photography FAQs

Below are answers to common questions about portrait photography sessions in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

  • Sessions are relaxed and usually last around an hour. Before booking, we’ll chat briefly about who’s involved, where you’re staying or travelling from, and what kind of photographs you’re hoping for.

    On the day, the session is informal and unforced. I’ll guide gently when needed, but much of the time I’m letting things happen naturally, which helps people relax and enjoy the experience.

  • I’m based in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and most portrait sessions take place within the National Park itself.

    Many of the people I photograph are visiting the area on holiday or travelling here specifically for their session. I also work with people from Glasgow, Stirling and elsewhere in Scotland who are happy to travel to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. I can occasionally travel further if required.

  • Most people feel a little unsure beforehand, and that’s completely normal.

    My approach is calm and people-focused, with no pressure to pose or perform. Sessions are designed to feel natural, and many people are surprised by how relaxed it feels once we get started.

  • Yes. I photograph couples, families and individuals.

    Some sessions are booked for engagements, anniversaries or time spent together on holiday. Others are simply about capturing natural photographs in a beautiful place. There’s no requirement for a special occasion.

  • Yes. I regularly photograph proposals in and around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

    These sessions are planned carefully and discreetly, especially if the proposal is a surprise. I’m happy to help with location ideas, timing and how to keep things relaxed so it feels natural rather than staged.

  • Yes. Engagement sessions are a popular option for couples who want relaxed photographs together, often while visiting the area or ahead of a wedding.

    They’re also a good way to get comfortable in front of the camera and enjoy being photographed in a beautiful setting without the pressures of a wedding day.

  • Absolutely. Portrait sessions can be for couples, individuals, families or any combination.

    Many couples book sessions simply to mark time together while visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, with no special occasion required.

  • Yes. You’ll receive all final edited images as digital files. A typical session includes at least 50 images, sometimes more, depending on the session.

  • Portrait sessions are priced at £350. This includes the photography session, full editing, all final digital images, and a choice of five prints in sizes up to 12×8 inches.

    There are no hidden extras. Options for additional prints or albums can be discussed later if you wish.

  • Yes. Dogs and horses are very welcome and are often part of portrait sessions in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

  • If you’d like to book a session or ask a question, please use the enquiry form on this page. Let me know roughly when you’re visiting or the dates you have in mind, and I can check availability.

Make an Enquiry

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Portrait Photography in Scotland

I love photographing people and places, and especially combining the two to create natural portraits in memorable locations. Much of my work takes place in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, but I also photograph people elsewhere in Scotland when it suits the session.

My portrait photography includes couples, families, individuals, engagement sessions, maternity shoots and people with their pets. The common thread is a relaxed, people-focused approach and a setting that feels right for the people being photographed.

Natural and Relaxed Portrait Photography

Creating the right atmosphere makes a huge difference to how photographs feel. I take time to put people at ease so the session doesn’t feel awkward or pressured.

Many people tell me afterwards that they were surprised by how much they enjoyed the experience. That usually comes from keeping things simple, relaxed and unforced, rather than focusing on poses or instructions.

Portrait Photography Locations

Being based in Loch Lomond gives me access to a wide range of locations, from lochside settings and woodland to villages and open landscapes. I also know locations in nearby towns and cities that suit an urban feel for the session.

I enjoy blending people and landscape, using natural light and surroundings to create photographs that feel connected to place rather than staged.

Types of Portrait Sessions

Portrait sessions can be for couples, individuals or groups. Engagement sessions are popular, whether to mark a moment together or simply to enjoy being photographed in a beautiful place.

I also photograph maternity sessions and people with their pets, including dogs and horses. Some sessions mark a specific occasion, while others are simply about capturing a moment in time.

Pricing and What’s Included

Portrait sessions are offered at a clear, inclusive price. This includes the photography session, full editing, all final digital images, and a selection of prints.

There are no unexpected extras. Options for additional prints or albums can be discussed later if you wish.

Planning a Portrait Session

Before the session, I’ll chat with the person booking to understand who’s involved, what kind of photographs you’re hoping for, and where the session might work best.

Sessions often take place at holiday accommodation, outdoor locations, gardens or public spaces. For younger children, timing matters, and for teenagers, choosing the right location and style helps keep things comfortable and natural.

Gift Vouchers and Headshots

Photography gift vouchers are available if you’re looking for a present.

I also offer simple headshot sessions at a reduced rate for those looking for something straightforward and informal.

Find Out More

If you’re visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, planning a trip, or simply looking for natural portrait photography in Scotland, feel free to get in touch. I’m happy to answer questions, check availability and talk through ideas.

Thanks for reading - Paul Saunders