Kelly, Ebony and Scarlett – Nine Years Later (and Two Dogs for Good Measure)
Returning for a family portrait session nearly a decade after their first visit
Every family we photograph has their own story, but every now and then a set of portraits takes on a life of its own. The kind of images that get remembered, shared, and become part of the studio walls for years. Kelly, Ebony and Scarlett are firmly in that second category.
We first photographed them back in 2017. It was one of those shoots where the stars align. The girls were full of personality, the expressions were hilarious, and the portraits had that rare combination of warmth and attitude that makes you grin when you’re editing. Those images ended up becoming some of our most recognisable photographs, including being displayed on the walls of Little Italy Espresso Bar. We still use them today because they have something timeless about them and they still make us smile! 
So when Kelly got back in touch to book another session, almost nine years later, you can imagine the excitement in the studio. Not in a “we don’t get excited about everyone else” way, because we do, we genuinely do. But there’s something special about a proper return visit. It’s like someone has handed you a ready-made before-and-after story, except it’s not about trends or hairstyles. It’s about growth, confidence, and the little ways people become more themselves over time.
The same sparkle, just a bit taller
Ebony and Scarlett have grown up. That shouldn’t be shocking, because time has a habit of doing that, but it still catches you off guard when you’ve got their 2017 portraits in your mind. Back then, we got those cute, funny faces that made us laugh all day. The sort of expressions that kids pull without realising they’re being brilliant. 
This time the personality is still there, but it’s evolved. There’s more confidence. More style. More awareness. The “cute funny face” hasn’t disappeared, it’s just matured into something more intentional. A bit more “yes, I know what I’m doing!”.
As a photographer, that’s a joy to watch. You’re not trying to recreate the old pictures. You’re making something new that fits who they are now, while still feeling like it’s the same family.
This time, Mum’s in the photos too
Now, we need a quick word about mums. Mums are usually the ones who book the shoot, plan the outfits, remember the timings, bring the snacks, calm the nerves, and then somehow vanish from the final set of photographs like they’ve been edited out by a special effects team. 
This time, Kelly was keen to be included and came up with the idea herself – and I’m so glad she did. Her portraits are absolutely fantastic: beautifully styled, full of confidence, and with real standout. They have that proper “wow” factor. If you’re reading this as a mum who always says, “Oh no, I’ll just watch”, consider this your gentle nudge. Get in the photo. Your family will thank you for it.
Star and Koko join the cast
And because life is better with dogs, we also had not one but two canine co-stars in the studio: Star and puppy Koko.
I always love it when dogs are included, because for most families they’re right at the centre of everything. They’re the welcome-home committee, the walking partner, the unofficial therapist, and the one who somehow ends up in every family memory. Star and puppy Koko were no exception. They brought warmth, personality, and just the right amount of doggy chaos to the session, the kind that makes everyone laugh and, captures how much they are clearly adored.
Thank you
Kelly, Ebony and Scarlett, thank you for coming back to see us after all this time. It was genuinely lovely to photograph you again and to create a new chapter of your story.
If you’ve been thinking, “we must get some new family photos done”, take this as your sign. Time moves quickly. The good news is that’s exactly why photographs matter.
