Natural portrait and documentary photography in Shoreham-by-Sea

A woman floats on her back in calm sea at sunset, eyes closed, her face lit by warm evening light.

Intuitive photography, grounded in real moments. I'm Petra Harrington. I photograph people, brands and local life around Shoreham, in real places and without stiff posing, so the pictures feel like you.

Portrait sessions from £250
Brand stories for businesses from £350
Based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
A woman with blue eyes looks up and away, a pink knitted blanket at her shoulder.

About me

The best photographs come from trust, not performance

Before I pick up the camera, I focus on connection. We talk, we settle in, and we take time. When things feel unhurried, something genuine begins to appear, not because you're trying, but because there's room for you to be as you are.

I work in real spaces: your home, your workplace, your studio, or outdoors somewhere familiar. Places where you don't have to perform or pretend.

Kind words

What people say after a session

Happy tears. I look so at peace. It feels like seeing my child-self and my present-self all at once. It takes a lot for someone as self-conscious as me to relax... but Petra's warmth, excitement and enthusiasm made it easy.

Katie

I'm so astonished - it's me. I just didn't expect to see myself like that. You were so far away with your big lens, I didn't feel under scrutiny at all.

Kath

Petra was really diligent in asking and understanding what my business was about and how my imagery needed to portray my messaging. The result is an awesome gallery of images I can use in multiple marketing assets. Highly highly recommend!!!

John

Brand photography

How a session works

Unhurried from the first message to the finished gallery.

Before the shoot
01

We talk first

Tell me what the photographs are for and what matters to you. We agree an idea, a place and a time, and a £50 deposit secures your date.

Choosing the place
02

Somewhere familiar

Your home, your workplace, your studio, or outdoors somewhere you know. Places where you don't have to perform or pretend.

On the day
03

An unhurried session

We settle in and take our time. I don't move you into shapes or ask you to be anything. I watch, listen and respond to what's already there.

Afterwards
04

Your gallery

You receive all the strongest images, fully edited, in high resolution for print and web, plus versions ready for social media. There's no charge per image.

Hands making a heart shape over a pregnant bump, with the sea behind.

Photographs made with care, ease and real attention

If that sounds like what you're looking for, I'd love to hear from you.