Stephen Cotterell

Welcome. I am a portrait photographer based in South West London, Kingston upon Thames to be precise.

Portrait photography is a creative, specific and varied discipline because no two people are the same. Combining this idea with my approach, you will know that you are guaranteed an enjoyable experience that will result in photographs that will be of great value to you.

What about me? Here’s how someone described me recently; “Professional portrait photographer, and general good egg. When you’d like a stunning picture of yourself, your loved ones or someone else please contact Stephen”..

What do other people say after spending some of their precious time with me, my cameras, lights, and lenses either on location, at their office, home or in my studio?

”I can highly recommend Stephen Cotterell. He is not just a an amazing and talented photographer, he makes you feel good and welcomed. I am not a model and I do not feel good when being photographed but Stephen made me feel great during a quick photoshoot I had. The pictures are wonderful and I would love to go back one day. Awesome!” - Alexandra

“I would recommend Stephen to anyone and everyone! Stephen took some amazing pictures in his studio last week. The pictures and the service was absolutely stunning! He is super creative and very professional photographer. Thank you so much Stephen.” - Agnes

"I worked with Stephen today and he is easily one of the most polite & creative photographers I've had the pleasure to collaborate with. He is extremely professional & lets the model have their creative input as well as gentle direction. Highly recommended! Thank you Stephen." - Elle

"Getting my pictures taken by Stephen was as far as it could have been from what I had imagined a photo shoot to be. Imagine the sweet spot between the warmth and ease of a chat with a mate at the pub with the depth and intellectual excitement of an executive coaching session... and to discover that the 2 hours you've just spent together flew by so quickly because you've had a great time, and you've learned a lot about yourself.

From a photo shoot perspective, I guess the big mystery was after Stephen left: I had a great time, but... what kind of photos did he actually get of me? The surprise was overwhelming: these are some of the best photos I've seen of myself. The first comment I got for my new profile photo was "you look so human on this photo"... I guess it doesn't get better than that, does it? I am thrilled to have met Stephen, and I can't imagine wanting a photo shoot from anyone else. Believe me, you will get so much more out of it than just a series of fabulous photos. Thank you." - Noam

"I really enjoyed having a portrait session with Stephen. I was very nervous and had not done anything like this before - in fact I rarely have my picture taken at all as I am usually the one with the camera. However, Stephen made the whole process very easy and light beginning with an informal conversation and a few simple strategies for moving forward and giving direction to the session.

I was particularly apprehensive about having the focus on me and being looked at, as it were, but Stephen's easy going manner and philosophical approach to photography create a very gentle space where you do not feel 'watched' and you forget that there are two separate individuals in the space. He took into account what he wanted to create as an artist and what would look good but also what I wanted as the client and it felt very much like a collaboration I am thrilled with the results particularly some of the black and white close-up head shots.” -  Emily

"Stephen Cotterell makes photography FUN. I can honestly say, I've never enjoyed having my photograph taken as I've never seen a photo of me that I actually like, but by the end of our session I was really enjoying the results and the whole process. Stephen takes the time to find out about you and constructs his photo's to reflect that. I loved the results." - Laura

"As soon as I met Stephen on my doorstep I knew we would get on. We talked for a long time finding out about each other and the conversation flowed easily. I found him to be an interesting, intuitive, open person. So when we began the photo session I was already at ease with him. I loved the way he trusted me to move and flow during the afternoon to produce some lovely natural photos. He really captures the essence of a person in his photos. Thank you Stephen it was a delight to meet you and a fun afternoon." - Georgina

"Stephen - wow what an experience our photo shoot turned out to be! I knew it was going to be special but not THAT special! You have an incredible knack of connecting with your clients and putting them at their ease. I had always considered myself fairly unphotogenic so, of course, I would become tense in front of the camera and that would have an affect on the end results. The safe and wonderful environment that you create is magical and it allowed the real me to shine through with awesome results!! Thank you!" - Elena

"Stephen came to my home to shoot portraits for a project he is working on, and for my professional website. His poignant questions and our conversations prior to, and during the photographing brought me from a space of camera-shy to relaxed and feeling gorgeous. His energy exudes a lightness and love that enabled him to make pictures that brought out my true essence. I presented myself as I always do - sans make-up, no hairstyling at all, though I didn't have on my regular jewelry - yet the photos looked like I'd come off the red carpet! A true artist, he was able to draw out my natural beauty to make stunning photographs. I am looking forward to a longer session with Stephen to enhance my professional website further." - Emily

"So there I was looking around some of the Facebook groups I’m a member of and what do I see? A roll call for models for a project, about people and their portrait, that’s what I read anyway. Fast forward one week I’m having coffee with the very talented Mr. Stephen Cotterell, who Ive m’et once or twice before at various other meetups and we get chatting about this and that and what strikes me about Stephen is that he’s interested, he wants to know about me, what I’ve done and why. Essentially we’re talking about photography, but it could be any subject really, and its the detail that he’s interested the opportunity and experience the real grit of what makes people tick and their story, and I found that totally refreshing. What I found is that Stephen is a totally genuine guy a natural charmer with a real passion for people and photography." - Martin

"I had no idea what to expect really, although our phone call let me realise that we wouldn't be short of things to talk about and that we had a very similar outlook on life. Sitting chatting with you in the sunshine in my home put me at ease totally. Your real interest and big heart love for others shines out. Your excitement at catching a great shot was infectious which relaxed me even more. It was great fun. I had a wonderful morning with you and I absolutely love the photos! Looking forward to seeing you again." - Rebecca

"I've never enjoyed having my picture taken before, I usually hide behind the camera cos I normally don't trust that I will like the result - well, that just changed, I love all my pics from my afternoon with Stephen, thank you soooooo much!" - Marie

"Having Stephen as a portrait photographer is a heart warming experience, literally! Stephen works from his heart and connects with you as a person not as a subject, a philosophy I also try to follow. It makes a photo session so much fun and much more rewarding, irrespective which side of the camera you're on. I always feel good about myself working with Stephen and really feel he brings out the essence of the sitter in all his work." - Laura

"Stephen's talent and skills for photography comes from a place of genuine love. I am always inspired by anyone who allows their passion to feed through into exceptional results. Stephen makes being in front of the camera an adventure, a time for play, joy and sincerity.  His work speaks for itself and I would recommend everyone to work with Stephen at least once; if only to experience his passion for photography." - Ronke

“Stephen recently took portraits of me in my office for his own project and for my website and book covers. He was extremely sensitive and attentive to my needs. He made me feel very relaxed and made useful and creative suggestions. I felt that I was not rushed or “posed” but natural and in the flow of the session. I would highly recommend Stephen for your photo shoot.” - Jackie

"Hi Stephen, just a quick message to say I'm really pleased with the photos you took last week, my family and friends are all saying how nice they are and I wanted to thank you for your easy going approach. I feel I came away with a valuable insight into how you work and hopefully can transfer a similar connection with my clients once I start up business. Thank you again.“ - Jodie

"You've found the shiny bit of all of us" - Anna (writing about a portrait of her family)

"Stephen is one of those rare people that can inspire you in a very few words. His creativity appears limitless and his personable style is a delight. He is also a truly excellent Photographer and one who is willing to share his experiences and skills and take the time to bring people together to help them improve and share experience." - Clive

Now is the time for you to book me for your creative, corporate or confidential photoshoot.

Stephen Cotterell

07990 525 814

photography@stephencotterell.com