Hi, I’m Liz

Portrait photographer, storyteller, and the person behind Photography by Liz at The Cowshed studio near Usk, Monmouthshire.

Smiling female professional photographer with red hair holding a Nikon DSLR camera against a black background.

Photography has been part of my life since I was a teenager, but for years it was saved for holidays and family occasions. I spent the first part of my working life as a teacher, and that’s why toddlers, teenagers and nervous grown-ups tend to relax with me. I learned early how much it matters that people feel safe enough to be themselves.

Then photography became my career, and for more than 20 years I’ve built one I love: as a published wedding and portrait photographer, freelancing for international charities, and teaching, mentoring and judging photography competitions. Travel and photography are my great passions, and my camera has come with me to Nepal, Iceland, Lofoten and Mongolia, among many other places.

Then cancer arrived. Treatment was tough, but it brought some unexpected gifts too. When I came out the other side, I decided to stop waiting and open the studio I’d always dreamed of: somewhere warm, safe and fun, where people are celebrated exactly as they are.

My mission is simple: to help you relax enough to be yourself, then capture that beautifully, so you have photographs that matter for a lifetime.

Why I do this

In a nutshell

15+ years as a professional photographer.

Published wedding and portrait photographer

Freelance photographer for international charities

Photography teacher, mentor and competition judge

20+ years as a teacher, so wild kids and nervous adults are my comfort zone

Member of the Guild of Photographers

Fully insured

The Cowshed

My studio is a converted cowshed at Llancayo Court, just outside Usk, in the shadow of Llancayo Windmill with the River Usk on its boundary. It is a beautiful, private studio which gets soft light even on rainy days.

Inside, it’s cosy and calm. Outside, there are fields, trees and soft river light for natural portraits.

There’s free parking on site. Visits are by appointment.

Photography by Liz at The Cowshed

Llancayo Court, Usk. NP15 1HY
W3W: educates.parent.standing

Contact
liz@the-cowshed.com

Opening times are by appointment.

CONTACT Liz

Additional needs

Every body and every mind is welcome. If you’d like adjustments, tell me what helps and I’ll plan around it.
Extra time, never rushed. Sessions can be shorter, slower or split up, with breaks whenever you need them.
Sensory-friendly options. I can use continuous lighting instead of flash, keep the studio quiet, and avoid strong smells or scratchy textures.
A visit beforehand. You’re welcome to come and see the studio first, so the day itself feels familiar.
Physical access. The studio is all on one level, with only a slightly raised threshold, wide doors, and a large toilet with a support frame.
Seated and supported poses. If standing is hard, many of my best portraits are taken seated or lying down.
Carers and companions welcome. Bring whoever helps you feel at ease.
Experienced and calm. With over 20 years as a teacher behind me, I’ve worked with children and adults with a wide range of needs, including neural divergence, ADHD and Down syndrome. Adapting comes naturally.

LGBTQIA+ welcome

All couples, all families. Same-sex couples, two-mum and two-dad families, blended families and chosen family are all welcome.
Your identity, respected. Trans and non-binary clients are warmly welcome.
No assumptions. I won’t assume who’s who, or who is related to whom. You tell me who’s in your picture.
Posing that suits you. Direction is built around you and your relationship, not old-fashioned “his and hers” poses.
A safe, private space. The studio is discreet and private, so you can relax and be completely yourselves.
Celebrations of every kind. Engagements, anniversaries, coming-out milestones and transition milestones. If it matters to you, it matters to me.

If there’s anything that would make your session easier or more comfortable, just tell me. There’s no need to explain or justify it. I’ll simply make it work.