A Seaside Portrait Session with Alex Dorey in Guernsey
When Alex Dorey’s mum reached out to me, a Guernsey-based portrait photographer, she was looking for something special. Her daughter was heading off to university, and they wanted to capture this moment with a fun, relaxed portrait session. Rather than focusing on hobbies or her future as an aeronautical engineering student, Alex was clear from the start: she just wanted some artsy, playful shots that reflected her personality, along with a few classic portraits for her mum to treasure. This shoot at Guernsey’s stunning Grand Rock became a mix of spontaneous fun and timeless portrait photography—exactly the kind of session I love to create here on the island.
Choosing the Perfect Location: Why Grand Rock is a Guernsey Gem for Portrait Photography
As a Guernsey photographer, I know how important the right location is for a portrait session. For Alex, we needed a spot that offered variety and a bit of magic. Grand Rock was the obvious choice. This coastal stretch in Guernsey is a dream for portrait photographers, with its dramatic headland, soft seascapes, and rugged rock formations. We spent the evening walking along the beach and exploring the headland, finding new and interesting backdrops at every turn. From the seagrass patches to the rocky cliffs, Grand Rock gave us the perfect mix of scenic options for a diverse range of portrait shots.
A Playful Session: From Casual Portraits to a Soaked Prom Dress
Alex had brought several wardrobe options, and we worked through almost all of them, starting with more casual looks and ending with her prom dress. The session had a relaxed, carefree vibe. We laughed, explored, and experimented with different looks—exactly the kind of fun, creative portrait photography that clients in Guernsey come to me for.
The highlight? That prom dress. By the end of the shoot, we found ourselves down by the water, and in the spirit of fun, Alex didn’t hesitate to wade into the sea. Her dress got soaked, but the photos were worth it. That spontaneous energy is what makes portrait photography so exciting. It’s those moments that turn an ordinary session into something unforgettable. The whole shoot felt natural and unforced, and the soaked dress became one of the most memorable parts of the day.
The Art of Portrait Photography in Guernsey: Keeping Things Creative and Relaxed
One of the things I love most about being a portrait photographer in Guernsey is the ability to blend traditional portraiture with more creative, spontaneous moments. Alex wanted a mix of both, and that’s exactly what we achieved. While we made sure to capture some timeless, classic portraits for her mum, we also leaned into the artsy vibe Alex wanted. Whether she’s looking to update her Instagram or simply have a fun keepsake of her time before university, the variety of shots we captured at Grand Rock offered her plenty to choose from.
Having a range of references ready before the shoot helped us keep the session flowing without running out of ideas. As a portrait photographer, I’ve found that preparation is key to keeping things relaxed. With different poses and concepts in mind, Alex felt comfortable, and the session stayed lively and full of energy. The variety of backgrounds at Grand Rock also allowed us to keep every shot fresh and unique.
Guernsey’s Grand Rock: A Photographer’s Paradise
For anyone considering a portrait session in Guernsey, I can’t recommend Grand Rock enough. The combination of stunning landscapes and versatile shooting spots makes it one of the best locations for portrait photography on the island. During Alex’s session, we worked with everything from the soft light reflecting off the water to the rugged textures of the rocks. Every frame felt different, offering a wide range of looks for her portrait portfolio.
While I specialize in portrait and wedding photography in Guernsey, I also enjoy working on more creative, fashion-forward shoots. This session with Alex was the perfect balance, and it reminded me of why I love photographing on the island. Whether it’s a classic portrait or something more daring—like a prom dress in the sea—Guernsey’s landscapes never disappoint.
Looking Ahead: Portrait Photography in Guernsey’s Stunning Locations
As a Guernsey-based portrait photographer, I’m always excited to see where the next session will take me. Alex’s shoot was all about celebrating a fun, carefree moment in her life, and we managed to capture that spirit in every shot. The session was a great reminder that portrait photography doesn’t always have to be about showcasing hobbies or career ambitions—it can simply be about having fun and creating beautiful images in a stunning location.
Looking ahead, I hope to work with Alex again—perhaps after she’s earned her pilot’s license! A future session featuring her in uniform, maybe even with a plane, sounds like an exciting follow-up. For now, though, we have a collection of portraits that celebrate this moment before her next adventure begins.
Whether you're looking for classic portraits, a wedding photographer in Guernsey, or something more creative like Alex’s artsy session, there’s no better place for it than the island’s incredible landscapes. And if you’re planning a shoot, don’t be afraid to get your feet wet—literally. Some of the best shots come from just letting go and having fun.