About Pennypics London Photography
The Vision and Craft of Paola Perni
Paola Perni is a London portrait photographer behind Pennypics, creating refined family photography for those who value calm guidance, timeless beauty, and a meaningful legacy.
Based in Clapham, Paola creates maternity, newborn, and family portraits across South London and beyond. Her approach is shaped by natural light, thoughtful composition, and an unhurried photographic experience created with care and discretion.
Many families begin their portrait journey with maternity photography, return for a newborn photoshoot, and continue with family portraits as their story grows.
Her work is trusted by London families and international clients who value discretion, thoughtful guidance, and photographs created to endure.
Alongside family portraiture, Paola occasionally accepts extended portrait commissions for private clients and individuals.
Family Photographer London · Meet Paola Perni
Where Your Family’s Story Is Gently Preserved
I’m Paola Perni, an Italian-born photographer based in London, working with families who wish to preserve meaningful moments of their lives through refined, natural portrait photography.
My creative path began in Milan, where I owned and directed a photographic studio and collaborated with creative agencies and private clients. Those years shaped the way I see and work today — combining technical confidence with a distinctly Italian sense of style and an ability to photograph people through real emotion, often in unscripted situations.
That experience continues in London across both family and professional photography, where I work with discretion and care, inspired by the city’s sense of understatement, tradition, and quiet elegance. My work centres on helping families feel seen and understood during moments that will soon become memory.
Over the years, I have photographed newborns, children, families, and even birth stories inside operating theatres. These experiences have shaped the way I work — with respect, sensitivity, and a deep awareness of how meaningful these moments are for the families who trust me to preserve them.
I have lived in the City of Westminster and now live in Clapham — areas I know well and love photographing in, from family homes to neighbourhood streets and both well-known and quieter local parks, including Hyde Park, St James’s Park (my courtyard for many years), Wandsworth Common, and surrounding neighbourhoods. I work across Greater London with families from many cultures and backgrounds.
Beyond photography, I have a deep love for animals — especially horses and donkeys — and I welcome family pets as part of the portrait story whenever they are important to you.
London is the heart of my practice. As my work regularly takes me abroad for bespoke family sessions, I recommend reserving your date in advance when possible.
Why Families Work With Me
Families often share that they feel at ease during their session, gently guided and never rushed.
They value images that reflect who they are — natural, personal, and true to their family dynamic — created by someone who understands both the emotional and technical side of photography.
Families often tell me they value:
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a calm and confident presence
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guidance without pressure
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images that feel natural and personal
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and a photographer who understands both people and photography
and a photographer who understands both people and photography
and who respects the privacy and significance of the moments being photographed
Every session is different, because every family is different.
The result is an experience that feels effortless and portraits that are made to last.
Effortless Portraits. Made to Last.
Let’s Create Something Meaningful
If you are looking for refined portrait photography in London — guided with experience and created with care — I would be honoured to photograph your story.