Hello!
So I’m guessing you’re here because you are looking for a photographer that can capture beautiful portraits with personality, whether that’s for you, your children, your dog or the whole family! I don’t just want you to love the photos, but to enjoy the experience, so if you’re looking for a photographer who actually cares about what she does, and the connections made along the way then you’re in the right place! I operate from my cozy garden studio, where I create stunning images that you and your family will cherish for years to come. Feel free to browse through some of my previous work and discover how I can capture timeless images for you.
Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I received a Polaroid camera for my 10th birthday and have been obsessed with taking photos ever since. I always carried a disposable camera in my bag before mobile phones had cameras (which makes me sound well old). My love for photography deepened when I moved to the beautiful island of Corfu. There, it became not just a hobby but an escape, allowing me to see the world differently and appreciate things as they were. Although I loved the slow-paced lifestyle and the delicious food, East Grinstead eventually called me back home.
Upon my return to Sussex, I worked hard to pay the bills and fund my dream of becoming a professional photographer. With basic equipment and a makeshift kitchen studio, I experimented with styles and lighting techniques, practicing as much as I could. Then in 2019 a friend of mine asked me to photograph her baby, and my love for newborn photography was born!
Over the next few years, I invested in professional training to hone my craft, becoming a specialist in newborn photography here in East Grinstead. Determined to turn my passion into a full-time career, I decided to build my own photography studio. So with the unwavering support of my family, construction began in 2021, and Hazel Dean Photography officially opened its doors. Now, almost three years into the business, I can honestly say I am grateful to be doing a job I truly enjoy.
For me, there's this undeniable magic to photography. It’s like capturing a piece of someone’s soul and holding it still. I learned first hand how truly special these memories are when I lost the love of my life Luke in November 2023. On Luke’s very last day we spent some time in my studio, creating beautiful images with his children. These photographs capture him perfectly; I can almost hear him laughing when I look at them. They offer a glimpse into who this wonderful man was and how, in that moment, we were so very happy. These photographs mean the world to me, allowing me to revisit our perfect last weekend together and find comfort in those memories.
Luke's unwavering belief in me has given my work new depth and meaning. Through the darkness of my grief, I have found a renewed purpose in my photography: to help others create lasting memories that bring them as much joy and comfort as mine do. Loss has forged a strength and clarity in me that I never knew existed—a precious gift from a man I miss dearly.
Photographs are so much more than just pictures; they're the stories of our lives. They capture the essence of who we are, the connections we cherish, and the moments that shape us.
I don’t just want to take your pictures, I want to create timeless memories you will treasure for years to come. Through my lens, I focus on the unique connections and stories that make your family special. Let me help you celebrate the essence of your loved ones, creating keepsakes that hold their spirit forever.
Hazel Dean Published Work
Some of my work has been selected for publication in magazines such as: Vogue Italia, International Kids Model Magazine and Bump Baby & Beyond!