Ben Cumming's mum sits in a leather armchair, smiling and holding a large yellow book—making memories that will never be forgotten. a teddy bear and knitting supplies are by her side, while a framed dog photo hangs on the wall behind her.

Making Memories – Never Forgotten

Ben CummingByBen Cumming

Back when my mum was in the latter stages of her cancer treatment, she was under palliative care. One afternoon, as I was making her coffee, she said ‘Ben, I want you to take me to the studio and take my portrait.’ This was not an unusual request from her, as I am a studio photographer, with my portrait photography studio based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. However it felt anything but usual at the time..

an elderly woman in a blue dress sits on a vintage chair, making memories that will never be forgotten, while a man in black clothing and a flat cap stands behind her with one hand on her shoulder. both face the camera against a dark, textured backdrop.

Why Is My Mum’s Portrait the Most Precious I Have Ever Taken?

She had a vision of what she wanted her portrait to look like. On the day of her shoot, she wore her favourite outfit: a glamorous, glittery gown with matching slippers and headpiece. She brought some of her treasured items, including her childhood teddy bear, some knitting which had been a hobby for years and a porcelain Alice in Wonderland who she went on to play in theatre in her early 20’s.

Ben Cumming's mum sits in a leather armchair, smiling and holding a large yellow book—making memories that will never be forgotten. a teddy bear and knitting supplies are by her side, while a framed dog photo hangs on the wall behind her.

Our family had always kept Basset Hounds so there was a picture of ‘Candy’ on the table, our last Basset Our family had always kept Basset Hounds so there was a picture of ‘Candy’ on the table, our last Basset and a copy of her ‘Every day with Jesus’ daily readings.. . On the wall was a canvas of ‘Barney’ her last ever dog, a beautiful Chocolate LabradorOn the wall was a canvas of ‘Barney’ her last ever dog, a beautiful Chocolate Labrador.

Mum had been Queen of Children’s day back in 1957 which was an annual event run by the Leeds area and had a beautiful album presented to her by the Yorkshire Evening Post. She was presented with this album of the day which is now a treasured family heirloom. I always told school friends my Mum used to be the Queen!

Link to a Facebook album of more images from the Leeds Children’s Day 1957 – click here

I’ll admit I felt deeply uncomfortable. My mum, who was so thin and gaunt, looked very different to how she did just a few years before, and the whole situation felt like I was taking a memorial picture. In some ways, that is exactly what I was doing. That single portrait of my beloved mum is the most precious and personal portrait I have ever taken. My mum looks so beautiful, calm, confident and proud in that picture. I look at it every day and it always makes me smile. This is why wall art belongs on the wall. When I get in, regardless of the day I’ve had I see this and I smile..

What About the Portrait That Never Happened?

My partner’s brother, Darren, was born with a condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and died back in 2013 at the age of 22. Sadly, I never got to meet him. Hazel (my partner) has a single photo of him in a frame that she adores. It’s a wonderful candid shot. However, it is not a professional photograph; it was taken on a phone camera. She loves it, but it cannot be printed to the high standard my photographs can. The photo itself is quite grainy even on a small 6×4 print. He never got to experience a professional photo shoot, and it is something I wish I could have offered him. I know he and his family would have treasured it forever.

As someone who has taken pictures of thousands of people over the years, it was not until I captured my own mum, in her final weeks, that I truly understood the importance of what I can offer as a studio photographer. Pictures last a lifetime, and while a studio portrait is a luxury, it is one I know will be adored for generations.

I am simply sharing my experience. After being a professional photographer for 25 years, I finally got to experience how precious these captured memories can be.

Who Else Deserves a Moment in the Spotlight?

Of course, studio shoots are not just limited to those who are nearing the end of their lives!!.The start of them can be celebrated too, as can the love of a family in their full crazy best happiest days!

a family of four poses playfully in a studio; a girl and man pull funny faces on a bench, while a woman and teenage boy sit together in front, all smiling and wearing casual, colourful clothing—making memories that will never be forgotten.

What About New Additions to the Family?

My partner, Hazel, is a newborn and child photographer. Celebrating the new additions to your family from Maternity through to newborn is a wonderful moment to capture in time.

a pregnant woman in profile stands against a dark background, softly lit from the side. she cradles her bare bump with both hands and wears a white cloth wrapped around her body, making memories that will never be forgotten.

It’s always a pleasure seeing some of my wedding clients come back to me as their family grows and changes, capturing every stage along the way.

a newborn baby rests with its chin on its hands and feet tucked under, eyes closed, against a soft beige background—making memories that are never forgotten. the photo includes the text “bumble & cuddles ben cumming photography & hazel debra.”.

Graduations, 18th birthdays, relocations and more are all reasons to celebrate, and can be captured in my studio for those with not-so-young children and loved ones.

Can Pets Have a Studio Portrait Too?

ten french bulldog puppies pose among wooden crates and a small ladder against a dark brown backdrop, some sitting inside boxes, others peering over the edges or sitting in front. the playful and warm mood captures a scene of making memories that will never be forgotten.

Studio shoots are not just limited to humans. My favourite portraits are of pets (or more specifically, dogs). I am a confirmed dog lover, and I have even won international awards for my dog portraits via the Guild of Photographers.

Whether your loved ones are a person or a pet, I think allowing them to have a brief moment in the spotlight is a wonderful experience to offer them. My experience and persona offer a calm, warm and welcoming environment. There is even the offer of a cuppa as you enter. If you would like to chat about a shoot, get in touch here.

The emotional gravitas of what a studio shoot can provide, both to your loved ones and to you, cannot be overstated.

a basset hound sits on a vintage green armchair beside a small table with books, a green desk lamp, a whisky bottle, and a glass—all set against a dark, moody background—capturing the quiet beauty of making memories that are never forgotten.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post – if you’d like to have a chat about a studio session then contact me.

a black and white portrait of a family of four making memories that will never be forgotten. the mother kisses a young girl holding a soft toy, while the father holds a young boy; all are wearing dark clothes and smiling gently at each other.

I have also taken fitness photography. Celebrating the huge acheivements of dedication.

a muscular man in blue posing trunks flexes on stage, showing defined muscles and a large “never forgotten” tattoo on his left shoulder and chest, against a black background.

Model work too. I love all aspects of Studio Photography

a woman with long hair poses draped in a colourful floral fabric, exposing her shoulder and part of her torso, against a textured green background, capturing a moment of making memories that will never be forgotten.

Studio Headshots are a firm favourite too

black and white portrait of a man with glasses and a full beard, wearing a suit jacket and a button up shirt, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression—a timeless image dedicated to making memories that are never forgotten.

You can find out more about my Studio Photography here

Ben Cumming

Ben Cumming is an award-winning Yorkshire wedding photographer based in Staincross, near Barnsley, photographing weddings across Yorkshire including Huddersfield, Leeds, Sheffield, and Wakefield. He has achieved Qualified status and the Photographers Bar with the Guild of Photographers, and has been recognised among the Guild’s Top 10 Photographers of the Year. His style ranges from soft documentary coverage to more dramatic imagery, and he also offers portrait sessions and mentoring for photographers. Learn more on his About page.