Venture Photography Studio in Leeds

Mark –Studio Owner & Manager

With over 30 years in the family portrait industry, Mark’s journey from junior photographer to studio owner has made him a trusted expert and passionate leader. Known for his caring nature, Mark takes great pride in nurturing new talent, helping staff grow their skills and build fulfilling careers in photography.

A perfectionist with a flair for marketing, Mark ensures every client experience is exceptional, balancing creativity with a steady hand to guide the team. His supportive leadership empowers others to thrive—and yes, he’s also the one who brings the cookies!

A proud grandparent and father of two grown children, Mark loves walking, 70s/80s music, wine tasting, and exploring the world through cruises. His travels have taken him as far as Australia and New Zealand, always fueling his passion for adventure.

Mark’s dedication to his craft, his team, and his clients makes him the caring and inspiring heart of the studio.

Anne –Portrait Consultant

Anne is the heart of our client experience, helping each person find the perfect products to suit their portrait needs and budget. With a background as a skilled interior designer, Anne brings a wealth of creative expertise to the table, offering inspired ideas for displaying your cherished portraits in your home. Her keen eye and thoughtful approach ensure every piece not only enhances your space but also becomes a treasured focal point.

As a grandparent, Anne loves spending quality time with her family and enjoys the simple pleasures of walking and exploring nature. Her talents extend beyond design—she’s also an accomplished florist, bringing beauty and creativity to everything she touches.

Softly spoken, calm, and wonderfully fun-loving, Anne’s warm personality makes her a joy to work with. Her dedication to our clients and her artistic flair make her an invaluable asset to our team, helping you create memories that will be beautifully displayed and cherished for years to come.

Lisa – Bookings

Lisa is the backbone of our bookings team, bringing her unmatched expertise and enthusiasm to every interaction. Having been part of the Venture family since the very beginning (and even before!), she knows the ins and outs of every aspect of the client journey. Now working entirely from home, Lisa focuses her time on managing the diary, ensuring every client gets booked in seamlessly and with ease.

With her professional, helpful approach and friendly demeanor, Lisa makes sure that every booking is handled with care and precision. Her dedication to delivering an exceptional client experience, paired with her big smile and signature glint in her eye, means every conversation with Lisa is both efficient and enjoyable.

Lisa’s wealth of knowledge and passion for helping others make her an irreplaceable part of our team. Whether you’re just starting your journey with us or need advice on getting the perfect session booked, Lisa is always ready to guide you with expertise and warmth.

Sue – Bookings

Sue is a cherished member of our bookings team, expertly managing the diary while balancing life as a dedicated mum to her wonderful daughter. Working from home, Sue’s warm and friendly personality shines through every phone call—don’t be surprised if you hear the occasional bark from her beloved dog in the background!

Sue’s super-efficient approach ensures that finding the perfect slot for your portrait session is a breeze. When she’s in the studio, her calm demeanor and nurturing nature make her a favorite with pets and babies alike (with your permission for cuddles, of course!).

Outside of work, Sue loves nothing more than walking in the countryside, spending quality time with her daughter and furry companion. Her love for nature and family brings an added warmth to everything she does, making her an invaluable part of our team. Sue’s dedication, kindness, and attention to detail ensure every client’s experience starts off on the right note.

Esmee –Bookings

Esmee is the friendly voice behind our bookings team, making sure our lovely clients find the perfect spot in our diary for their portrait sessions. With her chatty and approachable personality, she goes above and beyond to help clients feel at ease, offering advice and creative ideas to ensure every shoot is a success.

Outside of work, Esmee’s life is a vibrant mix of music and fun. A part-time DJ, she loves spinning the decks and bringing energy to the dance floor. Her passion for vinyl runs deep—so much so that she also works part-time in a record shop, sharing her love of music with others.

With her warm, fun-loving nature and dedication to helping clients shine, Esmee is a key part of what makes our team so special. Whether she’s helping you book your session or sharing ideas for your shoot, Esmee’s enthusiasm is sure to brighten your day.

Lewis –Photographer & Viewer

Lewis, affectionately known as the ‘Big Man,’ is a gentle giant with a deep laugh and an infectious sense of fun. With a wealth of world-class training, experience, and genuine care for his clients, Lewis creates portraits that are both personal and extraordinary. His natural talent, paired with a passion for fine art practices and unmatched skill in pet photography, sets him apart as a true master of his craft.

Having dedicated years to the Venture Photography group, Lewis continues to keep his work fresh and of the highest quality. His ability to connect with clients and deliver meaningful, bespoke portraits has made him a beloved member of the team and an inspiration to those around him.

Lewis’s creativity, warmth, and dedication ensure every session is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Sophie –Photographer & Viewer

Sophie is a calm, creative, and deeply artistic photographer who has a gift for making every session a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Her warm, gentle nature ensures clients feel at ease, allowing her to capture moments that truly reflect their personalities. Starting her career as a portrait specialist, Sophie has developed a versatile skillset, creating stunning maternity, newborn, and family portraits that clients treasure for years to come.

Known for always going the extra mile, Sophie brings her unique blend of creativity and patience to every shoot. Whether she’s capturing the delicate details of a newborn, keeping toddlers entertained, or drawing out the individuality of teens, Sophie’s dedication shines through. Her thoughtful approach even extends to researching and preparing for unique requests, ensuring every client’s vision is beautifully realized.

When she’s not behind the camera, Sophie enjoys unwinding with a Starbucks coffee in hand, finding inspiration in the little moments that make life special. Her artistic flair, calm demeanor, and passion for storytelling make her an indispensable part of our team, helping clients celebrate the moments that matter most.

Saskia –Photographer & Viewer

Saskia’s bubbly and energetic personality lights up every session and viewing—her warmth and enthusiasm are sure to bring a smile to your face! With a background in couples and wedding photography, Saskia is a pro at capturing special connections, making her an expert in engagement shoots and multi-generational group portraits. Always striving to enhance her craft, she’s currently undertaking the full Venture Academy training programme.

Outside the studio, Saskia channels her energy into competitive boxing, proudly representing her local area in tournaments. Her athletic spirit means she’s more than ready to keep up with active kids during shoots! Having also experienced life on the other side of the lens as a client, Saskia knows exactly how it feels to step into the studio for the first time, offering her clients empathy, encouragement, and expert guidance every step of the way.

Saskia’s dedication, creativity, and vibrant energy make her an integral part of our team, ensuring every session is as fun as it is memorable.

Emma –Photographer & Viewer

Emma is the creative eye behind the lens, capturing stunning portraits that truly reflect the personalities of her clients. Whether she’s working with adults, children, pets, or even the whole family together, Emma’s ability to build rapport with people (and animals!) of all ages ensures every session is relaxed and enjoyable.

Quiet and softly spoken, Emma has a remarkable talent for putting clients at ease, allowing their genuine selves to shine through in her work. She loves incorporating unusual and meaningful items into her portraits, creating unique images that celebrate hobbies, passions, and treasured moments.

With her exceptional skill and thoughtful approach, Emma brings every subject to life in her photography, crafting portraits that are as personal as they are beautiful. Her dedication to her craft makes her an invaluable part of our team, turning memories into timeless works of art.

Alex –Production

With over a decade of experience in the art of retouching, Alex is a master at bringing out the best in every portrait. His philosophy blends cutting-edge techniques with a purist’s touch—eschewing automated or AI-driven shortcuts in favor of meticulous, handcrafted artistry. For Alex, every detail matters, and his expert eye ensures that each image radiates confidence, elegance, and authenticity.

When he’s not perfecting portraits, Alex’s passions come alive in his eclectic hobbies. A proud gamer, he has a soft spot for the retro thrills of Sonic the Hedgehog. His love of heavy metal (Def Metal reigns supreme!) is matched by an appreciation for the beats of UK hip hop. Alex also enjoys the unique spectacle of sumo wrestling and can often be found unwinding with a well-poured pint at his favorite pub in Horsforth.

Alex’s dedication to his craft and vibrant personality make him an integral part of the team—and the perfect partner in creating images that inspire confidence and celebrate individuality.