Honor the miraculous beginning of your story.
Bespoke Maternity Photography in Cornwall

A pause before the next chapter begins.

Your life is about to change, and this is one of the wildest journeys your body will take. My Cornwall maternity sessions are a chance to pause in the middle of it, and have it documented honestly before your baby arrives.

Maternity photography isn't about perfect bumps or poses. It’s about making you feel safe and confident, and to hold onto how your pregnancy felt - the shape of you, the anticipation of what’s ahead, the time you and your baby shared a body.

 
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“I had a lovely maternity shoot with Michelle and left feeling truly empowered. The photographs captured such a special moment in my life and are something I will always treasure.”

Jess Inkster-Toms

Maternity photography - my approach & style

Natural moments

I am a natural light maternity photographer, with twelve years experience working with mums-to-be to help them capture their pregnancy and the beautiful moments they have.

Simply Styled maternity photography

I will guide you through each step - with prep info help you decide what clothing will work best for your maternity session, and giving direction during the shoot. There is no need for you to look or dress a certain way. These photos are for you. Bare bump is always an option, and I have a small collection of simple coverups for you to use in my studio.

Studio or outdoors

Maternity photography sessions can be at my home studio, or nearby outdoor location in Cornwall. I can also come to your home. There may be a small travel charge added.

Get in touch

If you’re interested in a session, or just want to find out more, I’d love to hear from you.

 

Timing maternity photography sessions

When to book your maternity session

The sweet spot for maternity sessions is between 30 - 35 weeks, when your belly’s pregnant shape is pronounced but you’re still comfortable moving around. If it needs to be earlier or later, that’s fine - I can work with you at any stage of your pregnancy.

Advance booking is recommended to ensure availability and enough time to plan your session.

 
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Struggling with your body image in pregnancy?

You deserve to have beautiful photos

If you’re not feeling very beautiful, know that you are not alone - and this doesn’t mean that you can’t have beautiful pictures. This time comes only once and it’s about the intimate relationship you share with your baby as their new life grows within you.

It’s not easy to see your body change and a maternity session is there to celebrate the inherent beauty of this stage of womanhood.

Bare bump or covered up?

You do not have to wear anything you’re not comfortable in, or bare your bump. These are your photos, and you decide.

There is no right or wrong, but I will guide you through what works and what doesn’t when choosing outfits - and I have something in the studio for everyone if you don’t have anything to wear.

Nerves are normal, but they quickly fade, replaced by the makings of new memories.

 
Girl hugs pregnant mums bump in a soft moment during a natural light maternity photography session in Cornwall
 

The Experience (how maternity photography sessions work)

Preparation

My priority is that you feel confident and in safe hands before and during your maternity session. Once you’ve booked your shoot there is a written maternity session prep & style guide to help you get the most from your time with me.

When you know you’ve prepared all the details well, you can relax a little more into the experience.

On arrival

For studio sessions, we’ll look at your outfits and decide on what to start with. You’ll be able to change, or make adjustments and check hair and make up before we start. It’s very relaxed, and I work with natural light so there is nothing between us.

Posing guidance

Nerves are normal and I will tell you exactly what to do. Posing is kept natural and I give gentle guidance rather than aiming for fixed, rigid poses. There’s plenty of time to ease into things.

Outfit changes

I recommend arriving wearing something that feels very ‘you’ and comfortable, that I can photograph you in.

Depending on the type of session booked, we can fit in a number of outfit changes that capture different sides of you, including bare bump if you would like.

Client wardrobe

As well as a few simple dresses, I have a small collection of cover ups that emphasise the feminine beauty of pregnancy, which you’re welcome to borrow.

Session length

A Mini Maternity Session takes about 30 minutes, and a Full Maternity Experience lasts around 1 hour.

That said, I don’t clock watch and give sessions the time they need to unfold without feeling hurried.

 
Mother and daughter in natural light maternity photography session in Cornwall
 
 
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Styling your maternity session

  • You don’t have to buy anything for this, but if you want to provide your own outfits, have things like a maxi dress, a form-fitting outfit, and something with an open front for bare bump photos (always optional).

  • There is a collection of pieces available to borrow in the studio. These include simple flowing maxi dresses, boho style tops and skirts, and linen and lace layers and cover ups.

  • Stick to plain, neutral clothing that compliment earth tones (tan, beige, charcoal, sage green, etc) - nothing with logos or text, or too many fussy details.

  • Hair and make up can be kept natural and how you usually would wear it. If you opt for professional hair and make up, ask them to keep it natural looking and light.

    Nails neat and neutral if possible.

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Cornwall Locations for Maternity Photoshoots

Outdoor sessions

I love incorporating natural surroundings in maternity sessions.

Timing is restricted to beginning or end of the day for beach sessions, and availability is therefore more limited.

* For Full Maternity Experience bookings only and travel fee may be added.

Romantic couple embrace during an outdoor maternity photoshoot in Cornwall

Studio sessions

Many mums opt for the calm, intimate light of my private home studio. It’s a quite and calm space in Grampound.

Serene moment as pregnant mother relaxes on sofa during maternity photography session in Cornwall
 

Maternity photography pricing & packages

 

I offer two inclusive packages for maternity photoshoots: the Mini and the Full Experience.

Mini maternity package - £249

For a handful of images to capture your pregnancy, book a mini maternity session.

Included:

  • Prep & style guide

  • Couples or mum-to-be only

  • 30-45 minutes in the studio (or nearby countryside),

  • 5 fine art prints (6x4”) & 5 matching digital images

Full Experience package - £449

For a richer experience, or to include pets and children, then book the Full Maternity Experience.

Included:

  • Prep & style guide

  • Photography session with me, in the studio or outdoor location (within 10 miles),

  • 5 fine art prints (6x4”)

  • Full gallery of edited images from the session (approx 30+).

  • Newborn session fee included (worth £65).

Your hand edited, high resolution images are provided via a downloadable online gallery.

 
 
 
Oh my gosh they are absolutely gorgeous pictures!!! I just got all teary looking at them they are so so lovely!!  God knows how I’m going to choose!  Can’t wait to look at them again properly with you, once we have the next addition too! Super excited to do that photo session too.

Thank you so much, they are just what I had hoped for! You are brilliant!!!”
— Liz Franklin
 
 
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Highlights from recent sessions

Family maternity session in the studio

Couples maternity session at Fistral Beach, Newquay

Mum-to-be in studio

 

Bump to Baby

Most parents go on to return for their Newborn Session to capture their baby's first chapter.

With the Maxi Maternity Package your newborn session fee worth £65 is included.

Your beautiful bump is only the beginning - let’s capture the full story.


 
 
 
 

Maternity photography FAQ’s

When is the best time to schedule my maternity session?

The best time is between 30 and 35 weeks, when your bump is pronounced but you're still comfortable moving around. Every pregnancy is different and I can work with you at any stage. Book well in advance to guarantee availability, especially for outdoor or evening outdoor sessions.

Can my partner be in the photos?

Yes, partners are welcome in both the Mini and Full Maternity Experience packages. Children can be included in the Full Maternity Experience.

Do you do maternity and newborn packages?

Yes, it’s a natural progression to capture the full story from pregnancy to those first newborn days. With the Full Maternity Experience, your newborn session fee is included (worth £65), making it a really good way to document before and after.

I'm not sure I want to show my bump - do I have to?

Not at all. These are your photos and you decide how much or how little you'd like to show. I'll guide you through what works for different outfits and approaches, and there's always something in the studio if you're not sure what to wear. No one is expected to go bare or semi-nude.

What editing do you do on maternity photos? Do you keep stretch marks?

All images are lightly hand edited in my style, keeping tones and features natural. Temporary marks may be lightly retouched, but stretch marks are a natural and beautiful record of what your body has lived. I generally keep them to celebrate that journey, unless you'd prefer otherwise.

How much does maternity photography cost in Cornwall?

I offer two inclusive packages: the Mini Maternity Session at £249 and the Full Maternity Experience at £449. Both include fine art prints and digital images. The Full Experience also includes a full gallery of edited images, and your newborn session fee if you'd like to come back after your baby arrives. Full details are on the pricing section of this page.

What should I wear for my maternity photoshoot?

Simple, comfortable clothing that makes you feel like yourself. Bump-friendly maxi dresses, form-fitting dresses, or open-front shirts for bare bump photos - though bare bump is always optional.

You'll receive a style guide before your session with tips and advice and I’m on hand to give advice if needed.

What if I'm not comfortable in front of a camera?

Most people aren't and I'll guide you through what to do with some natural posing, so you never have to wonder what to do. Sessions are relaxed and go at your own pace, and most people find they love it once we get going.

Can my children be included in the session?

Yes, children are welcome in the Full Maternity Experience. It's actually a lovely way to document this transition for older siblings too, and a great way to break the ice before a newborn session if you're planning to come back. I'll handle the children in a relaxed, pressure-free way - invitations rather than instructions.

Where are you based and do you travel?

My studio is in Grampound, between Truro and St Austell in Cornwall. I also offer outdoor sessions. A small travel charge applies for locations further afield.

Do you shoot maternity sessions outdoors in Cornwall?

Yes, outdoor maternity sessions are available at local beaches and countryside in mid Cornwall. Golden hour light is particularly beautiful for maternity photography, so early morning or evening sessions are ideal outdoors. Weather dependent, and availability for evenings and weekends is limited - worth booking well in advance.

How long does a maternity session last?

The Mini Maternity Session takes around 30-45 minutes and the Full Maternity Experience around an hour. I don't clock watch - sessions take the time they need to unfold without feeling rushed.

When will I see my images?

Your images are edited and sent to you in a private online gallery, usually around two to three weeks after your session. For the mini session you may be sent a watermarked collection to choose from, with the option to purchase extra images.

Close up maternity bump photography Cornwall, honest natural maternity session
 
 

What happens next?

If a maternity session with me feels like it’s for you, please get in touch.

 
 

About bit about me

I've been photographing pregnant women and families in Cornwall for twelve years, and every session still teaches me something. If you'd like to know a little more about who I am and how I work, you can read more about me here.

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How to find me