Capturing the tiny early days
Newborn Photography in Cornwall

2 week old Newborn baby looks at camera during natural newborn photography session in Cornwall
 

The newborn stage is so surreal and fleeting, it can vanish without a trace before you know it. Newborn photography can capture some of those precious moments before they’re gone.

Babies change so much in their first month, and a newborn photography session typically captures them within the first 2 weeks when they’re teeny, sleepy and curled up from the womb still.

Newborn sessions with me are a beautiful experience that invites parents to be fully present and appreciate some sweet moments as a family. These images capture not only the way their tiny body fit in your arms, but also the tenderness, magic and love you feel.

Newborn photography sessions in Cornwall happen in my natural light studio in Grampound or at your home.

 
“God bless this beautiful morning til it’s gone”
— Song by JT Nero
 

Why work with me?

I believe that the experience is just as important as the photos you end up with. If you don’t enjoy your session you won’t love your photos, and that’s my priority. My intention is always to ensure that the memory of the session itself is as treasured as the images we create together. In this way I am a facilitator as much as a photographer!

Nothing is forced, things are kept simple, and by following my prep guidance you will have a relaxed time where you’ll feel comfortable and things will just unfold naturally.

I handle newborns confidently and parents often comment that they can tell I’ve been doing this a long time. Since starting out in 2014 I have worked with hundreds of families, new parents, brand new babies and siblings of all ages and I continue to fall in love with everyone in front of my camera.

“I honestly dont know how to thank you enough. I had a good cry in the car, you really have captured such beautiful memories for us to treasure. Your talent is incredible and it was so lovely working with such a lovely lady.”

- Charley Williams

 
 
 
 
 
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Safety first for newborn photography

Your main priority is making sure that your newborn baby is safe. With me, this comes first. Getting a shot never compromises anyone’s mental or physical well-being.

I am trained and skilled in natural and safe newborn anatomical positioning, with over twelve years experience working with babies from as young as 5 days old. I handle babies confidently so they always feel secure and in safe hands.

Each baby is different - during your session I am tuning into the personality and physical preferences of your little one, so your session unfolds naturally following your baby’s lead.

Safety rules:

  • Babies are not left unattended

  • No unsafe surfaces are ever used that they could roll off

  • Positions are mindful of newborn anatomy, airways and circulation

  • Swaddling is firm to keep baby feeling safe and secure, but never too tight

  • Room temperature is controlled and I know the signs for a baby too hot or cold

  • If a baby is uncomfortable in any position, immediate adjustments are made

Sessions are meant to be truly enjoyed - we are here to relish this amazing time, not to force anything. Know that if you’re not comfortable with something, we’ll adjust or move on.

 
 
 

“We had a newborn shoot when our daughter was three weeks old. Michelle was amazing and handled her with so much care when moving her into positions to be photographed and swaddled. The room was also nice and warm. And we LOVE the photos 😊 ”
— Chloe Tidy

 
 

 

My approach to newborn photography

every moment is perfect as it is, and Being is enough.

A newborn photo session with me is for you if you want to hold onto this fleeting and precious time in a genuine, natural and heartfelt way.

I know that real life with a newborn is chaotic, messy, difficult. It can involve cluster feeding babies, reluctant toddlers, exhausted parents, and this all part of the story. There is plenty of room for all of it - with me you can just come as you are.

Siblings are welcome

I am blessed to have many families returning with their second or third baby, and am used to including older children and toddlers in newborn photo sessions.

It’s not always easy, but I actually love the challenge that comes with older siblings and they are always welcome. I know how important those shots of them together are to you. While I can’t force anything, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get little ones involved while keeping it feeling relaxed and fun.

 
 

Your newborn photo session: in the studio or at home?

a Natural light studio in grampound

Natural light newborn photography studio in Grampound Cornwall, neutral tones and simple setup

I have a warm and quiet space in my home for sessions, with a sofa for parents and tea and coffee on hand. It's a place where you can leave the world behind and step into your moments together.

You'll find me in Grampound, between Truro and St Austell, with parking directly outside and no steps to navigate.

We do have a resident cat who occasionally wanders in to say hello. She's friendly, but can be kept away if you'd prefer.

At-Home newborn sessions

Toddler inspects newborn baby sister in her crib during a natural at-home newborn session in Cornwall

For families who want a newborn photo session at home in Cornwall, your session can happen where the memories are made. Incorporating a mixture of natural and wrapped photos - home is the backdrop and real moments are as welcome as ever.

I work with whatever natural light you have, and we'll talk through what works best during the planning stage.

 
 
 
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A peacefully sleeping newborn baby wrapped in organic cream linen during a Cornwall photography session
 

Timing newborn photo sessions

ideal age for newborn photography

I love to get newborn babies in between 6-10 days old for those sweet newborn features. There’s a certain look that starts to fade after this. It’s also when they are sleepiest, and naturally curled up from their position in the womb like mini pretzels.

There is no age limit as such - sometimes circumstances mean that it’s a later newborn session and that’s fine - I’ve worked with babies as old as 6 weeks and while they’re not as curled up or sleepy, they are still dreamy.

When to book your newborn session

Book your newborn session during your second/third trimester to ensure availability and to give enough time to plan the details of your session. When you book, your newborn photoshoot is scheduled for around ten days after your due date. This is adjusted once baby arrives - giving you flexibility while ensuring availability within the first week or two.

If your baby is already here please still reach out - I do often manage to fit in last minute bookings.

You can book a slot online (click below), or get in touch.

 
 
 
 
 
Newborn baby peers over father's shoulder in candid moment during newborn photography session in Cornwall

The newborn session experience (what to expect)

finding the studio

I’m easy to find on a quiet street with parking directly outside the front door. There are no steps to navigate. It’s a small house so just bring what you need.

During the session

The studio or your home needs to be very warm for the session (25 degrees+) - it may feel hot for us but ensures a settled baby. Wear layers!

Sessions begin with preparing baby. I will undress and wrap your baby for photos (no special outfits are required) and if a top up feed is needed to settle them this is fine. The session flows from there, with stops for more feeding and settling as needed. I always offer breastfeeding photos to nursing mums and both parents participate in the session normally.

Session length

Newborn sessions typically last around 2 hours. Some sessions move quickly, others take more time - there’s no time table.

At-home sessions

If your session takes place in your own home, the flow is very similar. I work with natural light and simple spaces. You don’t need a perfectly styled home, just a clear space around a window and a plain wall nearby - if you’re unsure whether your home would work I can advise.

 
 
 
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Newborn Session Pricing

Session fee: £85

Your session fee is paid on booking to secure the slot. It includes:

- Contract outlining all you need to know so you’re protected and clear
- A session prep guide written by me to help you prepare
- A written style guide (my tips on what to wear)
- Your photography session with me
- A viewing & ordering appointment (at the studio)

Viewing & ordering images

2-3 weeks after your session, we’ll meet for a viewing & ordering appointment where you’ll get to see the images for the first time and select which ones to purchase either as digitals, prints or a mixture of both.

Digital Bundles:

- 5 digital images - £249
- 10 digital images - £399
- 15 digital images - £449
- Full gallery of digital images (30+) - £599

Digital images are high resolution, delivered via a private online gallery.

Sets of prints and frames / wall art start from £259.

My popular all-inclusive collections from £64.80 per month.

Most families invest in the full gallery of digitals plus some printed keepsakes on my popular PayItMonthly collections, but if it’s just a handful of treasured memories you’d like, there’s never any pressure from me.

The full pricing guide is available on request - just get in touch.


memories live only in print

These photos aren’t intended to end up only on your phone or a desktop.

Digitals are an interim material, not a final product.

These are the pictures that will live in your home, to look at as the years go by and everyone changes and grows up. They are the pictures you'll find yourself holding in your hands in twenty years, remembering exactly how these days felt, wondering how they went so fast.

Raw or unedited files are not provided, as finished images reflect the care, artistry, and quality you see throughout my work.

Framed prints from a newborn photography session in Cornwall
 
 
“Our advice if you’re deciding on a photographer... LOOK NO FURTHER! Michelle is a truly special photographer who is able to adapt her craft to get excellent photos no matter the subject. We had a maternity shoot followed by a newborn shoot and both sets of photos are an extremely special snapshot in time that will be treasured forever. You won’t regret it.”
— Josie Scott
 
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Portfolio highlights - a glimpse into some recent newborn photography sessions…

 

Newborn photography FAQ’s

What if my baby cries or won't settle?

This is a common concern and it’s hard to predict what kind of day your newborn will be having. I will always follow your baby's lead, letting the session flow around them. It’s rare that a baby doesn’t settle at some point and I’ve got boundless patience for those who are struggling so you never have to feel like it shouldn’t be taking so long. Over the years I’ve picked up some baby whispering skills, which come in handy too!

What if my toddler won't cooperate?

It’s not unusual for little ones to be wriggly or shy, especially with a brand new sibling taking all the attention. I keep sibling moments as relaxed as I can, often letting children come to things in their own time. Even a fleeting moment of connection is enough, and those are sometimes the most real ones. No forced poses, no expectations.

What if I don't feel good after birth or a C-section?

When you’ve just had a baby you’re not going to feel like the old you for a while. I gently encourage mums to get in front of the camera with their babies anyway, as I know these are the photos that will mean the most to you (and to them) years down the road. I’m there to make sure you’re in the most flattering position and there are angles that help with those extra pounds.

What should my newborn wear?

You don’t have to bring anything for your newborn as most newborn images are of baby simply swaddled or in a nappy, which keeps things timeless and puts the focus on their features rather than clothing. I have everything needed in the studio.

A light and sweet moment as parents share a kiss during newborn photography session in Cornwall

What should parents wear?

I recommend wearing what you feel comfortable and good in - your usual style but maybe slightly elevated. The idea is not to come all wearing matching colours but to be yourselves - whether or not that’s colourful.

These are your photos - be you. Be unique.

What should we bring to the session?

This is covered in the prep guide, but things like extra nappies, milk if you're bottle-feeding, a dummy if you have one, and anything that helps you feel comfortable.

Do you do posed or natural newborn photography?

Neither exclusively, as the two aren't as separate as they might seem. I work with simple, safe positions that allow your baby to settle naturally, rather than elaborate or prop-heavy poses. The focus is always on what's real - the way your baby tends to lie, those womb-like positions they still love, and the moments between you.

What's the difference between studio and at-home newborn sessions?

The studio is a small, warm, quiet space with everything I need on hand and light I’m familiar with - ideal for those ]simple newborn images with a clean, neutral feel. Often it feels good to get dressed with make up on and leave the house - for many it’s the first excursion, which makes it all the more memorable as a milestone shared.

At-home sessions can work when you have a toddler or are recovering from a C-Section, and these capture life with your new baby where it's actually happening. These use the available light and space, I will bring a few blankets for baby but that’s it.

The right choice usually comes down to what feels most comfortable for you, and we can talk it through before you book.

Mother holds her newborn twin babies in a bespoke newborn photography session in Cornwall
 
 
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What happens next?

To book your newborn photography with me, get in touch with your details and I will get back to you with the next steps, or if you are ready you can book a session online. If there is no availability around your dates get in touch, I can sometimes fit something in.

I’m so happy you found me and I can’t wait to hear from you!

 
 
“We had the most flawless experience at our newborn shoot. From start to finish we were made to feel relaxed and at ease. Our baby was relaxed and in brilliant hands. Our final pictures are faultless and brought us to tears. Couldn’t recommend Michelle more!”
— Will Brown
 
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A little about me

I've been photographing newborns 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.

Michelle, newborn photographer in Cornwall, holding a baby in her Grampound studio

How to find me

 
 
 
 

What parents are saying about their newborn photoshoots in Cornwall…

“We had a newborn shoot with Michelle and found the whole experience very relaxed and professional. My 10 day old arrived unsettled and demanding to be fed, which didn’t phase Michelle at all - I had plenty of unrushed time to feed my daughter while she amused my son! She managed to get some great family shots as well as the newborn images, despite my 4 year old (and my husband!) being less than keen on having their photo taken usually.

The finished photos were amazing (I was meant to select a small digital bundle but ended up getting the package with them all included as I was unable to choose!) I would definitely recommend!”
— Kylie Weir
“Aw we absolutely love them. Thank you ever so much for being so patient on the day and taking the time to get the perfect shots. It was so appreciated.”
— Natalie White
 
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