Capture the fleeting, fading details of your newborn dream.
Newborn Photography in Cornwall
The newborn stage is like waking up from the best dream, and realising that by the end of the day you can hardly remember the details. It’s a surreal, magical bubble which ends with vague and fast-fading memories.
Newborn photography sessions are soft and special - a space for you to take a break and soak up some fleeting moments with your new baby and each other.
These photos will mean more than anything later - there will never be such a time again.
Newborn photography in Cornwall happens in my natural light studio in Grampound near Truro or at your home.
We go with the flow, follow what naturally unfolds, and let your baby lead the way.
It’s often the simplest things you’ll miss the most. How your newborn baby fit in your arms, their perfect tiny fingers and toes, the weight of their little body on your chest, and the endless micro facial expressions you could stare at for hours.
“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
Newborn safety
Of course your main priority is making sure that your newborn baby is safe. With me, this always comes first. Getting a shot should never compromise a baby’s well-being.
I am trained and skilled in natural and safe newborn 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.
I know that each baby is different. There is time taken to get to know their little personalities, so every session unfolds naturally as I learn what works and what doesn't for your baby.
my safety rules:
Babies are never 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 😊 ”
My approach to newborn photography
Being is enough.
Cornwall newborn photography sessions are a space where all your moments and emotions are welcome. Life with a newborn can involve cluster feeding babies, reluctant toddlers, exhausted parents, and this all part of the story.
There is plenty of time to make sure everyone’s needs are tended to.
Keeping things simple
I love to keep everything simple - the set up, colours and posing are all minimal and timeless, so that the most important thing is always the moment and how it feels.
I tend to work with neutral and earth tones, and have a simple, light and airy yet intimate style.
Even with careful preparation and planning of details, little ones are unpredictable and it’s best to arrive expecting the unexpected, and being willing to go with the flow. Things will unfold naturally, exactly as they’re meant to.
Including Siblings
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 photoshoots.
It’s not always easy, but older siblings are always welcome and 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.
Newborn photography sessions: in-studio or at-home
a Natural light studio in grampound
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 at the door 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
For families who want to be photographed at home. Your session may include the everyday - the Moses basket by the window, the morning light in the bedroom, the older sibling peering over the edge of the cot, with the simple minimalistic style that is consistent with my work.
I work with whatever natural light you have, and we'll talk through what works best during the planning stage.
Timing for newborn photography
ideal age for newborns
Newborn babies are ideally between 6-10 days old at the time of the newborn session for those quintessential newborn features. This is also when they are sleepiest, and naturally curled up from their position in the womb.
I don’t have an age limit as such - sometimes circumstances mean that it’s a later newborn session and that’s ok too - up to 6 weeks old. They’ll have changed a lot and may not sleep much but it’s still the early days and worth capturing.
When to book your newborn session
Book well in advance to ensure availability and to have enough time to plan your session. If your baby is already here please still reach out - I do often manage to fit in last minute bookings.
The newborn photoshoot itself is pencilled in for around ten days after your due date, and adjusted once baby arrives - giving you flexibility while ensuring availability within the first week or two.
The Experience (how it works)
session timing
Newborn photography sessions in Cornwall happen mid to late morning, usually on weekdays. This time works for natural light, gives you time to get out of the house, and is also when babies are naturally more settled. Of course if you have a toddler, we’ll time it around naps, but I recommend keeping your day clear for this so that everyone is fresh and there’s no rushing.
finding the studio
I’m 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.
Outfits & styling
It is not necessary to bring anything for your baby to wear as for the most part he or she will be undressed and wrapped up.
Outfits for you and the rest of the family should be comfortable, simple and looking as if you belong together. Your prep and style guide has plenty of advice to ensure you look the part, which is provided on booking.
During the session
The studio is kept very warm for newborn sessions - it may feel uncomfortable for us but this ensures a very settled baby.
Once you arrive, it’s all about letting things unfold naturally. I often get to work with baby straight away on the beanbag. The session flows from there, with as many stops for feeding as necessary. Breastfeeding photos are offered to nursing mums and I include both parents a lot.
My invitation is to not worry about the photos and to savour as many moments with your newborn, partner, and older children as you possibly can - this is a chance to enjoy what you’ve got and trust me, it’s so beautiful.
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.
Pricing
An Investment in Your Baby’s story
Choosing to document these fleeting moments is choosing to freeze a chapter of your life before it blurs past.
I charge a session fee of £85 which includes written guides to help you prepare, and the session itself. Digital and print sets start from £259 and all-inclusive collections from £64.80 per month.
Most families invest between £500 and £900 for their newborn photographs.
The full pricing guide is available on request.
memories should always live in print
These aren't just photos for your phone. They're the ones you'll find yourself looking at in ten years, remembering exactly how those days felt, and 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.
“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.”
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 completely expected, and always fine. It is hard to predict what kind of day your newborn will be having, and we always follow your baby's lead, letting the session flow around them. I do recommend bringing a dummy for them, even if you don’t usually use one - it can be really helpful for the short duration of the session and will do no long-term harm.
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 like myself 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 as I believe that these are the photos that will mean the most to you, and to them, years down the road. When you’re in the moment, staring down at your newborn, nothing is as beautiful as that love.
Can siblings be included?
Absolutely, older siblings are always welcome in newborn sessions. I include sibling moments in a relaxed way. I have a few gentle ways of encouraging even the most reluctant participants.
What will my newborn wear?
Most newborn images are of baby simply swaddled or wrapped, which keeps things timeless and puts the focus on their features rather than clothing. I have everything needed in the studio.
What should parents wear?
Neutral, light tones tend to photograph with newborns beautifully and keep the focus on the sweet moments unfolding.
Styling advice is included in the prep guides and info given on booking. Dress code is smart-casual, so wear something simple and comfortable. A bit of texture and attention to details goes a long way.
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. Everything is kept minimal, timeless, and led by your baby on the day.
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 classic, 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.
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.
The right choice usually comes down to what feels most comfortable for you, and we can talk it through before you book.
Where are you based and do you travel?
My studio is in Grampound, between Truro and St Austell in Cornwall. I also offer at-home newborn sessions and travel across Cornwall to come to you. A travel charge applies for locations further afield - we can discuss this when you get in touch.
What if my baby is already a few weeks old?
The ideal window for newborn photography is between six and ten days old, when babies are naturally sleepier and still curled from the womb. I photograph newborns when they’re older so do get in touch if your baby is already here and a few weeks old. They'll have changed and may not sleep as much or as deeply, but it's still early, still precious, and the approach is exactly the same - soaking up what you’ve got.
How long does a newborn session last?
Most sessions last around two hours, but there's no timetable. Some move quickly, others take a little longer. We go with the flow, and there's always enough time for everything that matters.
When will we see our images?
Your images are carefully edited and presented at your ordering appointment, usually around two to three weeks after your session. This is where you'll choose what you'd like to take home - prints, wall art, albums, or a combination - and I'll guide you through everything.
When should we book?
During pregnancy, ideally in your second or third trimester. This gives me time to reserve space around your due date and offer flexibility once your baby arrives. The session itself is pencilled in for around ten days after your due date and adjusted once your baby is here.
How much does newborn photography cost in Cornwall?
My session fee is £85, which secures your date and includes written prep guides and the photography session. Images and artwork are purchased separately afterwards - most families invest between £500 and £900 on a combination of prints, wall art, and digital images. Full pricing details are sent once you get in touch, and there's never any pressure to decide anything until after you've seen your images.
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.
I’m so happy you found me!
“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!”
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.
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!”
“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.”
