Simply Styled Newborn Photography | Cornwall
Photographing those tiny early days with simply styled studio or home sessions.
They say that the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. When you have a baby, nothing could be more true.
I’m a newborn photographer in Cornwall and my sessions are for parents wanting to savour every tiny detail of life with their new baby while having it captured with care.
I know that it’s the simplest, most uncomplicated moments you’ll long to relive, and I am here to help you pause and soak it all up, before it passes.
Available in-studio or in your home in Cornwall, newborn photography sessions are personalised to your baby and family, with comfort always the priority. I’ve been doing this for 12+years, and have developed a method of working that keeps everything simple and easy, so that you can relax and enjoy these fleeting moments with your newborn.
“We had our newborn photoshoot by Michelle and it was such a lovely and warm experience.
Michelle is very professional and caring with our little boy.
Our time in Michelles home studio was amazing, we sat back and watched Michelle work her magic in the most calming environment. The options for different props, fabrics, and backdrops where endless and Michelle knew exactly what worked!”
Newborn Session In-Studio or At-Home?
Both studio and home newborn photoshoots are a tuned-in and mindful experience. The right choice depends on what feels most comfortable for you - plus some practical considerations like space and light.
Studio sessions
My studio is located in my home in Grampound, between Truro and St Austell. It’s easy to find, with parking directly outside the front door and no stairs to navigate.
My space is small but simple with a comfy sofa for parents & proper coffee or tea available. Maybe a Kit-Kat if you’re lucky too!
We also have a small family cat who occasionally makes an appearance to say hi, but she can be kept away if need be - and I’ve become an expert at photoshopping her out.
The studio space is warm and cosy, so your baby will be content and comfortable even when lightly dressed or undressed.
At-Home Sessions
At-home newborn sessions add a more documentary-style vibe, capturing life with a new baby where the memories are being made.
The most important consideration is available natural light and space, which I can assess during the discovery phase.
Keeping Baby Safe
Of course your main concern is the safety and well-being of your baby. For me it’s imperative that comfort and safety always come first.
I have over 12 years experience working with newborns, and know how to handle them confidently in a way that ensures they feel secure and in safe hands (because believe it or not, they know!).
I’ve worked with hundreds of babies and know that each is different. Like with everyone, I get to know them as we go, hence every session unfolds naturally as I learn what works and what doesn't.
Basic safety standards:
Babies are never left unattended
No unsafe surfaces are ever used (I hardly use props anyway)
Positions are chosen to protect airways and circulation (my posing is minimal and natural)
Swaddling is firm to keep limbs tucked in, but never too tight or too hot for long.
Room temperature is controlled and I know the signs for a baby too hot or cold.
Above all, sessions are meant to be 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 | Cornwall
There is only now — and it doesn’t need to look a certain way. When you’re in the moment, there is so much to notice and capture.
Being is enough.
Sessions should be a space for honesty so come as you are. Crying babies, grumpy toddlers, exhausted and frazzled parents - all of your emotions are welcome. I know the love will shine through, just be yourselves in the moments that unfold.
My job is to see, and capture, the little things that will forever remind you of this time.
I have a minimalist yet intimate style, for timeless images that focus on pure moments. I love to work with neutral earthy tones normally for a light and airy aesthetic, although I can also work with dark and moody. As long as it’s honest, the moments guide the direction.
“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.”
When to book your Newborn Session
How old does baby need to be?
To capture them tiny, newborn sessions happen ideally within the first 2 weeks.
When to Book
I recommend booking before your baby arrives. Your sessions set for around 10 days after your due date, but can be adjusted once your baby is here - giving you flexibility while ensuring availability during the small time frame.
That said, I photograph newborns up to 6 weeks old - they’ll have changed a lot and may not sleep much but it’s still the tiny early days.
If your baby is older than six weeks, you’re still very welcome to come in. It’s the same approach - to capture what is, simply and honestly.
What to expect at your Newborn Photoshoot in Cornwall
step-by-step (ooh baby!)
Timing
I normally book newborn sessions in for the late morning. It’s the right time for the light, and gives you time to get out of the house. It’s also when babies are naturally more settled.
Arriving at the studio
My home studio is located on a quiet street with parking directly outside the front door. There are no steps to navigate, and no need to bring a pushchair - just your baby or car seat is perfect.
Settling in
Sometimes babies don’t wake up and I don’t waste time, getting straight to work with them while parents settle themselves in. These sessions often work well and I give tips in my prep info on how to maximise the chances of your baby staying settled for a comfortable and quiet start.
If your baby wakes up at the beginning then we can start off with a feed and I can get some lovely shots with parents straight off the bat.
Outfits & styling
Everything for baby is provided - you don't have to bring outfits or buy clothes for them. I keep a collection of specially handmade clothing for newborn sessions, and most pictures are of baby undressed and simply wrapped.
Everything you need to think about for choosing what the rest of the family will wear is covered in my style guide and discussed during our pre-session consultation. The main aim is that you wear what looks good for the camera, but also feels good - a happy balance.
During the session
Expect there to be moments of quiet and moments of chaos. Babies and children rarely behave how you think they will, and it’s best to come with an open mind and to go with the flow. I keep things simple, adjusting according to moods and temperaments on the day. Sometimes there’s a lot to work with, sometimes little - just know that no matter what, there are always beautiful things happening and my job is noticing them.
Parents and siblings will be in and out of the photos - it’s not structured or planned, and I will keep suggesting ideas as things unfold. My invitation is to nestle into as many moments with your newborn, partner, and older children as you possibly can.
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 - real life is more than enough.
“Simplicity is a choice, a discrimination, a crystallization. Its object is purity.”
Newborn Photography Pricing
Session Fee — £65
I charge a £65 session fee on booking to reserve your slot. This includes:
Written preparation & style guides
Pre-session consultation (video call)
Use of props & outfits
Newborn photography session with me
A guided photo ordering appointment
Supplementary charges may apply to cover travel, and there is an additional charge for weekend sessions.
What happens afterwards?
I will carefully hand edit and curate a gallery of images to present at your gallery viewing & ordering appointment, around 2–3 weeks after your session.
This is where you can decide on how your photographs will live - as prints, in frames on the wall or in an album. I’ll guide you through the options and full pricing is provided before you book.
Investment guidance
Most families spend around £800 on a combination of print & digital products.
All final decisions are made at your ordering appointment
All-inclusive collections are available, with payment plans from £64.80 per month
A-la-carte printed artwork and digital bundles start from £249
A quick note
The session fee does not include your images. You can choose what you truly love after seeing your photographs. I wholeheartedly and ardently believe that your photos deserve to be, and should be, printed on the finest of paper and displayed in the most beautiful handcrafted frames and albums.
If there’s ever a time to stretch the budget for something, this is it. This is the only splurge that will grow in value over time and that you’ll never EVER regret.
Raw or unedited files are not provided, as finished images reflect the care, artistry, and quality you see throughout my work.
Digital Bundles
For peace of mind, the perfect accompaniment to your prints & products.
5 - £249
10 - £399
15 - £449
Full Gallery - £599
packages
All-inclusive collections for a mixture of printed products & jpegs.
From £64.80 per month
a-la-carte
Individual printed products such as wall art, framed prints & albums.
from £249
Portfolio highlights - a glimpse into some recent newborn photography sessions…
Frequently Asked Questions
Worried about whether your toddler will cope with a new addition, let alone a newborn session… or how your body will feel after giving birth and how you’ll face being in front of a camera… You’ll find answers to these and other frequently asked questions below.
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That’s completely normal, and should be expected to some degree. Sessions are unhurried, and we’ll work with your baby adapting to his or her needs.
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That’s normal, especially with younger siblings. I keep sibling moments relaxed and pressure-free, allowing children to approach things in their own time. Even short moments of connection are often enough, and I work patiently to capture them without expectations.
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I try to keep skin edits minimal - flakes, stork marks and small imperfections are part of a newborn’s features. That said, I would edit out a fresh scratch on a cheek, or baby acne spots. If a case is severe we may postpone the session.
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There is absolutely no expectation for you to look or feel a certain way. You are never under pressure to be in photographs unless you want to be. Many parents decide in the moment, and that’s always respected.
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Just your baby (or car seat), nappies, milk if bottle-feeding, a dummy if you use one, and anything that helps you feel comfortable. All outfits, wraps, and blankets for your baby are provided.
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Soft, neutral tones photograph best and keep the focus on connection. You’ll receive a simple style guide before your session to help you choose clothing that feels comfortable and timeless.
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Yes — older siblings are very welcome. I’ll gently guide sibling moments in a relaxed, age-appropriate way, allowing space for natural interaction rather than stiff or forced posing.
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Most sessions last around 2 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, changing, and settling. Some sessions move more quickly, others take a little longer, both are completely normal.
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Your images are carefully edited and presented at your ordering appointment, usually held around 2–3 weeks after your session.
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Raw or unedited files aren’t provided, as final images reflect the care, consistency, and finished quality shown throughout my work. Each image you receive is fully edited and ready to be enjoyed.
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It’s best to book during pregnancy, ideally in your second or third trimester. This allows me to reserve space around your due date and offer flexibility once your baby arrives.
“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!”
What happens next?
To book your newborn photography session, simply fill in the form below and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
About me
Although I’ve always had a love for art and photography, it’s only since having my first baby in 2013 that a deep passion for newborn & family photography took hold. My obsession has become my livelihood and I continue to grown and evolve with every session.
Over the years I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns, babies & families. I am mostly self-taught, with training on safety, approach and posing acquired from various top photographers in the field through online courses. I’ve learnt so many valuable lessons on the job - always striving for better, progressing, tweaking and over time developing my own style of seeing and shooting.
I hope I never tire of contributing my particular verse to the stories of my clients in this way. It’s a joy and an honour to capture such important and precious memories for people.
I’m a mum to two boys, and with each passing year my experience and understanding of what these moments mean will over time grows deeper. It’s less and less about getting the perfect pose, and more about capturing how the moments feel - that is what you will want to hold onto when they’re not little any more.
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.”
