I love my newborn sessions; there’s nothing better than baby cuddles and capturing beautiful images of them being brand new. But what I love most is capturing the whirlwind of bringing your baby home and beginning this new chapter together. One day you will share these photos with your baby; what would they want to see? What they looked like as a baby? Sure. But seeing what you looked like back then and the details of their first-ever home that housed all your love in those first days together would mean much more.
This is more than newborn photos; it’s lifelong memories.
A lot of times, I talk about transformations in my photography, and I truly believe that newborn family Photography is the ultimate example.
You might have seen my blog post showing Rufus’s parents before he was earthside. Glowing in love and magical in a simply ethereal shoot. Carrie-Louise looked phenomenal, a glowing pregnant goddess. Hair blowing in the wind, and dresses from my studio wardrobe. Total perfection. I adored it.
I adore this gallery just as much because it’s gentle and real. Here we are welcoming Rufus. This time at home, peaceful, tired, deeply in love. Transformed once more.
Come as you are
Bringing home your baby – I love being a small part of it, standing back and capturing all the moments for a couple of hours. I blend into the background as much as possible and let you do your thing as a family, then I come in a little closer for all those delightful newborn details.
Awake, feeding, snuggling, sleeping, we’ll capture it all. The beginning of family.
Take the time
It’s a total honour to be invited into your space to document this time with you. I love all the little details that creep into the pictures that show the realness of life with a newborn. It’s so important that you don’t stress about having me there and having your pictures. If you want to wear the dresses do, but if you want to be in your love cosy dressing gown, we’ll work with that too. This is the time to capture your new family as you are.
What’s important is you have this time to look back on. I guarantee you will never look back and wish you hadn’t taken pictures of your tiny little human before they grew to be taller than you. They will never be as little as they are now. But at least we can do our best to remember them so small.
Let’s connect and talk about your newborn family photography.
What makes my heart soar? A natural family photoshoot of a beautiful Mother and her babies.
What a gorgeous session I had with Sophia, Juniper and Luna at home in their stunning home in Torquay. This is what it is all about for me. Those simple moments juggling two little ones.
Sometimes we get in our heads a little about our photoshoots, how to style them, where to travel to that will have the best light. But honestly there is something really quite beautiful a stripped back, raw and beautiful shoot capturing you in your own element at home.
A quiet magic in photographs like these of Sophia playing with Juniper and her toys, breastfeeding Luna, cuddling on the sofa. Every day moments of motherhood that we don’t often manage to capture.
Travelling with you on your journey
I love to be in the presence of other creatives and soak up their creative energy. It’s especially lovely to be invited into their homes. I photographed Sophia previously during her pregnancy. Such a stunning session on the beach.
It was lovely to see her again. I’ve spoken about what an earth-mama she is and I felt it once again entering her house. Are you into plants? I walked into Sophia’s house and got instant plant envy. The light in the house and the stunning greens of the plants against beautiful white walls was just so lovely to photograph. Most definitely a treat for me! I’m always truly honoured to be asked by other photographers to photograph them. I think it really must be the highest form of flattery.
Capturing you in a natural family photoshoot
I made use of those wonderful windows and also just sat back to watch this stunning family at play. Capturing raw and candid images of your family is really what I am all about, this newborn session was just as much about the relationships of each family member and how they interact as much as it is about welcoming and documenting all the baby newness.
If you would like book a discovery call to discuss your newborn session then please get in touch. I can’t wait to meet you!
For their baby photography Cornwall based couple Mel and Pete booked me for an in-home session. Based in Newquay we had a delightful little shoot for their first baby, the perfect little Jasper.
Things to do if you’re visiting
Mel and Pete have a super busy life running Cornwall Wave Runner Safaris and making insanely delicious pizza at Jasper’s Kitchen, their cute little pizza pop-up. This family are truly living their best life in Cornwall.
Mel and Pete are amongst such great company when it comes to things to do in Cornwall. From jet skiing to powerboat rides, and even abseiling and surf school. So if you are down for a little extra adventure during your holiday, then don’t hesitate to book me.
If you don’t live here and are visiting but still want a more indoors shoot then take a look at some of the beautiful homes available on Airbnb. Shooting at your holiday house is totally a possibility and can make for some stunning images!
Baby Photography
Back to beautiful babies – I was delighted during this session as Mel and Pete are just the nicest people. They had the most beautiful ocean themed nursery which isn’t too surprising given their love for the sea. In fact Pete was already planning when he would be getting Jasper in the sea. Looking forward to seeing this future water baby grow that is for sure.
Jasper was so calm and adorable, I have said it before but I love these beautiful, gentle shoots in your home, welcoming your new addition to the family. I’m always so honoured to be invited into the sacred newborn bubble to share an hour or so with you to capture super cute moments together as a family.
These are the days of your lives friends, please please document them!
Book your Baby Photography
If you are on the hunt for baby photography Cornwall and Devon based then I’m so happy you’ve found me. I serve both those areas in capturing these special moments for your family, These images are your heirlooms, the things you will look back on for years to come. I’m so honoured to have the job of delivering them to you.
Are you having a baby? Get in touch to talk to me about the many benefits of Maternity and Newborn Sessions.
Beautiful blooming Motherhood shoots to gorgeous newborn snuggles. I love watching your family grow as I capture you on your journey.
Sophie and I connected on instagram and through mutual friends, naturally I was so happy for her and Matt when they announced her pregnancy if anyone deserves this, it is Sophie. They almost instantly booked me as their Maternity and Newborn Photographer Devon and I couldn’t wait to capture them.
We had an amazing maternity session at Whitsand bay in November and I’m sure you agree, what an absolute goddess she is! Sophie was 33 weeks in these images and she was truly in bloom. There is something magical about a baby bump.
Back for Newborn cuddles
It was a pleasure to connect back with Sophie and Matt and their gorgeous dog Lottie at their home in Ivybridge, Devon to welcome Baby Billy to the world. There is nothing like being welcomed into someone’s space in those precious still days of endless nappies. Oh the milky snuggles and blurry days of a newborn.
Even though many of us talk so wistfully about those days, they can be incredibly isolating and hard for new parents. Sophie was determined to breastfeed Billy, determined to “get it right”. I’m so in awe of her and Mothers like her for their perseverance. What warriors!
Breastfeeding – for those who choose to (or are able to) – is such a hugely emotive part of the motherhood journey. It can be exhausting, painful, difficult but oh so rewarding. And such a bonding experience.
As my social media followers will know, I am a huge advocate for taking time out, for being in the present, and for capturing those moments with your babies. My maternal sessions are all about the raw connection, the neverending love between you and your child and to celebrate motherhood in all its forms.
There is no shame in how a baby is fed, having that time with your little one – whether it’s feeding them via breast or bottle – is such a bonding experience – but there is still so much hidden shame and fear around breastfeeding and I love helping Mums celebrate their journey. Whether they feed for one week or one year. Whether they combi-feed or exclusively breastfeed. It’s a fleeting time and one that is so precious.
World Breastfeeding Week is a time for Mums. To help them navigate the often emotional journey of breastfeeding. To provide them with much needed support and guidance. In light of that, I wanted to share Sophie’s story with you all. It’s raw, honest, and emotional. It’s such an important part of her parenting journey and one I am honoured to have documented.
Sophie shared with me in her own words her breastfeeding experience during lockdown mark II.
Words By Sophie
Seven months of breastfeeding.
Sleep deprivation, hours of cluster feeding, the struggles, and all that pain!
“I dreaded every feed in those early months because it hurt so much. I watched late-night YouTube videos over and over, desperately trying to figure out ‘pain-free latching’. Wondered why something that always looked so natural wasn’t coming naturally to me. The countless Zoom calls with lactation specialists always ended in tears because I felt like a failure. And all because the Covid pandemic meant zero face to face support. No ‘latch on’ groups to meet other breastfeeding Mums.
In all honesty, I found the first few months so daunting and, while we remained in a national lockdown, incredibly lonely. Although, the days snuggled at home meant I was more determined than ever to keep going. It’s been just him and I in the middle of the night, in the silence, sharing my body night after night. It’s been the best thing ever but also incredibly demanding. Breastfeeding really is a journey, a beautiful journey. I’ll miss the closeness so much when we finally stop. But I won’t miss the doubt that comes with it and the learning to ignore the comments and questions from others. No, I won’t miss that.
It’s the moments of pure peace when they’re fast asleep in the warmth of your arms and nothing in the world matters. It’s so emotional and exhausting all at the same time. But oh so rewarding. It’s all day. (And night!) Again and again. But it’s the most determined I’ve ever been, and I couldn’t be prouder of him and me. Because one day it will all be gone, and I’ll wonder how I could’ve resented even a single moment of it.”
Sophie, and Mother’s like you. You are amazing humans.
It’s so so important to capture these special times and I’m delighted to be able to do this for you. If you are expecting a baby looking for a Maternity and Newborn Photographer Devon and Cornwall based then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
It was a total joy to be back with Natalie and co. after their at home Maternity Shoot to welcome beautiful Rainbow baby Charlie for their newborn photography. The house was looking totally adorable ready for Christmas. So naturally we got some cute shots of the family around the Christmas tree.
I always love see a family journey from Bump to birth and this was no different. The moody dark winter light was just perfect to show this winter newborn session.
In spite of him looking so peaceful, little Charlie gave his family a scare from a rocky birth. So these images are all the more precious knowing he is safe and well. Meaning Natalie can look back on this blurry time and gaze at her little newborn frozen in time.
Lola was obviously adoring being an older Sister to little Charlie and Joe was just so sweet around his new little Brother.
Book your Newborn Photography
I love snuggly baby sessions. The reminder of my own babies and how much I needed them near me in those first few months. What an incredible bond, it seems like just a few years ago. Enjoy all the snuggles and make sure you take as many pictures as they get very big very quickly!
So, in a nutshell If you’re based in Cornwall or Devon and find yourself searching “newborn photography near me” then your search is over. I am happily able to travel to you.
There are so many benefits to an in home baby photoshoot with your little one. Especially in capturing relaxed memories of this special time of where you are now. How precious to look back on.
I’ll gladly go through it with you in one of my discovery calls.
Oh what an honour it was to spend time with new Mother Amelia and 1 Month old Baby Pepper for this natural baby photography Devon based shoot. If you have been around new babies you know that these first few weeks are raw, powerful and emotional, long and tiring. A beautiful blur of learning, newness and a total blessing.
At 1 month, Baby Pepper was beautifully alert and already had such a special bond with her Mama. A reminder that our sessions do not have to be the first few newborn weeks. So If the thought of a photoshoot feels too much in the beginning, I absolutely offer baby photoshoots past the newborn stage too.
In home shoots
Amelia’s beautiful beach home in Kingsbridge Devon had the most stunning sea views and light. Not only did we make the most of snuggly shots in the bedroom but we also took a lovely little walk in the sunshine. Allowing me to capture some timeless images that I know Amelia will cherish for life. I was in awe of this pair of beautiful souls and it was such a pleasure to hold space with them in their home.
Also who else is here for that incredible window shot?
Walks by the ocean
Whether in home or out in nature, we can capture perfect natural moments of you and your precious baby. This session is a perfect example of the best of both worlds.
Capture Memories
To me, this beautiful and natural baby photography Devon session depicts those slow days with your first born. You have nowhere to go and can spend hours feeding, staring and snuggling. Capturing these intimate moments is what I am all about.
The first few months of a baby, whether difficult or not are always such a blur. I can guarantee you will look back and wonder how you got through it all. It is so precious to be able to take the time to photograph your family during this time. They are little but for a blink of an eye.
I urge you to take the time to document your family and your tiny little miracles, give your future self the gift of tangible memories.
Have you read my journal post what to expect on a newborn shoot? You can find it here.
Outdoor Newborn Photography at Stoke beach, Noss Mayo, Devon.
I first met Jasmine and Pete in February 2018 after they had welcomed their first baby Tigerlilly. Their session was one of my first newborn sessions after moving to Cornwall. It was truly a beautiful experience and their photos are still some of my favourites now. I loved it so much because we all just had a lovely time together. I still remember driving home feeling so exited about the moments we captured together.
Fast forward to summer 2019, and the beautiful Pilar family are now a family of four! So, of course, it was time for a newborn shoot, and this time we headed down to one of their favourite beaches in (Stoke Beach) Noss Mayo, on the Devon coast, to celebrate the arrival of baby Raffy. It was such a joy to capture this beautiful family again and to be part of their lives as they grow and change. It’s times like these. I’m really grateful that I get to do what I do.
I feel like I say it all the time, but there really is nothing more special than return clients. I was honoured when Magda reached out to let me know that they were expecting again. It was so lovely to catch up with them to meet beautiful baby Emilia, who was a dream. Plus, big brother Jacob who I had previously photographed when he was a baby. Lifestyle sessions are so special; let me share with you why I love them so much.
What is a lifestyle newborn session?
Lifestyle photography is very different from typical studio newborn photography. They are gentle and free-flowing with a focus on what really matters, and that’s your family welcoming it’s the newest member, how that looks and feels. I have a super relaxed approach to documenting the little moments and the big emotions because those first few days with a newborn are some of the most overwhelming, scariest, most beautiful days, but they are so fleeting. You look back before you know it, and it feels like it was all just a hazy dream, a distant memory.
When is the best time for a newborn session?
The thing with lifestyle newborn photography is there is no perfect time. It’s totally dependant on what works for you. If you want sleepy, new baby photos, I’d recommend shooting around 6-14 days old. However, if you want extra time to settle in or photos with more interaction, we can absolutely wait.
The thing with lifestyle newborn photography is there is no perfect time. It’s totally dependant on what works for you. If you want sleepy, new baby photos, I’d recommend shooting around 6-14 days old. However, if you want extra time to settle in or photos with more interaction, we can absolutely wait.
Do I need to prepare my home for the newborn session?
Please, please, please don’t stress over this! Your house doesn’t need to be “perfect”. Clear the clutter, but keep things looking lived in because I want your photos to be honest, not fake. The main rooms we are likely to use will be your bedroom and kids bedrooms/nursery, a living room, and anywhere there is an amazing light. I can bring a few blankets and wraps to use, but it’s always nice and special to have items you’ve bought and use.
Tip: I almost always photograph my families on the master bed, so it’s worth choosing bedding that compliments your outfit choices. If in doubt, go neutral.
How does the session work?
I’ll turn up with my camera. If you have older children, I’ll spend some time getting to know them. I’ll ask someone to give me a tour through your home (usually the kids!), so I can work out the best areas to shoot in. At every session, I follow the youngest child’s lead; for example, If a toddler is running around, they are the boss for the session. The first 20 minutes are mostly documentary in style to ease into the session, and you can get comfortable and not feel awkward. I will gently guide you, but I try to avoid posing as much as possible; I won’t make you stand still and smile at the camera; in fact, the less you look at me, the better! Sometimes it might just be to move to a particular area of light or placing a hand on someone’s cheek. Easy.
All you need to do is to focus on your family. Loving your loved ones is what I need from you: Cuddles, kisses and snuggles, smiles and laughter. Just you being you, and together we’ll tell your story honestly through photographs so that you can share these moments with your baby forever.
Somerset Newborn Photography – An in-home newborn session.
“An investment you will never regret!! Those first few weeks of your baby arriving into the world are such an emotional time and a huge adjustment to your life that it just flys by in a heartbeat. Having these newborn photos allows us to look back and soak it all up again and again. Mel’s style is why we booked her. Trust me when I say a lot of research went into finding the right newborn photographer for us, and we are so glad we found Mel. We are in love with our images. Highly recommended to anybody who is considering capturing those precious first moments. Thank you, Mel x” – Stacey
