Manchester Newborn Home Family Photoshoot

A relaxed home newborn photoshoot session

Megan got in touch to arrange a newborn shoot a couple of months before she was due to give birth. When I got the news of the new arrival we arranged the best time for me to come (around midwife appointments etc!) Im always very flexible on weekdays. And of course well behaved siblings are always welcome to join in as well as pets! I managed to sneak a few pictures of the dog in-between feeds and nappy changes! I cant resist a little dog or cat to photograph!

Here are some of my favourites from the photoshoot which took around 2 hours in total.

Some more information regarding my Newborn home photoshoots can be found here.

What to Know About Newborn Photography Shoots in Manchester

Nothing’s more precious than those first few weeks with your brand-new arrival, and my newborn photography shoots are perfect for capturing this magical time!

Most people know me as a Manchester wedding photographer but I have also been offering newborn baby shoots in Cheshire, Manchester and Lancashire for years as well.

Again, I use my documentary style of photography for newborn portraits as it works so perfectly. Reportage photography provides natural, beautiful and intimate shots that tell the authentic and unique story of each family.

A lot of my clients tell me that they have tried posed studio shots, but these can be quite stressful when you’re juggling a brand-new baby with a demanding feed and nappy change schedule!

So my newborn photography shoots in Manchester are designed to make the whole experience relaxed, cosy and natural.

I come to your home and allow plenty of time to take real shots of you, your precious arrival and any family members that wander into the mix (proud siblings often love to have their photo taken with their new tiny brother or sister!)

FAQs about Manchester newborn photography shoots

Do you pose newborns for your shoots?

I don’t pose newborns – instead, I take natural photos of them sleeping, being snuggled, stretching, yawning and generally doing all of the gorgeous things that babies do. As a mum myself, I remember exactly how precious these first moments are, and I’m there to capture them all!

Can I feed and change my baby during the shoot?

Yes! The beauty of me offering home-based newborn photography shoots in Cheshire is that you can just do what you need to while I’m there. You can feed and change your baby whenever you need to during the photoshoot. I never rush my clients!

How long do newborn photography shoots last?

In fact, because I want everyone to be as relaxed as possible for a newborn photography shoot, I just book one shoot per day and I allow two or three hours so that everyone has plenty of time to unwind and just enjoy themselves.

When should I book a newborn shoot in Manchester?

The best time for a newborn shoot is when your baby is between five and ten days old. At this stage, they are still very tiny, very sleepy and curled up! 

It’s such a magical stage and a very short window of time, so it’s wonderful to capture the moments and have these memories to look back on. In just a few years you’ll look back and be amazed that your big noisy, active child was ever that tiny!

What equipment do you provide?

I have a beautiful big newborn bag and lots of cosy blankets and these help keep your little one snuggly and warm. 

I can then spend time capturing all of their cute little expressions and movements while they are asleep and awake, moving their fingers and toes, sneezing, yawning and generally being adorable!

Often my clients choose to include a little teddy in the newborn shoots and this can be very cute! 

What should I dress my baby in?

I recommend that you just dress your little one in a nappy for your photoshoot as they tend to be swamped by clothes. This is another reason that I don’t tend to do newborn shoots outdoors because it’s very hard to see little ones underneath their outdoor snuggle suits and layers!

If we have time, you can dress your baby in a little outfit and I recommend neutral colours so that the images are soft and have that lovely dreamy quality that will work perfectly.

Any other tips for a great newborn shoot?

Keep your house really warm and toasty, as it will help to settle your baby before I arrive. If you can manage to sneak in a feed beforehand then all the better too as it means they’ll be sleepy and relaxed. There’s no pressure though! The important thing is to just relax and enjoy it.

If you have windows with lots of lovely light, I will take photos that maximise it! I tend to position mums, dads and babies by the window because I don’t use flash photography and this gives such a beautiful natural light that is very soft and perfect for the story we are capturing in each image. 

With lighting in mind, please turn off screens and TVs as they can distort the brightness in the room and if you have any neutral bedding and clothing for yourself, that works very well too. 

Don’t worry, I’ll talk you through everything beforehand and help you when I arrive too! You’ve got enough to think about with a newborn!

Equally, don’t worry about mess in the background either as I’ll work around it! I do recommend avoiding black clothing and blankets though as these tend to show dust and baby sick (not the result we’re aiming for! 😉

Top tips for mums

Be in the photo! So many mums say that they aren’t ‘photo ready’ so soon after giving birth, and I get it – I really do! But you will absolutely want to have those precious photographs afterwards and will be so happy that you were in them with your new arrival. 

You don’t have to do your hair and makeup and you can simply wear something soft and comfortable. I will work around you and your family to create beautiful images that you will always treasure.

Your photo gallery

I will edit all photos and then aim to send your own private digital gallery back to you within 7-10 days. You’ll receive all of the fully edited digital high-resolution videos back via this private link and there will be at least 70 all edited in colour and in black and white. 

You can print and share as many of these images as you like as you have full access to each high resolution, print-ready image.

When to book your Manchester newborn photography 

The best time to book a newborn photoshoot is one week after you are due. Don’t worry; babies have their own schedule and we can simply rearrange the booking if your little one arrives early or late! I can be very flexible during the weekdays!

How to book your Manchester newborn photoshoot

Please get in touch via my contact form and we’ll get you booked in!