MONIKA SZMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY
Newborn Photography Manchester
Safe, Gentle Baby Photoshoots in South Manchester — Studio Sessions from £199
Newborns are only truly newborn for about ten days.
Ten days. It goes so fast you can barely catch it. The way they curl up. The tiny fingers wrapped around yours. The milk-drunk smiles that might be wind but feel like magic. Before you know it, they've grown, and those very first days exist only in your memory — unless someone was there to capture them.
That's exactly what I do. As a newborn photographer in Manchester with over 13 years of experience, I create safe, beautiful, natural portraits of your baby in their very first days — images that will sit on your wall and in your heart for the rest of your life.
My studio in South Manchester is warm, calm and completely designed around your family's comfort. There's no rush. Sessions take as long as they need to. Feeding breaks, nappy changes, cuddles — all completely welcome. Your only job is to enjoy every moment.
When to book your newborn photography session
The best time to photograph your newborn is between 5 and 14 days after birth. At this age babies are still deliciously sleepy, naturally curled, and at their most flexible for gentle posing. After two weeks, they become more alert, harder to settle, and those beautiful curled-up poses become much more difficult to achieve.
I recommend booking your newborn session during your second trimester — around 28 to 30 weeks pregnant — to secure your preferred date.
Don't worry if you've just given birth and haven't booked yet. Get in touch immediately, and I'll do everything I can to fit you in. I keep a small number of spaces each month specifically for last-minute enquiries.
If your baby is already over two weeks old, a lifestyle session — photographing natural interactions between you, your partner and your baby — can be a beautiful alternative.
Just get in touch, and we'll find the right approach for your family.
Why Manchester families choose Monika Szmidt for newborn photography
1. Safety first — always
The safety of your baby is my absolute priority. I am a trained and fully insured newborn photographer with over 13 years of experience photographing newborns.
Before I became a photographer, I worked as a physiotherapist with children for many years — so I understand babies' bodies, their limits, and how to handle them gently and safely.
I never attempt poses that are uncomfortable or unsafe, and every image you see in my portfolio is achieved with proper technique.
2. A calm, natural approach
I specialise in simple, natural newborn photography. I don't use excessive props, distracting colours or unnatural positions.
My style focuses entirely on your baby — their perfect skin, their tiny details, their peaceful expressions. Some of my most beautiful images have no props at all. Just baby, beautiful light, and soft organic textures. This approach creates timeless portraits that will never look dated.
3. Your whole family, beautifully captured
A newborn session isn't just about the baby. It's about your family at this extraordinary moment. Parent portraits, sibling cuddles, tiny hands held in big ones — these are the images that make grown adults cry when they look back at them twenty years later.
My Silver and Gold packages include parent and sibling photos as standard, because these moments matter just as much.
4. Professional editing and beautiful products
Every image is carefully and individually retouched — soft, natural skin, beautiful light, timeless tones. You'll receive your images in a private online gallery for download and sharing. You can also order handmade albums, folio boxes, fine art prints, canvases and personalised USB drives directly through me.
Newborn photography in Manchester & across the North West
My studio is based in South Manchester and I welcome families from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Most clients travel to the studio for their newborn session as the controlled environment — warm temperature, soft lighting and calming white noise — is ideal for settled, sleepy babies.
I regularly photograph newborns for families from Manchester city centre, Didsbury, Chorlton, Stockport, Altrincham, Sale, Wilmslow, Hale, Wythenshawe and across Cheshire. If you're not sure whether you're too far away, just ask — the answer is almost certainly no.
For families who prefer a lifestyle session in their own home, I also offer in-home newborn photography across South Manchester and the surrounding areas. There's something very special about capturing your baby in the place they'll grow up.
Newborn Photography Packages
1
Mini Session
What's included
1-hour session
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3 different setups
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Use of props and accessories
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The session focuses solely on the baby
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5 high-resolution and hand-edited digital images
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Additional images can be purchased at £25 per photo
2
Silver Package
What's included
up to a 3-hour session
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5 different setups
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Use of props and accessories
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Parents photos included
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7 high-resolution and hand-edited digital images
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Additional images can be purchased at £25 per photo
3
Gold Package
What's included
3-hour session
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5 different setups
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Use of props and accessories
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Parents' and siblings' photos included
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10 high-resolution and hand-edited digital images
-
Additional images can be purchased at £25 per photo
Newborn photography — frequently
asked questions
How old should my baby be for a newborn photoshoot?
The ideal age for a newborn photography session is between 5 and 14 days after birth. At this stage your baby is naturally sleepy, still curled in the womb position, and at their most settled for gentle posing. I recommend booking your session during pregnancy — around 28 to 30 weeks — to secure your preferred date, as I then wait for your birth notification to schedule the actual session.
Is newborn photography safe?
Absolutely — safety is my highest priority in every session. I am a trained and fully insured newborn photographer with over 13 years of experience. Before photography, I worked as a physiotherapist with children, so I understand babies' bodies thoroughly. I never attempt unsafe or uncomfortable poses, I keep the studio warm throughout, and I take as much time as your baby needs. You are always welcome to be right beside your baby throughout the entire session.
How long does a newborn photography session take?
Newborn sessions are never rushed. A Mini Session is approximately one hour, while Silver and Gold packages allow up to three hours. This gives us plenty of time for multiple setups, feeding breaks, nappy changes, and settling your baby between poses. I find that the most beautiful images often come when we stop rushing and simply let the baby lead the pace.
Can siblings and parents be included in the newborn photoshoot?
Yes — and I'd love to include them. Parent and sibling photos are some of the most treasured images from any newborn session. The Silver package includes parent photos, and the Gold package includes both parent and sibling shots. Even a toddler meeting their new brother or sister for the first time — those candid moments are priceless.
Just let me know when booking who you'd like to include.
What should I bring to the newborn photography session?
Very little — that's the beauty of coming to my studio. I provide all props, wraps, hats, headbands and accessories. Just bring everything you'd normally take for a day out with your newborn: nappies, milk or formula, a spare outfit for baby, and anything that helps them feel settled. If you're breastfeeding, bring a snack and drink for yourself too. And wear comfortable layers — the studio is kept warm for the baby.
Do you offer newborn photography packages that include maternity?
Yes — my bump-to-baby packages combine a maternity photoshoot and a newborn session at a combined price, saving you money compared to booking separately. This is one of my most popular options as it creates a beautiful narrative from bump to baby. See my bump-to-baby prices page for full details, or get in touch to discuss a bespoke package.
How much does a newborn photoshoot in Manchester cost?
My newborn packages start from £199 for a Mini Session (1 hour, 5 digital images) up to £349 for the Gold Package (3 hours, 10 digital images, parents and siblings included). Additional images can be purchased at £25 per photo.
All sessions include the use of all studio props, wraps and accessories. See the packages section above for full details.
When will I receive my newborn photos?
After your session, you'll receive an online gallery — where you'll see your images and choose your favourites for editing. Your beautifully retouched images are then delivered to your private online gallery within 2–3 weeks. Physical products such as albums, prints and folio boxes are delivered to your home once your gallery order is placed.
Ready to book your newborn session?
Spaces fill quickly — especially for spring and summer births. I recommend booking during your second trimester to avoid disappointment. If you've already had your baby and you're reading this in a panic, get in touch right now — I'll do everything I can to fit you in.
Fill in my contact form and I'll be back in touch within 24 hours.
