PhotoBaby

PhotoBaby: pregnancy and newborn photography in Lancaster

PhotoBaby is a photography studio specialising in pregnancy, newborn, baby and family photography based in Lancaster. Founded by Eleanor, the business began as a mobile venture and over the years grew into its own studio with a stable team. The company presents itself as a pregnancy and newborn photography studio in the northwest of England, with more than seventeen years in business.

The studio is described as a light and airy space, purpose-built for pregnancy, newborn, first birthday and family sessions. The upper floor is dedicated to maternity sessions and includes a private changing room and designer dresses for the photographs, so clients do not need to buy special clothing for the session.

Pregnancy and maternity sessions

Pregnancy photography is presented as the starting point of the journey into motherhood. The studio offers pregnancy sessions, milk bath sessions and sessions with hair and makeup included. The founder's story goes back to a DIY bump portrait taken in her bedroom, which over time became one of her most treasured possessions and gave rise to the business's specialisation in maternity photography.

Newborn and baby photography

The studio has two dedicated newborn stations, equipped with heat mats and white noise so that the baby feels safe. Both stations have hats, headbands and swaddles available for sessions. PhotoBaby recommends having newborn photographs taken during the first two weeks of life, when the baby still adopts curled-up, sleepy poses.

For those who cannot come in those first weeks, there is a nearly newborn photography service, designed for babies around three months old. At this stage the baby can already smile and the studio uses large wooden bowls and boxes for the images. A newborn mini session is also offered.

Sitter photography focuses on the moment when the baby can sit up and explores their surroundings with curiosity. The studio describes this type of session as an opportunity to capture expressions of joy and spontaneous poses.

First birthdays and family

The cake smash session celebrates the baby's first birthday. The studio has balloon arches and organises smash themes that are updated every few months. Birthday sessions and family sessions are also offered.

As for family photography, PhotoBaby notes that many adults feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, but defends the importance of appearing in the images alongside their children. The studio works both indoors with natural light and outdoors, making the most of the area's natural surroundings for sessions in woods, meadows or on the beach.

Awards and commitment

The company presents itself as an award-winning studio. Eleanor is a qualified Master Photographer and the team has received awards both for its photographic work and for customer service. The photographers are trained and insured. The studio has appeared on the programme 22 Kids and Counting, in which a baby first came for a newborn session and later for a cake smash session.

Every year PhotoBaby produces a calendar with baby photographs to raise funds for a local charity and makes monthly donations to the Woodland Trust to offset the carbon footprint of its sessions.

How sessions work and prices

The process begins with booking the chosen session, available any day of the week. After the session, the client can request a same-day viewing or come back a few days later to select the photographs. Payment for the order or setting up a payment plan is done at that time. The chosen collection is sent by courier to the client's home five weeks after purchase.

The session fee ranges from £50 to £100, depending on the type of session and its duration. Portrait packages start at £350. The studio accepts PayPal and Klarna, and offers its own payment plans to make purchasing easier during maternity leave. Gift vouchers are also available.

Team and customer service

The PhotoBaby team has grown from its beginnings as a mobile business into a studio with a stable team. Clients highlight the team's patience and the quality of the images in their testimonials. The studio maintains a frequently asked questions page and encourages clients to raise any concerns about the baby's behaviour during the session.