Cornish beach session for babymooners at Little Fistral

Gary & Simone are a wonderful couple busy in the process of moving to Cornwall. They are frequent visitors - this is where they got married and now plan to raise their baby here as a family.

Although more of a functional trip to Cornwall, I still like to think of any time away when you’re approaching your due date as a babymoon!

What is a babymoon, you may ask?

If you’ve not heard the term before, a babymoon is a short getaway taken by expecting couples before their baby arrives. It could also be after baby arrives - a retreat to get away and bond as a family. It’s a lovely time to be together, away from the normal demands of home and every day life.

I like to think of it as making time to savour this period in your life - whether it be the last chance to be just the two of you, or the first chance to relax with baby.

If you are first-time parents, I would encourage you to make the most of doing as many non kid-friendly things as possible (that pregnancy allows!).

Babymoon photoshoots

I often get contacted by expecting couples from other parts of the UK who are planning a babymoon in Cornwall and want to book in for a maternity shoot while they’re here. It’s no mystery why - we have so many beautiful locations here and it’s a special place for so many to visit.

I have also met many new parents who have rented a cosy cottage for a week with their new baby, and that’s also a beautiful time to book a shoot.

Maternity sessions in Cornwall

Incorporating a maternity photoshoot whilst in beautiful Cornwall makes perfect sense.

Not only does the South West have the natural beauty of the scenery and coastline, but it’s also a wonderful experience that celebrates the anticipation of what’s to come. A maternity session honours this period in their life as a couple. It’s like the ultimate date that includes the unborn baby that will soon be taking over their lives.

What’s involved?

Once you have your trip dates pencilled in, then you can get in touch to find out about availability for a maternity shoot. If you don’t know Cornwall very well then I can suggest an outdoor location that will work well for photos. If you already have somewhere special to you that’s great!

Once you’ve booked your maternity session you will be sent some styling information which helps you think about what to wear. I also provide my clients with simple yet lovely dresses to be used for location or studio sessions.

What about the weather?

If the forecast is not good for our scheduled time we will either rearrange to a better time or day if there is one during your stay, or we can use your hotel/b&b as a location. I always suggest keeping other plans flexible so that we can rearrange last minute if needed.

Each shoot lasts around 1 hour, and are typically timed for golden hour which is as close to sunrise or sunset as possible.

Simone & Gary

Simone & Gary’s initial time had to be rescheduled because it rained, and the only other time we could all manage was 12pm on the day they were leaving Cornwall. This is usually not a time I would be out with my camera, but in late Autumn the sun is not as unforgiving, and we didn’t have much choice but to make it work.

When Gary first enquired he described them as ‘mad about the sea’ and all they wanted were photos by the sea. This is where they had their wedding photos taken too, and so there’s history and meaning for them at Newquay.

Despite it being fairly chilly with a stiff coastal breeze, Simone was quite happy with bare skin and getting bombed by the waves. She even took a dip at the end which was fantastic!!

I loved our breezy beach session and the best part of them moving to Cornwall, unlike other babymooners, is that I might get to photograph their newborn in a couple of months!! Fingers crossed it all goes well with the move and arrival of their baby!!