Newborn photography for Saffron Walden families

Saffron Walden sits just over the Essex line, and my studio in Papworth Everard is on the far side of Cambridge from it. That sounds further than it is: up the M11, round Cambridge on the A14, and a few minutes south through the villages. About forty-five minutes, on motorway and main road nearly all the way, and a space to park outside when you arrive.

Since 2010 families have come to me from much further than this — from London, regularly. If the drive is the thing that makes you hesitate, read the questions at the bottom first.

The newborn session

Most Saffron Walden babies arrive at the Rosie, in Cambridge, or at the Princess Alexandra in Harlow. The ideal window is the first fortnight to three weeks; after that the photographs simply change character, and there is no wrong age.

In the studio, the session belongs to your baby. We feed when they need feeding, cuddle when they need cuddling, and carry on when they are ready. You will have a sofa to rest on, and nobody watching the clock. Older brothers and sisters have a playroom to themselves.

Coming up the M11, most of your morning should be spent here rather than on the road: the Classic Newborn Collection gives us two hours and the whole family, and the Total Newborn Collection keeps every image and adds a heART Fusion film. There is also a one-hour Mini Newborn Collection. See newborn prices for the detail.

Outdoors in Saffron Walden

Family and maternity sessions are normally photographed outdoors, near the studio. But few towns have as much beauty within walking distance as Saffron Walden, and I would happily come to you.

Audley End. The park around the house was laid out by Capability Brown, with the Cam running through it, old cedars and long views to the house. For a maternity session in early summer, or a family session in October, it is hard to think of anywhere better.

Bridge End Garden. A Victorian garden in the middle of town, with a yew hedge maze and small walled gardens — enough corners to make a short session feel like an adventure for small children.

The Common and its turf maze. The largest turf maze in England, cut into the grass centuries ago, and a wide open common around it. Simple, open, and very Saffron Walden.

English Heritage asks to be told about professional sessions at Audley End; I do that, and add the travel to your quote.