WATFORD BABY PHOTOGRAPHY
YOUR BABY’S FIRST YEAR.
Their first stories
RELAXED, AT-HOME BABY PHOTOGRAPHY IN HERTFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND NORTH LONDON
Hi, I’m Rachael, a lifestyle baby photographer based in Croxley Green, just outside of Watford. I specialise in relaxed, story-led Watford baby photography sessions for babies during their first year. My work is all about capturing the real moments and everyday magic that make this stage of life so special.
I offer natural, unposed baby photography Watford and surrounding areas for families who want photographs that feel personal to them. I love to photograph families where they’re most comfortable and we work together before your session to create the perfect set up for you and your baby. This could be relaxing at home having cuddles, playing with toys and reading stories in familiar spaces like nurseries, bedrooms, and living rooms, or we can visit local gardens or parks (or both!).
The result is a collection of images that feel honest, natural, and genuinely personal to your family.
I’ve been photographing babies and young families for over six years, capturing early parenthood for many families across Watford and Hertfordshire. Before becoming a photographer, I trained and worked as a primary school teacher, which means baby safety, patience, and an understanding of individual needs are always at the heart of every session.
As a parent myself, I understand how overwhelming those early months can feel — especially for first-time parents. My Watford baby photography sessions are designed to be gentle, unhurried, and flexible, allowing your baby to lead the pace. There’s no pressure to perform or pose; just space for you to be in the moment with your child while I quietly document the story unfolding.
I work best with parents who value lifestyle, storytelling baby photography and want images that reflect real life rather than perfection. If you’re looking for Watford baby photogaphy that feels natural, personal, and all bout your everyday family world, you’re in the right place.
Feel free to explore the rest of my work or get in touch — I’d love to hear more about your family and the story you’d like to remember.
Chris&Emily
The pictures are absolutely amazing, thank you so much. We’re genuinely blown away by the photos — the lighting and tones work beautifully together, and we’re so grateful for all the care and talent Rachael has put into them. We’re planning to have a whole album — there are just so many to choose from!
Jenna&Rich
We recently booked a newborn photoshoot with As You Are Photography and had the most amazing experience. Rachael was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Her communication prior to the visit made planning so easy and really helped me feel comfortable and prepared for the day.
She is super friendly, warm, and professional, and she was so gentle and patient with my baby – who clearly loved her! The photos are absolutely incredible and captured such a special time perfectly. I couldn’t recommend her enough.
Anita&Steve
Rachael is a brilliant photographer. She captures all the right moments in the most natural way. Her experience in lighting, backdrop and positions enables her to get those magical shots. Rachael has done some baby photos for me after my son was born and also a family shoot – every photo made my heart melt. Plus she is so caring and all round lovely.
How does Watford Baby Photography work?
BEFORE THE SHOOT
If you’re interested in booking a Watford baby photography shoot, I’m only a message away using the enquiry form below. Baby photoshoots are available to book on weekdays between 10 am and 2 pm (weekends are are limited and book far in advance!).
Once your session is confirmed, I will send you a detailed pre-shoot guide packed with everything you need to know — what to wear, how to prepare your home, and tips to help your baby feel comfortable and settled. Of course, I’m always available for extra advice and happy to arrange a call if you’d like a more personal chat before the shoot.
ON THE DAY
I come to you – no need to pack a bag or leave the house! Sessions typically last around two hours, allowing plenty of time for feeds, naps, or breaks whenever needed. We work around your house, finding beautiful pockets of light and stories to tell in your nursery, bedrooms, and living areas. I’ll capture your everyday stories such as reading books, floor play, or gentle cuddles, and parents are always a part of the shoot too! If there are any siblings (or pets!) we can include them too, and I can give you lots of tips on how to make it fun for both older and younger children.
If you want to pop outside to your favourite nearby nature spot, then we can fit this into the shoot too.
Being in your own home means a calm and familiar environment, and parents often say this makes everything feel so much easier — everything you need is on hand, and I take care of the rest.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
Your images are delivered in a private, password-protected online gallery. You will receive a beautiful collection of carefully edited photographs. All images are included in your package as high-resolution digital downloads, usually delivered within eight weeks. If you have a special date or event, just let me know and I can prioritise delivery.
Prints, frames and albums are available as an optional addition to your digital images and can be chosen and ordered through your gallery once you’ve viewed your images. Many families love creating gallery walls at home, or compiling up to 50 images into a beautiful album that tells the story of their baby’s first year.
If you’re looking for a Watford baby photographer who captures natural, storytelling images while making the process easy for parents, you’re in the right place. Every step of your photography journey with me is handled with care, patience, and expertise — ensuring your experience is calm, enjoyable, and stress-free. Feel free to explore my portfolio or get in touch to start your session.
Packages and Pricing
A Baby Photoshoot
Pre-session advice and preparation guides
2 hours of photography in your home
All editing of your images
A private link to an online viewing gallery to share with family
All edited images with unlimited downloads
£430
Watch Me Grow Package
Pre-session advice and preparation guides
4 hours of photography over your babies first year capturing maternity, newborn, sitter and and 1st birthday.
All editing of your images
A private link to an online viewing gallery to share with family
All edited images with unlimited downloads
£660
Key Milestones to Capture in Your Baby’s First Year
As a Watford baby photgrapher, I’m often asked, ‘When is the best time to book a baby photography session?’. My answer is always whenever feels right for your family! A baby’s first year is full of change — and each stage offers something beautiful to photograph. I love documenting all these moments in a way that feels totally personal to your family and that capture’s your little one’s growing personality.
Below are some well‑loved milestones that many families choose to capture.
NEWBORN (0~6 weeks)
This stage is all about those tiny, fresh moments — from delicate eyelashes and curled hands to the peaceful early interactions between baby and family. My lifestyle photography works beautifully with newborns up to six weeks old, especially from the comfort of your own home where your baby feels safe and calm.
FIRST SMILES AND TUMMY TIME (3–4 months)
Around three to four months, babies begin to show more awareness of the world around them. They start to lift their heads, push up during tummy time, and smile responsively — all of which makes for expressive, emotive photographs that capture your baby’s growing personality.
SITTING UP (~6–8 months)
One of the most popular ages for baby photography is when your little one can sit unaided — often between about six and eight months. At this stage, babies are curious, interactive and full of expression, which creates some of the most joyful and spontaneous images in a baby’s first‑year story. This is also when baby’s usually start eating solids which can make for a wonderful photo story. Definitely my favourite age to photograph!
CRAWLING AND EXPLORING (~8–10 months)
As babies start to crawl, pull up and explore their world, photography sessions can capture this lively, adventurous phase. These images are typically more playful with some interaction with favourite toys, and the beginnings of independence!
FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS (~10–12 months)
The final milestone of the first year is the first birthday! Whether your baby is standing, cruising, or simply celebrating their first birthday with joyful interaction and laughter, it’s always a special time to capture. We can do a special one off session to mark this moment, or I can come and capture the birthday party in full swing with all family members present.
If you’d like to talk about which milestone might suit your family best or explore session ideas, feel free to get in touch — I’d love to help you plan sessions that celebrate each precious stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lifestyle baby photography?
Lifestyle baby photography is focused on capturing the early moments of a baby’s life. Sessions are typically activity-led, relaxed, and designed to capture natural, everyday interactions in the comfort of your home.
When is the best time to book a Watford baby photography session?
The best time depends on the type of moments you want to capture. Newborn sessions are lovely within the first 6–8 weeks of life, while later milestones like sitting up (around 6–9 months) and moving around (8–12 months) offer great opportunities for personality-filled images. Booking early, ideally before your baby is born, helps ensure availability.
How do we prepare for a Watford baby photoshoot?
After booking, you’ll receive a pre-shoot guide with tips on what to wear, how to set up your home’s best light spots, and ways to help your baby feel comfortable. On the day, have familiar items like favourite toys, snacks, and comforters close at hand.
Where do baby photography sessions happen?
Most sessions are at your home in and around Watford, in familiar spaces like nurseries, bedrooms, and living rooms. Shooting at home makes babies feel safe and relaxed, which helps create natural, authentic images.
What if my house is a mess?!
Do not worry! I am not expecting an instagram ready house – just a few tidy corners and some lovely window light and we can make magic happen!
How long does a baby photography session last?
Sessions typically run for up to two hours. This gives plenty of time for feeds, naps, and breaks without pressure, allowing your baby’s natural rhythm to guide the pace of the shoot.
Will parents and siblings be included?
Yes — parents and siblings are welcome and encouraged to be part of the session. Including those everyday interactions helps tell your family’s unique story.
How and when will we receive our photos?
After the session, images are delivered in a private, password-protected online gallery. You’ll receive a beautifully edited collection of high-resolution digital downloads, usually within eight weeks of the shoot. If you need images by a certain date, simply let me know.
Are prints or products included?
All sessions include digital downloads. Optional products such as fine art prints, frames, and family albums can be ordered through your private gallery — perfect for displaying memories at home or creating keepsakes.
How much does a Watford baby photographer cost?
Session prices vary depending on the package you choose. My standard at-home baby photography package includes up to two hours of shooting and digital images. For full pricing and package details, please see the Prices section or get in touch via the enquiry form.
What areas do you cover?
I’m based in Croxley Green, just outside Watford, and regularly work with families in Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hemstead, Beaconsfield, Northwood, Harrow and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether your area is covered, please ask when you enquire.
What is the best age to do a baby photoshoot?
Great milestones include:
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Newborn (birth to ~6–8 weeks)
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Head control / early expressions (~3–4 months)
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Sitting up (~6–9 months)
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Crawling & exploration (~8–10 months)
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First year portraits (~10–12 months)
Each age offers something different and beautiful to cherish.
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If you’d like to book a Watford or Hertfordshire baby photography session or just want to chat about dates and availability, please get in touch via the contact form below.
Hi Rachael
Something else?
I love documenting your family story – from pregnancy and newborns to the first year and beyond. If you have older children, you can also explore my family photography sessions here:
If you’re expecting, I offer relaxed Hertfordshire maternity sessions in beautiful outdoor locations. We’ll take a leisurely walk, chat, and capture natural images of you, your partner, and your bump. The ideal time for maternity photos is around 7-8 months, when you’re feeling comfortable and radiant.