Once Upon a Time Photography in Ashton-under-Lyne specialises in maternity photography. Steph creates timeless, styled bump portraits in a relaxed studio—partners and siblings are welcome.
Hi, I’m Steph — a mum and a dedicated maternity photographer based in Ashton-under-Lyne. For over a decade I’ve focused on capturing the extraordinary bond between expectant mothers and their babies. My approach is gentle, personal and styled: I aim to create soft, timeless maternity images that feel natural and celebrate the beauty of pregnancy. Why choose Once Upon a Time Photography for your maternity photoshoot? I work from a comfortable, mum-run studio in Ashton town centre with plenty of parking, and I combine professional studio lighting, considered posing and thoughtful post-production to produce contemporary, emotive portraits. My sessions are relaxed and supportive — I know how special (and sometimes vulnerable) this time can be, and I take care to make you feel confident, comfortable and beautifully styled. My process is simple and collaborative. We discuss your vision before the session, I offer styling advice and I welcome partners and siblings to join in — family presence often brings the most genuine emotion to maternity portraits. The ideal window for a bump photoshoot is between 30–34 weeks, when your bump has a lovely round shape but you’re still comfortable in a variety of poses. I’m happy to schedule flexibly if you need an earlier or later appointment. Practical details I provide include a selection of outfits and accessories to help style your session, and I can arrange a qualified make-up artist for an additional £35 per person. If you’re planning for baby’s arrival, ask about our Bump-to-Baby options — we often combine maternity and newborn memories so your story flows beautifully from pregnancy into those first precious weeks. Above all, my goal is to deliver images you’ll treasure: portraits that transport you back to the feeling of anticipation, connection and love. If you’re looking for a maternity specialist in Ashton-under-Lyne who blends technical skill with a warm, family-centred approach, Once Upon a Time Photography would love to document this chapter of your life.