Your Family & Newborn Photographer in the East Midlands
Hello, I’m Natalie, the Mum behind the Lens!
I’m a passionate newborn and family photographer based in Derbyshire. I specialise in capturing authentic, heartfelt moments that families can cherish forever. Family means everything to me. As a wife, a mum of two boys and the owner of a mischievous dog (another boy meaning I’m well and truly outnumbered by this point), I know just how precious those fleeting moments of childhood are. Being a wife and mother has given me a deep appreciation for the chaos, the cuddles, and the beautiful in-between moments that make family life so special. That’s why I’m so passionate about capturing real, heartfelt memories for other like-minded families across the East Midlands.
A Little Bit More About Me…
I am originally from West London (which will always be my home) but moved to Derbyshire in 2021 when I was expecting my first son, as we wanted to be nearer to my family and enjoy a country life - something a lot of people craved after the pandemic!
I am a huge dog lover, well all animals really (hence the Zoology degree) but I feel I get most exposure to dogs and I’m not sad about it. I really do love good food. This is arguably what I miss most about living in London. I really miss being spoilt for choice and having so many great options on your doorstep. Thankfully though both my husband and I are really keen cooks and I love to bake too. We are constantly searching for great places to eat locally and have a few that we love but will always take recommendations if you have them!
I really love travelling, more ‘holidaying’ now that I’m at a different stage in my life, but in the past I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many exciting and different places around the world, fuelled by my passion for photography and documenting adventures. I really look forward to being able to take my children on adventures one day.
So Why Newborn and Family Photography?
I’ve always been creative and I was quick to gravitate towards photography from a young age. I studied Art at A-Level and seriously considered following this path. However, I went to Newcastle University to study Zoology. After being inspired by travels to exciting remote places I harboured dreams of becoming a conservationist and wildlife photographer, however life had other plans and after university, I spent 15 years working in London, in the corporate world as an IT project manager within the Financial Technology sector. I’ve recently welcomed a second son into my family and have taken a step away from my corporate career.
After the birth of my first son, I felt an overwhelming need to capture every little moment—his tiny smiles, his ever-changing expressions, and all his precious milestones. His arrival was not without challenges; he was born with a bowel obstruction that required life-saving surgery, and for a time, we almost lost him due to a late diagnosis. That experience changed me profoundly. It taught me to truly appreciate the present and cherish the fleeting moments that make up our lives. Determined to hold onto those memories, I invested in a new camera and lens, and I began documenting everything. This chapter of my life deepened my love for photography, transforming it from a passion into a purpose. Now, I have the privilege of preserving special moments for other families—creating images that freeze time, so you, your children, and future generations can hold onto them forever.
Family means everything to me
My Style, Approach, and Passion for Storytelling
When I’m photographing families my goal is to stay in the background and capture real moments. I do love a to chat but have been assured this just helps put people at ease. As someone who’s not overly comfortable in front of the camera myself, I offer a bit of gentle direction to help set the scene and make sure everyone looks amazing. I totally get wanting to look your best—these photos are going in the family archives, right? So, while I focus on capturing authentic, spontaneous moments, I also make sure to get plenty of shots where everyone looks their best, alongside all those fun, action-packed photos. Ultimately, I want you to feel comfortable and be yourselves.
A newborn or family photosession in itself provides you with quality time with your family. It should be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. My goal is to document memories with feeling. I want people to look back on their images and relive that moment all over again. I aim to make the whole process a happy one; from the initial elation during the shoot, to the emotion experienced when you see your photos, to the sense of contentment and happiness knowing that these moments in time are now recorded to be remembered and enjoyed for years to come.