Shoots Photographs

I’m Sharmaine, the photographer behind Shoots Photographs, and I specialise in family photography from Chadderton with a story-first approach. Family work is my core: I’m drawn to the small, honest moments—sleepy newborn browns, a child’s crooked smile, the quiet way families settle around each other. Those moments are not just images to me; they’re the threads of a family’s story that deserve careful, compassionate attention. My sessions are purposefully calm and collaborative. Whether we meet in my studio or at a place that means something to you, I aim to create an atmosphere where real connection can surface. I use gentle direction rather than stiff posing—helping camera-shy parents relax and encouraging children to be themselves so I can catch natural interactions. For newborn and baby sessions I work slowly, prioritising comfort and safety, and I have experience guiding parents through the flow of a shoot so everyone feels supported. Storytelling sits at the heart of what I do. With a background in visual journalism and storytelling, I look beyond the surface to compose images that carry feeling and context. That training informs how I observe a scene and choose moments that feel true—portraits that read like a conversation, and lifestyle captures that show how a family actually is, not how they think they should look for a photograph. My process is straightforward and personal: we start with a conversation about what you want to remember, choose a location that fits your story, and then take the time needed to make those memories visible. I like to share work as we go, helping you see images in the moment so selections feel natural. After the session I apply my signature edits to deliver images that are honest, warm and timeless—made to sit comfortably on your walls or live in your family albums. I’m based in Chadderton and work across Manchester and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a family photographer who focuses on connection, calm direction and story-led images for newborns, children, baptisms, communions or birthdays, let’s talk. I’ll help you create photographs that feel like you and that you’ll want to return to for years to come.