Make Enquiry Make Enquiry

The Leading Family, Cake Smash, Maternity and Newborn Photographer in County Durham, Newcastle, Tyneside and the North East of England.

Newcastle | Gateshead | County Durham | North Shields | South Shields

Mini Bee Photography is a leading photography studio based in Burnopfield, Newcastle upon Tyne and County Durham. We specialise in family, cake smash, maternity and newborn photography in Newcastle Upon Tyne, County Durham and across the North East.

When you choose Mini Bee Photography, you are in safe hands. With more than 20 years’ experience, you are choosing experience, safety, creativity and a lot of fun! Every photography session is bespoke and you know that you are creating something that is unique to you. We take the time to get to know you and your portraits reflect your personality and style.

As the leading newborn photographer in Newcastle, your precious little one is safe with me. These are memories you get just one opportunity to create.

Featured Sessions

Our Next Mini Sessions are: BLOSSOM AND BLUEBELLS

Blossom Mini Sessions

March/April 2027 – to be announced

Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Limited Availability

contact us to book

Bluebell Mini Sessions

May 2027 –  coming soon

County Durham

Limited Availability

contact us to book

Christmas Sessions in County Durham

Fri Nov 6th 2026 Santa Session- SOLD OUT

Sat Nov 7th 2026 Santa Session – SOLD OUT

Sun Nov 8th 2026 Non Santa Session- SOLD OUT

County Durham

Limited Availability

More Information

Christmas with a Real Magic Elf

Sun Nov 8th 2025 – 2 slots left

This year we have teamed up with Paul Innes Magic man to create extra special and exciting memories.

County Durham

Limited Availability

 

Autumn Mini Sessions

Sat Nov 15th 2026 – coming soon

Chopwell Woods, County Durham

Limited Availability

contact us to book

Hi! First of all, thank you for visiting Mini Bee Photography – newborn & family photographer in Newcastle & County Durham.

I’m Sam, the owner, photographer, tea-drinker and occasional baby-soother behind Mini Bee. I’ve been a photographer for many years now – so many that when I first started, I was shooting on film and processing photographs in a darkroom. There was definitely no “fix it later” button back then!

Over the years I’ve photographed all sorts of things, from skydivers to door handles, but everything changed when I started photographing babies and children. In 2016 I discovered newborn photography and completely fell in love with it. I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else now. There is something incredibly special about being trusted to capture a family’s newest arrival and create photographs that will become part of their story forever.

As a mum of two myself, I know just how quickly those early days disappear. One minute you’re counting down the weeks until your baby arrives, and the next you’re wondering how they’re already blowing out the candle on their first birthday cake. That’s why I believe photographs matter so much. They help us hold onto the moments that pass far too quickly.

From my studio in Burnopfield, I welcome families from Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham and across the North East for newborn, maternity, baby and family photography sessions. My aim is always the same: to create beautiful photographs while making the whole experience feel relaxed, enjoyable and completely stress-free. No awkward posing, no pressure and absolutely no expectations for your children to sit perfectly still (thank goodness!).

When I’m not in the studio, life is usually wonderfully chaotic. I have two children, a husband (which often feels like three children), and a giant Bernese Mountain Dog who firmly believes he’s a lap dog. I love Formula One, sunshine and a good rhubarb gin. Add a hot tub or a swimming pool and I’m pretty much living the dream.

I hope you enjoy having a look around. If you have any questions at all, or you’d like to chat about booking a session, I’d love to hear from you.

The
Queen Bee

The
Studio

A Photography Studio Designed With Families in Mind

Mini Bee Photography is based in Burnopfield (NE16 6LX), making it easily accessible for families travelling from Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham, Chester-le-Street, Consett and across the North East.

Our dedicated newborn and family photography studio has been designed to help you feel completely at ease from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re bringing a brand-new baby, a busy toddler or the whole family, you’ll find a warm, welcoming space where you can relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and take a break from the chaos of everyday life.

Many parents arrive feeling a little nervous, especially if it’s their first professional photoshoot. By the time they leave, they’re often surprised by how relaxed and enjoyable the experience has been. But don’t just take our word for it – take a look at our reviews to see what other families have said about their time at Mini Bee Photography.

Every Session is Tailored to Your Family

Before your session, we’ll arrange a pre-shoot consultation to chat about exactly what you’re hoping for. We’ll discuss styling, colours, outfits, wall art ideas and how you’d like your finished photographs to look in your home.

Rather than creating photographs and hoping they fit your vision afterwards, we photograph with the end result in mind. If you love timeless black and white portraits, we’ll plan for that. If you’re creating a gallery wall, we’ll shoot with that display in mind. Whether your style is neutral and natural or colourful and bold, your session will be tailored around you and your family.

Relaxed, Enjoyable and Never Rushed

Every session has its own personality. Newborn photography sessions are calm, cosy and baby-led. Cake smash sessions are full of laughter, curiosity and messy fun. Family sessions are relaxed and focused on capturing genuine connection.

No matter which type of session you choose, our goal is always the same: to create beautiful photographs while making sure you genuinely enjoy the experience. We want you to leave with wonderful memories of the session itself, as well as photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.

Gift vouchers are available to purchase for any amount which are valid for 12 months

Gift
Voucher

Sweet reviews from our clients

Mummy and Me

I have used Mini Bee Photography since my son was born to capture all the special milestones. I decided to to book the mammy and me photoshoot and it was amazing my mum decided to come along with me too. We have some gorgeous photos of three generations. I would highly recommend this session, Sam is so professional but makes it fun at the same time. I now have memories to last a lifetime.

Leanne Proud

Family Session

This was the 3rd time for us to have a family photoshoot with Sam (Indoor on Nov 2016, Spring 2017 and Autumn 2017). She was so professional, cheerful and friendly. My kids like her so much and call her Aunty Sam. We have a beautiful experience with Sam. Now that we are back to Malaysia for good, the precious memories of the photos captured by her were treasured in our heart forever..

Azizah Hussain

Maternity Session

Sam is a very talented lady and produces stunning pieces of work. She is professional yet so friendly, so smiley and a very good communicator. I would definitely recommend her amazing work. We are very happy to have chosen Mini Bee Photography for all our shoots. Thank you Sam! The Buldu Family x

Fatma Buldu

Sitter Session

This company is run by an amazing women called Sam. She not only welcomes everyone into her shop/ business with a warm welcome but treats everyone like family too.
We have been a few times this year for our daughter Blake.
Every photo shoot we have done has been filled with laughter from start to finish, I always look forward to seeing her again and again.
I personally feel at ease with her and if there is something you don’t like, it is dealt with there and then or changed immediately for the photo shoots.
My husband and I can not recommend Sam enough for making our memories come to life, from the photo shoots we have had done and the others we have to come still.

Kate Leighton

Mini Session

Cannot recommend mini bee enough!!! Professional and friendly, made the whole shoot a real fun experience for the whole family, not to mention the pictures are exquisite!!! Have never had such brilliant family shots, will treasure these forever!! We will definitely be going back!

Amie Smith

Maternity Session

I had my maternity shoot with Sam pre-covid and “newborn” shoot during the pandemic once the studio was able to re-open again. Both times, we felt completely at ease with Sam and she has taken some stunning photos. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Sam again. The measures in place during this awful pandemic are fantastic; we felt totally safe the whole time. Sam is also AMAZING with sassy toddlers who really don’t want to play ball & you would never be able to tell how challenging my eldest was from the photos. I can’t thank Mini Bee enough for capturing our precious memories so beautifully. Can’t wait for our sitter shoot.

Sarah Hutchinson

Maternity Session

Sam is an amazing photographer and has captured some of the most precious moments for me and my family. She has not only provided us with amazing photographs and keepsakes but she has been a part of creating special memories that will last a lifetime.
We have had around 6 shoots at mini bee now from our first maternity shoot to a newborn shoot as well as family group shots and just recently a maternity shoot for my second baby. She is able to take our ideas and bring them to life or even just come up with the inspiration when we didn’t have any.
Thank you so much! Xxx

Emma Setters

Newborn Session

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We absolutely love our photos! Really captured Jaxon’s daily expressions and we had loads of styles to choose from (although obviously had to get them all in the end 😍). You were both amazing with Jaxon, which had been a huge worry of mine with him being my first baby and still so young. He was so calm and settled throughout the full thing which speaks volumes. Very relaxed environment with spaces to feed and change baby. We will be back! Thanks again. Alex, Ross and Jax

Alex Lawson

Cake Smash Session

We had the most lovely experience with Sam getting a cake smash photoshoot for our son’s first birthday. Not only did she put him (and us!) at ease during the shoot and make it thoroughly enjoyable, she was the ultimate professional and the quality of her photographs is just excellent! We went to view the photographs today and we were just blown away. Thank you so much Sam! We will be back next year!

Holly Hunter

Cake Smash Session

I got my daughter’s cake smash here and the props where amazing (wishing I had of done a newborn Harry potter shoot now) I ordered products aswell and the standard of them has blowing me away. Sam is so friendly and helpful and has captured so many beautiful shoots of my little girl, she is so talented I would highly recommend!!

Leah Robson Cunningham

Recent photoshoots

Show More