RAW Chronicles - April 2026
April at RAW: Spring, Steps & A Very Busy Month 🌼
Hello April!
Spring is officially here, the clocks have gone forward, and we’re now in British Summer Time… even if the weather hasn’t quite got the memo yet 🙃
March has been a full one for us: a mix of photography inspiration, a much-needed Scottish escape, and a big personal challenge announcement that has already blown us away with your support.
In this month’s post, we’re recapping everything we’ve been up to, wishing you all a lovely Easter, and sharing what’s coming up next at RAW Photography Manchester.
Let’s dive in…
March Recap: Cameras, Countryside & A Marathon Announcement 📣
📸 The Photography Show – NEC Birmingham
We kicked off the month at the bi-annual Photography Show at the NEC in Birmingham, and as always, it didn’t disappoint (even if we’re still recovering 😅).
The highlights?
First of all: the people.
One of the best parts of these events is catching up and connecting. Huge shoutout to:
Anne & Phil from Aquamarine Photography (thank you so much for the coffee! ☕️)
Claire Howes and her lovely group of friends (thank you for such a great final evening and pre-St-Patrick’s meal at Nando’s! Plus, a big thank you to Adobe for the drinks 🍻!)
And last but not least, the amazing Michael Mills! It had been far too long, so it was brilliant to finally grab a coffee together again
Oh… and we’re not going to say no to a free beer either! Thanks to the organisers for that one!
Then there’s the gear.
One of the coolest things about the show is being able to actually try equipment before you even think about buying it. Cameras, lenses, lighting setups… It’s all there, and it’s all hands-on.
And the creative setups…
There were some seriously cool photo areas designed just for shooting: perfect for testing gear or just getting inspired.
The talks were another big highlight: inspiring, fun sessions running throughout the show, covering everything from creative techniques to business tips and storytelling.
The only downside?
Was it just us, or did it feel even busier than usual this year?
Amazing as it is, it can be a bit full-on. You finish one talk, rush across the venue… and the next one has already started. By the end of the day, your brain is full, and your legs definitely know about it!
🏴 Scotland Recharge
After all that, we escaped to Scotland for the weekend 🏴
We absolutely love it up there. The landscapes, the atmosphere, the people… but mostly the bagpipes and the haggis 😂
This time included a hike up Arthur’s Seat, which rewarded us with some pretty incredible views (and reminded us we should probably do more cardio 😅).
We 100% recommend:
Hiking Arthur’s Seat 🏔️ Edinburgh
Visiting the local craft market at the Tron Kirk Market in Edinburgh
Relaxing with a coffee at The Castle Rock Café in Edinburgh (such a cool medieval vibe!)
Treating yourself to one of Penny’s gorgeous wildlife watercolours [Edinburgh]
Warm the cockles of your heart at the Coach House Coffee Shop in Luss!
🚶♀️ Roxane’s Marathon for Macmillan
And now for the biggest news of the month…
Roxane has officially signed up to walk a marathon on June 27th in support of Macmillan Cancer Support as part of their Mighty Hikes series.
Our original fundraising target was £250… and thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve already smashed that, with the total currently sitting at £445 🎉
A massive thank you to everyone who has donated so far. It genuinely means the world and makes this challenge even more special (no pressure! 🥾)
For those who don’t know, the Mighty Hikes are marathon-distance walks organised by Macmillan to raise funds for people living with cancer: supporting everything from medical care to emotional and financial help.
Training is well underway, and (so far!) the schedule is being followed 👀
Roxane is taking on the Mighty Hike Marathon in the Yorkshire Dales on 27 June for Macmillan Cancer Support. Stay tuned!
If you’d like to support the cause, you can donate here:
👉 https://mightyhikesfundraising.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/roxanes-fundraising-page2026
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. And we’d love to see how far we can push that total together 💚
Happy Easter! 🐣
With April comes Easter, and we wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy one from us at RAW Photography Manchester!
What have you got planned this year? A big family get-together, a countryside walk, a chocolate-fuelled weekend… or a bit of everything?
Whatever you’re up to, we hope it’s filled with good food, good company, and maybe even a bit of sunshine if we’re lucky ☀️
Coming Up This Month…
🪻 Bluebell Photo Sessions – Limited Availability! ⏳
Spring is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to announce something special: our Bluebell Photo Sessions are back! Imagine your dog, kids, or the whole family frolicking in a sea of delicate bluebells. These limited-edition sessions are the perfect way to celebrate the return of spring while making memories together!
📸 What’s Included?
✅ A 2-hour outdoor session in a stunning bluebell field/woodland
✅ A professionally printed image of your choice (10x8” matted print)
✅ The option to purchase additional prints & digitals
✅ All for just £120!
🗓 When & Where?
These exclusive sessions will take place throughout April and May. We’re offering just 10 sessions this year, so if you’ve been dreaming of a magical springtime shoot, don’t wait too long! Contact us here to book.
💜 Perfect for:
✔️ Dog lovers who want to capture their furry friend in a natural, whimsical setting
✔️ Families looking for unique and heartfelt spring portraits
✔️ Anyone who loves flowers and nature!
📢 Limited Availability – Book Now!
With only 10 slots available, these sessions are expected to fill up fast! Secure your place today, and let’s create something truly beautiful together.
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They are indeed (to humans too!) if eaten in large quantities, but rest assured that our sessions are designed to be safe and responsible for all dogs. Most dogs don’t show interest in eating bluebells, but we always keep a close eye on them and encourage owners to do the same.
Additionally:
✔️ We choose locations with natural pathways to minimise trampling and ensure a respectful approach to nature.
✔️ If your dog is lead-trained, we can keep them on a lead and edit it out in post-processing.
✔️ If you have any concerns, let us know, and we’ll work together to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe.Your dog’s well-being is always our top priority!
If you think your dog will try to eat the bluebells, it’s best to avoid this type of session. We offer other sessions, both indoor and outdoor, so we’ll definitely have something for you!
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Absolutely! These sessions are perfect for dogs, children, and families.
If you have multiple dogs or a larger family group, just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
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Just £120!
This includes your 2-hour session and a print of your favourite image. Additional prints and digital images will be available for purchase.
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Scared or reactive dog?
Not a problem! If your dog needs to stay on a lead, we can edit out leads in post-processing for that perfect, free-roaming look.
If your dog doesn’t like other dogs/people very much, we can select a date/time and location when very few people are around.
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Spring weather can be unpredictable! If we have heavy rain or extreme conditions, we’ll reschedule your session to the next available suitable date. Overcast days, however, are actually perfect for soft, dreamy lighting!
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Our bluebell sessions will be held in a local field or woodland in Greater Manchester - probably around the Heywood/Middleton.
The exact location will be shared after booking, closer to the session date.
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There are only 10 spots available. These sessions will run throughout April and May.
Since bluebells are seasonal, dates may be subject to slight adjustments depending on blooming times.
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Each session lasts 2 hours, giving us plenty of time to explore different spots and capture a variety of beautiful shots.
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Whatever you feel comfortable wearing!
For a timeless and natural look, we recommend soft, neutral, or pastel colours that complement the surroundings.
It might be best to avoid bold patterns or bright neon colours, as they can distract from the bluebells.
NOTE: We’ll be outdoors in a field or woodland and the ground could be a little muddy. It’s best to wear suitable footwear accordingly, such as wellies or nice walking shoes.
For dogs, unless you want to make it a feature, it’s best to avoid harnesses and thick collars, if you want a more natural look in the images.
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Yes! Your session includes a professionally printed image of your choice, and you’ll have the option to purchase additional prints and digitals as always.
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With only 10 spots available, early booking is highly recommended! Secure your session by contacting us at admin@rawphotographymanchester.com
So that’s been our March! A whirlwind of inspiration at The Photography Show, a breath of fresh Scottish air, and a huge personal milestone with Roxane’s fundraising journey already off to an incredible start.
As always, we just want to say a massive thank you for your continued support. Whether you’ve booked a session, bought a gift voucher, donated to the marathon, signed up for our bluebell sessions, or simply taken the time to read this blog, it means the world to us and helps keep our little business going.
We hope April brings you lighter days, fresh energy, and plenty of moments worth capturing.
See you next month 💛
Callum, Roxane, Vixie & Miss BunnyPenny at RAW Photography Manchester
Callum, Roxane, Vixie, and our new family member…Miss BunnyPenny!
Roxane & Callum
RAW Photography Manchester
https://www.rawphotographymanchester.com
