RAW Chronicles - December 2025

Family, Festivities & Favourite Finds

Hello everyone!
Can you believe it’s already December? The fairy lights are twinkling, the dog’s wearing her best Christmas jumper, and our studio smells faintly of mince pies and dog treats (a winning combo if you ask us).
This month, we’ve been busy behind the camera, capturing special moments, curating gift ideas we genuinely love, and soaking in the festive spirit as we wrap up another amazing year at RAW Photography Manchester.

Let’s dive into this month’s highlights! 🎄📸

Saúl’s First Family Photoshoot 👶🏼

Our December started on the sweetest possible note: baby Saúl was back! You might remember him from last month’s newborn session (aka: the calmest baby ever recorded in our studio). This time, he returned for his first family photoshoot, joined by his parents and grandparents.

Just like the first time, Saúl was a dream. He snoozed through the entire session, occasionally taking a little milk break before going right back to modelling perfection. As long as he’s fed, he’s ready for his close-up. We could all learn something from him 😆

No behind-the-scenes this time, though. Let’s just say Grandad had an unexpected moment of grace, and we all agreed that what happens in the studio… stays in the studio!

RAW’s Little Christmas Gift Guide 🎁

With Christmas just around the corner, we wanted to share a few unique and personal gift ideas. Things we’ve tried ourselves and strongly recommend. No sponsored ads here, just real recommendations from the heart (and sometimes the paws).

1️⃣ Soul & Paw Jewellery

First up is something for all the sentimental souls out there: dog nose print jewellery from Jodie at Soul & Paw Jewellery.
I treated myself to one of her beautiful necklaces and couldn’t love it more. The packaging is elegant, the necklace itself is stunning and shiny, and it captures every little detail of our Vixie’s schnozel.

And it’s not just for dog lovers! Jodie can create jewellery or keyrings from cat noses, paw pads, or even human fingerprints. Imagine a piece that combines both your nan’s and your own fingerprints. How special is that? The sky’s the limit!

2️⃣ Wagmore Pet Boutique’s natural treats

For those shopping for dog lovers (or their dogs!), look no further than Wagmore Pet Boutique.
Debby’s personalised doggy advent calendars are back by popular demand. We got ours last year and immediately ordered again this year. Some pups we know have already been impatiently staring at Day 1… 👀🐾

Want more? Want to gift your dog mum friend something for her pampered pooch, but don’t know where to start? Stop scrolling, you found it. Debby also prepares personalised Christmas-y packages stuffed full of natural, drool-worthy treats. Check it out in our latest unboxing video ⬇️

3️⃣ Rewild at Heart goodies

Next on our list is Ray’s eco-friendly brand, Rewild at Heart.
I ordered a burgundy bat beanie hat (try saying that quicker and quicker), but you can choose from a rainbow of colours and animal designs. And it’s not just hats! Ray offers embroidered tote bags, hoodies, t-shirts, backpacks, and more. All featuring stunning wildlife-inspired artwork.

You can even go beyond apparel: get your own Adopt an Animal pack, rewild your garden, or gift your loved ones seed balls to bring bees and butterflies back! 🌿🐝
Now, how’s that for a unique present? There are choices galore, and Ray is the King of customer service, which is a lost art in this day and age, if you ask me. Go on, check it out for yourself!

4️⃣ Woodland Trust Tree Dedications

And if you’re buying for a nature lover who doesn’t have a dog to share that love with, don’t worry. We have an idea for you, too! Dedicate a tree to them through the Woodland Trust.
You’ll be giving the planet (and local wildlife) a gift, while your loved one receives a dedication pack complete with a personalised certificate, map, and information about the woodland.
It’s thoughtful, sustainable, and honestly, it feels good to know your present helps the planet.

5️⃣ Holistic Therapy by Lucy Gift Vouchers

Now, for something special for our local friends in Greater Manchester, because not all great gifts come in parcels!
If you’re looking for a relaxing treat for someone (or, let’s be honest, yourself 😅), I can’t recommend Lucy from Holistic Therapy by Lucy enough.

Lucy’s studio in Heywood is easy to find, with plenty of parking, spotlessly clean, and incredibly cosy. Lucy herself is just super kind and accommodating, and her massages are nothing short of amazing.
My personal favourite this winter? The “Winter Warmer” treatment combines a hot-stone back, shoulder, and neck massage with an express facial (complete with steam!) and a heavenly scalp massage. Honestly, that last bit might just be my favourite thing in the world🔥💆‍♀️

You simply couldn’t book anything more relaxing or heart (and whole-body) warming this winter.
Grab one of Lucy’s Gift Vouchers for Christmas and make someone’s day extra special. Or take a leaf out of my book and book it for yourself!

Bonus 🎁 RAW Photography Manchester Gift Vouchers

And of course, our gift guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our very own RAW Photography Manchester Gift Vouchers! 🎁
Whether it’s an outdoor dog session, studio pet session, pregnancy, or newborn shoot, you can choose what to include: from the session itself to wall art or prints.

We offer both digital and physical vouchers, so whether you’re a last-minute shopper or a traditional gift-wrapper, we’ve got you covered!
Check them out here: RAW Photography Store

Wishing You All a Merry Christmas 🎅

And just like that, another year draws to a close.
Whether your Christmas is full of noisy kids and grandkids, a peaceful day in pyjamas, or you’re firmly in the “Bah humbug” camp, we wish you a truly wonderful festive season ✨

Thank you for your continued support. Whether you’ve booked a session, left a lovely comment, or simply taken the time to read our blog, it means the world to us.

From all of us at RAW Photography Manchester:
Callum (who’s about to hit the big 5-0! 🥳),
Roxane, Vixie, and Miss BunnyPenny,
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

See you in 2026 with more wagging tails, tiny toes, and big smiles.

Until next year,
The Raw Photography Manchester Team 📸