RAW Chronicles - May 2026
May at RAW: Bluebells, Bonds, & Big Steps Forward 🪻
Hello May!
One of our favourite times of year is officially here: bluebell season 🌸
Our special bluebell sessions are now well underway, and we couldn’t be happier to be back among those magical woodland carpets. These sessions are limited to just 10 bookings. If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time!
This month, we’re sharing a look into those beautiful sessions, talking about something really important to us (and to you!), and giving you a little update on Roxane’s marathon training; mud, miles and all 😅
Bluebell Sessions: A Celebration of Life 💙
This time of year is so special. The woods come alive and it creates the perfect setting for something we hold very close to our hearts: Celebration of Life sessions.
One of those moments was with Ruby, an 11-year-old sweetheart who still has a real spark about her, especially when squirrels are involved! Watching her explore the woods, you’d never quite guess her age. It was one of those sessions that just makes you smile the whole way through.
We were also scheduled to photograph Bella, a gorgeous Dalmatian, also in her golden years. Sadly, Bella’s condition took a sudden turn, and we’ve had to postpone the session for now. Our thoughts are very much with her and her family, and we’re hoping we’ll still get the chance to create something special for them.
These sessions aren’t about perfect poses.
They’re about connection.
They’re about capturing your dog exactly as they are, in a place that feels natural, and creating something you can hold onto, no matter what the future brings.
Bluebell Sessions - Learn More 👇
📸 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!
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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
📢 Limited Availability – Book Now!
With only 6 slots remaining, these sessions are filling up! Get in touch to book your spot at 📧 admin@rawphotographymanchester.com
You + Your Dog: The Photos That Really Matter 🐾
Let’s be honest for a second…
How many photos do you have of your dog(s) on your phone?
Hundreds? Thousands?
Now, how many of those are of you with your dog?
Exactly.
And we get it. We’re just as guilty. Even as dog photographers, we realised we barely had any proper photos of us together with our own Vixie. So we decided to change that and enlisted the help of our wonderful colleague, Holly Dwyer.
Because here’s the thing… these photos matter more than you think.
We hear it all the time:
“I don’t like being in photos.”
“I’ll just have some of the dog.”
“I’ll do it next time.”
But “next time” has a habit of becoming never.
These images aren’t about looking perfect. They’re about capturing your relationship. The way your dog looks at you, the way you hold them, the little moments that feel so normal now but will mean everything in years to come.
And the best part?
You don’t have to share them with anyone if you don’t want to. They can be just for you.
But one day, you’ll be incredibly glad they exist.
Marathon Training Update: From Mud to Miles 🚶♀️
If you saw our social media news recently, you might remember Roxane’s slightly dramatic encounter with a mud pit…
Well, no mud incidents this time (thankfully), but the training has definitely stepped up!
Roxane recently completed a 26 km hike last weekend 💪 the longest distance she’s ever walked… for now!
It’s all building up towards the marathon Mighty Hike in support of Macmillan Cancer Support on June 27th, and the dedication is really starting to show.
The fundraising page is still live and regularly updated with training progress if you’d like to follow along (or support the cause):
👉 https://mightyhikesfundraising.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/roxanes-fundraising-page2026
Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference, and we’re so grateful for all the support so far 💚
Let’s see how far we can push it together!
Roxane is taking on the Mighty Hike Marathon in the Yorkshire Dales on 27 June for Macmillan Cancer Support. Stay tuned!
So that’s been our May so far. Bluebell magic and some serious miles being put in behind the scenes.
As always, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. Whether you’ve booked a session, bought a voucher, donated to the marathon, secured a bluebell slot, or simply taken a few minutes to read this post, it means the world to us.
We hope May brings you sunshine, fresh air, and plenty of moments worth holding onto.
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
