© BROOD MAGAZINE. VICTORIA HAYDN AND HER SON, CHARLES
“After photographing Man City for the last ten years, I’m ready to capture the beautiful journey of motherhood”
Talented mum of one, Victoria Haydn, has made waves over the last decade as Senior Photographer for Manchester City and one of only a handful of women photographers in the Premier League. After spending the last ten years capturing some of the most incredible moments in both the club and footballing history, now that Victoria has welcomed her adorable son Charles to brood, she has decided to hand over her reigns at Man City, embark on a new venture and step into the world of entrepreneurship.
Victoria’s photos have been published all over the world. From snapping photos of the team on the Great Wall of China to capturing Manchester City Women lift their first ever trophy, Victoria has lived every football-fans’ dream. Victoria even travelled and captured Manchester City in their first ever Champions League final in Portugal in 2021, while five-months pregnant. But since experiencing first-hand, the amazing the transition into motherhood, Victoria has decided to dedicate her craft to empowering women and mothers, by telling their stories through photography.
Victoria is an incredibly warm person, so it’s easy to see how she can get people to shine in front of the camera. We had the pleasure of chatting to Victoria about everything from her decision to step away from a role that she has had so much success and joy from; to how she has found returning to work and Charles starting childcare, to her aspirations for her new business.
© BROOD MAGAZINE. VICTORIA HAYDN AND HER SON, CHARLES
How have you found returning to work and starting Charles at Nursery?
“I was an emotional wreck when he first started nursery, because up until that point I knew exactly what he did during every second of the day. We didn’t have any babysitters or family looking after him for the first nine months, so I knew everything from every nappy change to every time he sneezed. To suddenly just drop him off at nursery for four days a week was a massive shift! I found it really hard. Although it was difficult for me, it was the best thing for him and he absolutely loves it. He waves me off every day as he joins his friends and teachers. I watch him growing and learning and I know he’s loving this chapter for himself. He’s doing so well, and I’m so proud of him”
Have you felt pressured to make the most of your time whilst he’s nursery because it’s been so hard to leave him?
“Yes, I have felt like there is a huge weight on my shoulders, and a feeling of anxiety. A part of me wanted to drop him off so that I could go out and make an income and get my business off the ground. I felt that for us to have a really good future I needed to start my business right away. So as soon as I would drop him off at nursery, I would be in the head space of ‘work, work, work’. But I would also feel guilty about not being with him. You go through so many mixed emotions. You want to spend time with your child, but you also have a responsibility as mum, a wife, and a homeowner to work too. He’s been in nursery for around three months, and I still have that worry of trying to do everything possible for the business whilst he’s there. There is so much to do when you’re running a business, you’ve got marketing, accounts, creative shoots, editing and there are so many different things going on, so it’s been quite hard to adapt to.”
How have you found stepping away from your role as senior photographer at Manchester City after that has played such a big part in your life and career?
“I absolutely love watching the matches at home in the warmth with Charles, but I’ll miss the nights at the Etihad Stadium soaking up the atmosphere and photographing all the special moments. I’ve had the chance to photograph history unfold for the last ten years, which is genuinely one of my greatest career achievements and I’m so proud of that. On the other hand, I now have the opportunity to photograph on the days and times that work for me and my family. I get to choose whether I work on the weekends and can allow myself time to set up for beautiful shoots with my wonderful clients.
During the summer my husband (who also works for Man City) was in the USA for 10 days during their preseason tour, and I would have been there ordinarily. If I’m completely honest we hadn’t really considered that side of things. So that was a bit of shock when it dawned on us – ‘What would we do with Charles for 10 days?’ So that played a big part in my decision. After photographing ManCity for the last ten years, I’m ready to capture the beautiful journey of motherhood. I’m going to miss the world of football and the fast-paced lifestyle brings, but equally I’m so passionate and excited about my new business which has made my decision easier.”
What are you most looking forward to about your new business?
“I’m excited about my whole new adventure, but I suppose after photographing men for ten years, I’m looking forward to photographing women. I’m passionate about getting mums in front of the camera and telling their story. I feel like that’s my greater purpose. I have a platform to highlight how amazing mums are. I want to give them photographs to be proud of. They can be photographed at 30 weeks pregnant during this beautiful transition where they are about to become a mother, and then they can come back into the studio with their beautiful babies. I get to capture these precious moments for them, and I love that. Since becoming a mum myself, I know we have a habit of always being behind the camera, taking the photos – I’m on a mission to change this. I have spent 10 years capturing the everyday moments of Premier League heroes I’m now my mission is to capture the heroic moments of everyday super mums. Mums are strong, independent, fierce women and I can’t wait to photograph them every day.
Do have any tips to any other new parents, in particular those who are returning to work?
“Everyone says enjoy your sleep while you can, but it doesn’t really sink in until it happens and then you’re like ‘Oh my god I’ve not slept for nine months!” [We all laugh] “But you just seem to manage somehow. I look at parents in a completely new light now, I just think that they are superheroes! How they just crack on with things is amazing, because now I know what they are going through and how tough it can be.
I have lived and breathed sports photography for over 10 years, so I only know going at 100mph. When Charles came it completely changed everything, it forced me to slow down a bit. Balancing work and being a mum has been a challenge but I’m constantly learning and evolving. Working helps me to remember ‘Oh, I am still me!’ and I think that’s so important.”
If you want to be photographed and step into your power, then you can arrange your own photoshoot with Victoria at www.victoriahaydn.com and see her portfolio on Instagram @victoriahaydnportraits.
VICTORIA HAYDN © WITH MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER PEP GUARDIOLA FOR BROOD MAGAZINE
Written by Lolo Stubbs
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM PITFIELD
MORE ARTICLES FROM BROOD:
The Big 2026 British Playcation: The Ultimate Free, Low-Cost & Premium Summer Days Out
The six-week school summer holidays are here, but keeping kids entertained shouldn’t break the bank. With new data showing a massive “play gap” across the UK, we’ve rounded up 11 of the absolute best national initiatives, free community festivals, heavily discounted active-play passes, and premium family adventures to help you balance the budget while creating unforgettable summer memories.
How the Cash ISA Cap Will Push Savers to Invest
Find out how the upcoming cash ISA cap change in April 2027 will affect your personal savings and why more UK savers will be nudged to invest their money.
Beyond the Screen: Why Creative Family Time Is the Parenting Trend That’s Here to Stay
As screens dominate our evening hours, a new parenting shift is taking over. Driven by 2026’s “hobby-maxxing” movement, busy working families are actively trading passive tech for experience-rich, analogue activities. Backed by recent psychological studies, structured creative projects like paint-by-number kits are proving to be powerful tools for lowering stress, boosting children’s confidence, and creating genuine moments of offline family connection. Discover why making things together is the low-stress trend that’s here to stay
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BROOD:
Related Articles
Heavy Equipment Financing and Long-Term Business Planning
Successful long-term business planning depends as much on how you finance your machinery as the capability of the equipment itself. By aligning debt repayment terms with asset depreciation guidelines—such as those highlighted by the U.S. Small Business Administration—and carefully weighing the strategic balance sheet impacts of leasing versus traditional loans, equipment-dependent business owners can protect their vital cash flow and smoothly fund future fleet growth
Industrial Cutting Equipment for Modern Manufacturing Needs
Selecting the right plasma cutting system involves more than just finding a tool that works; it requires matching equipment like the Lincoln Tomahawk to your specific operational workload. From small fabrication shops prioritizing flexibility to large production lines requiring continuous operation, investing in the right machinery improves workplace safety, reduces maintenance downtime, and drives consistent manufacturing productivity.
How Workplace Injury Claims Work in Scotland and What Employees Are Entitled to Pursue
Workplace Injury Claims in Scotland: Knowing Your Rights
Suffering a workplace injury can leave you facing unexpected physical and financial challenges. While many employees assume compensation only covers immediate medical costs, a properly constructed personal injury claim explores the full extent of your recoverable losses. From covering lost wages and future earning capacity to addressing long-term pain and suffering, working with an experienced solicitor ensures you pursue everything you are legally entitled to receive under Scottish law
