In Home Dublin Newborn Photographer. From two weeks old...
- Cara Hodge
- Feb 20, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 25
UPDATED POST March 2025
Newborn pictures are often done within the first couple of weeks, when baby is still all curled up. But whenever you feel ready is always a perfect time.
I'm Cara, a Dublin Newborn photographer. I do family and baby photo sessions in your own home or outside in a location you love when baby is a little older and the sun is shining!
You can often find me in Blackrock, Booterstown, Stillorgan, Ballsbridge, Dundrum, Monkstown, Dunlaoghaire and Dalkey Village - but I travel all over Dublin photographing babies and growing families!
Photographing your Newborn in Home because Home is where the Heart is!
The wonderful thing about a newborn session in the comfort of your own home is that you don't have to travel anywhere, I can come to you. This can keep things natural, fun and fuss free. It is possible to do a whole session on the master bed as it is so comfortable and offers a naturally soft background for your baby and family.
I also use other favourite locations throughout the house. The house becomes an extra character in your newborn story!
Focus on natural baby positions and expressions.
I LOVE the gorgeous hand and feet gestures newborn babies make when they are still all curled up...
Newborn feet are a detail I love to focus on. Newborns like to kick and as they did in the womb, within the first two weeks of birth....
Cute baby feet, below.
More of this newborn baby girl all curled up and clasping her face with her tiny hands on the bed. A soft white duvet makes a lovely, simple backdrop...
I love the detail of newborn baby girl's tiny fingers wrapped around her dad's (below). I also love this couple's matching jeans and white T-shirts. Simple, relaxed clothes can be better for your newborn at home sessions, even PJ's are welcome. Think about what you'd be comfortable photographed in naturally around the house at this time...
Tiny little girl (below) wrapped in a white blanket. i use minimal props in my baby and newborn portraits, but blankets and soft bed covers create the perfect setting for your baby!
It's important to use the available window light in the master bedroom and other spaces.
I usually turn off over head artificial lighting and avoid using flash in my newborn sessions, however this time I included the lighting cast by a lamp on the wall of the bedroom.
Dad (below) holding his gorgeous baby daughter.
Even when baby is a little older (below), there is something about capturing a small baby in dad's arms that is so classic! I love baby boy's intent expression as he drinks his bottle of milk...I also like baby & dad's matching white shirt, helps make this look like a timeless baby portrait.
Below, dad holds older baby under the apple tree with mum and older son on this relaxed in home family session in Stillorgan, Dublin.
Dublin Outdoor Baby Sessions, or in your own Home and Garden
When I do in home family and baby sessions, I always do a few pictures in the garden if possible. Outside in the garden I can make the most of pure natural light. (the big orange ball in the sky kind of light!).
Don't have a garden? We can start off at home and find some green space outside. Dublin has many parks and gardens. Outdoor sessions are perfect for older babies, although I have done newborn sessions outside in warm weather!
Baby girl taking her first steps, below
In the garden, I make the most of beautiful, dappled light. Although I'll find shade in bright light, sometimes the effects of brilliant sunshine can be embraced!
baby smiles, below. Connecting with mum and dad on a sunny day in the garden!
With mum in a sunlit garden, below!
Picking up the grass outside!
Swing!
I always offer wardrobe tips. I LOVE how the denim worn by dad and baby girl match the blue of the sky, it makes a classic colour palette!
Making the Most of Available Light Sources at Home.
As well as using window light, a great source of natural light, I will scope out unusual light pockets in your home. I make the most of reflections in mirror. Here, the light in the bathroom was artificial from the mirror.
When the lighting is more challenging or mixed, as was the case on this newborn at home shoot, black & white can keep the focus on family. See Seeing at home Newborn photography in a new light for more dramatic indoor lighting.
Love this photo below, with mu celebrating baby girl's first birthday in a living room conservatory streaming with natural light, creating pockets of light and shade.
Your Baby Gallery. Timeless Black & White and Vintage Inspired Colours.
I always include a mix of colour & classic black & white in my family and baby galleries.
Here (below) a close up in black & white of mum getting to know her newborn girl on the sofa.
Using Toys and Props in Your In Home Family Photos with Baby
I love dad holding the balloons in the lamp light that resembles a halo. Mum looks fab in her silky PJ's, perfect natural clothes for in home baby pictures!
Kissing baby, below:
Baby girl's first steps!
As well as newborn at home family sessions, I also photograph Baptisms and Christenings, and that might mean taking pictures of baby and family celebrating after the mass! Photo shoots can start off in a different venue, in this case church, and end up at home!
I offer four main family sessions that are suitable for your newborn and baby, either outdoors or at home. All my sessions come with a complete, curated gallery of photos so there is no need to pick and choose your favourite pictures - you get a complete collection!
Have a wonderful week x
More: (Newborn Baby in Pink & Baby at home with Kitty)
More about my at home newborn photography Dublin here
And how to prepare for a session at home with your newborn & family
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