First off check out my beautiful brand new Maternity page here on my website!
The Bumps & Babes Package
From January 2024, Introducing the "Bumps & babes" package. Book a maternity photo shoot with me in Dublin & have a voucher towards your newborn session with Cara Hodge family & maternity photographer in Dublin, with no expiry date.
So you can plan a baby photo shoot with me within 2 weeks of birth when baby is still all curled up. Or later if you prefer, when baby is a little older! Outdoors on location in Dublin, or in the comfort of your own home & garden.
Outdoor maternity session Dublin.
This pregnant couple already had a baby, and they were celebrating the soon to be arrival of their second baby with a maternity photography session at the 40 foot in Dublin. Sandycove beach together with the 40 foot are iconic landmarks in Dublin for authentic family & lifestyle photography.
Plan a natural maternity photography Dublin session at home
I am an all-natural-light, award winning family photographer Dublin, so family photo shoots are done either at an outdoor location, event venue, or in the peace & comfort of your own home.
For maternity photography, your own home & garden can provide the relaxing surroundings you need for beautiful pregnancy pictures.
As ever, natural window light is a great place for maternity portraits by the window. Just pull up a favorite arm chair.
The use of props, such as baby clothes can make a portrait really special.
A pregnancy session in Golden Hour Light
it was lovely to focus on mum to and dad in park, with late summer golden sunlight. Picking a time when the light will be gorgeous is always a good idea for flattering portraits, and maternity portraits are no different. Flattering golden light is usually 1-2 hours before sun set and early in the morning. During winter, golden hour light is much earlier in the day!
This maternity photography session in Blackrock, Dublin was done late in the pregnancy to make full advantage of the pregnancy form.
If it's a pregnancy session outside, earthy colors can work really well in a natural setting, including textures such as suede, leather, sheep skins etc. white is also a great choice in any setting, indoor and outdoor. White particularly pops out in a black & white portrait, such as here below with husband's white shirt.
Treat a maternity photo shoot in Dublin like an intimate couples or engagement photo shoot.
After all, a maternity photography session is a very romantic proposition. It is all about two becoming one, about how the spark of love and passion results in new life. In that case you want the pregnancy session to feel special and filled with love bug vibes.
I'll work closely with you, and you can suggest a location you love or ask me for inspiration. There are plenty of naturally beautiful spots in Dublin that have an atmosphere of romance. (couples, engagement, surprise proposals & maternity)
Genuine interactions are key to a successful Dublin maternity photo shoot
Just as with all my family photography Dublin sessions, I want to make sure you have a keepsake of all the best classic portraits and documentary moments. The documentary style moments that focus on genuine gesture, expression, and interactions. These are the unplanned moments. They may have a storytelling feel where the shot is teken in the middle of an action. Here below, pregnant mum is comforting her baby.
Wear something you LOVE for your maternity session
Below, even with a baby in tow the mood is naturally romantic. This is partly because the ladies dress resembles a wedding dress and is the epitome of feminine romance.
I recommend something loose and flowing, but which enhances the pregnancy form. Above all feel comfortable. Often warmer weather is ideal for pregnancy photo shoots so your dress can reveal the pregnancy form -after all you will want to remember how you looked pregnant! If the weather is likely cold, I might recommend an indoor session instead where you can strip down.
Black & white and vintage inspired color for your pregnancy photo shoot Dublin.
As with all my family, lifestyle and maternity portrait sessions, I will add both black & white and color pictures to your gallery. I use beautiful cinematic black & white actions that have a "looks like film" quality. I also edit in soft vintage colors for a romantic and timeless feel.
Below, a black and white. I love how this pregnant mother is cradling her baby mid air. The black & white tones help guides the viewer to the action in the picture.
For this particular session, I also did a series of baby bump pictures in closer detail, for the couple's personal album. (Natural maternity photographer Dublin)
Natural At Home Newborn photography
Within less than two weeks of doing this at home pregnancy photo shoot, I was back to do the most adorable newborn photo shoot. Here are just a few precious pictures from this session. Below, new baby boy still all curled up, getting dressed on the bed.
Making the most of window light again (below) as mum & dad cradle their newborn next to a vase of dried flowers .
Focusing on newborn baby all on his own too (below). I love how he looks like a champion! The master bed makes the perfect backdrop of white for baby portraits.
At home newborn photography is traditionally done within the first couple of weeks after birth. When baby is still all curled up. The newborn baby portraits I capture are as authentic as possible. Where classic portraits merge with documentary, unscripted family photography where I record life as it is with a newborn.
The master bedroom is a preferred place for newborn at home pictures providing a soft, comfortable setting for baby to lie on. There is no need for a big clear up. Just open the curtains & blinds and let in the light! This is fuss free, no frills at home newborn photography! Other rooms in your home - as well as your garden - can help tell the story of what your life is like as a new parent.
Outdoor Maternity Photography Dublin: maternity session in Blackrock gardens, Dublin.
As well as in home maternity photography sessions, you can choose a favorite outdoor location around Dublin. Warmer seasons are good for showing off the pregnancy in a summer dress.
Below, a maternity photo shoot Dublin in August. 38 weeks & counting the days!
A last minute request to document the last fleeting days of pregnancy.
The maternity bag is packed for the hospital. These really are the last days of count down for this excited couple!
This couple had two adorable Daschund dogs. Bright eyes, inquisitive, lots of fun. We went to a location in Blackrock. It is a garden I also use for my mini seasonal family sessions. This location has beautiful autumn color and spring blossom. Perfect for natural family & maternity sessions.
The bright pink dress gave a lovely celebratory pop of feminine color.
It sometimes helps to treat a maternity photo shoot like a romantic couples & engagement photography session.
As with all my family & lifestyle sessions, I like to go for natural portraits with this couple interacting authentically with each other and their dogs.
I wanted to take some portraits at a distance with the large ornamental trees catching the golden hour rays. Turning green leaves to gold. Photographing maternity portraits between the branches over overhanging trees created an interesting framing opportunity.
I really liked how the black & whites turned out in this maternity with Daschunds session. Black & white portraits have a timeless, classic feel. They work particularly well in high contrast, light & shade. I always include classic black & white in my family galleries.
I have family photography packages that include edited digital pictures in a professional online gallery you can download from, as well as beautifully handcrafted print products. Luxury albums & mounted print boxes. Giclee pigment prints & framed Giclee pigment prints are also available. After any photo shoot package, it is easy to order prints & albums a la carte. That way this couple can treasure their maternity pictures forever.
Contact me for more information on "Bumps & Babes"
Contact me for more details on Bumps & Babes: Cara Hodge Photography: one of the best natural maternity & family photographer's in Dublin, and avail of the special offers.
Also if you're just not ready for a newborn at home session when you're still stuck in your PJ's and feeling that you can't even think about being photographed, no worries!
There is no expiry on the Bumps & Babes package. You can opt to have the second half of this photo shoot package done when baby is a little older. For example, you can also wait to have an outdoor family photo shoot with baby in warmer weather - and when she's walking.
For more couples, engagement, surprise proposalt maternity & newborn photography sessions in Dublin, Contact me.
Cara Hodge Photography. Award winning, internationally published family & natural maternity photographer Dublin. Including outside on location maternity photo shoot Dublin. Also, bumps & babes new maternity & pregnancy packages.
Have a great week, Cara x
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