Those first few weeks with a new baby go by in a blur. Feeds, nappies, very little sleep, and somewhere in the middle of it all, a tiny person who is changing every single day. Newborn photos are a way of holding on to that time, and a little planning makes the whole experience calmer and more enjoyable.
I photograph newborns and their families at my studio in Gorey, and at families' homes by arrangement. Here's my guide to when to book, how to get ready and what to expect on the day.
When to book your newborn session
Newborns change fast, so timing matters. Ideally, a newborn shoot happens from seven days old up until about three months old. By the one year mark it gets quite difficult to keep babies still. They just want to explore, and they tend to rebel against most of what mum and dad want them to do!
Because babies rarely arrive exactly on their due date, I'd suggest getting in touch before your baby is born. Anytime from six months to two weeks before your due date is perfect. A €50 deposit secures your date, and once your baby arrives we can firm up the exact day around how you're both getting on.
If your little one has already arrived, don't worry. Send me a message and we'll find a time that works.
Studio or home?
Sessions take place at my studio at Unit 9, Gorey Enterprise Centre, in Gorey Business Park. You can see the space on my studio page. There's plenty of free parking right outside the studio. In the wintertime I keep the studio warm for newborns, and in the summertime it's quite warm already.
If getting out of the house feels like too much in those early weeks, I can also come to your home by arrangement. Just mention it when you get in touch.
What the session is like
A newborn session usually runs for 60 to 90 minutes. That might sound like a long time for such a small person, but it's built around your baby, not the camera. There's time for feeds, changes, settling and cuddles whenever they're needed, so nobody needs to rush.
We usually start with close-up portraits of your baby. They're photographed on a fully padded, stable setup, with soft, controlled light, and they're supervised the whole time. Safety and comfort always come before styling. If your baby isn't happy in a pose, we simply move on.
Then we move to family portraits: mum and baby, dad and baby, and everyone together. I guide all the posing, so you don't need any experience in front of a camera. I'll tell you where to sit, where to put your hands and when to just look at your baby.
I don't supply props or wraps, and I don't do wrapped poses. You're very welcome to bring your own props if they suit the shoot.
Bringing big brothers and sisters
Siblings are very welcome. I photograph them early in the session while their energy is high, so they can relax (or head off for a snack) once their part is done. It helps to tell older children beforehand that they're coming to have their picture taken with the new baby, so they know what to expect.
What to wear
For the family photos, neutral tones, soft colours and simple textures work best. Avoid logos and bold patterns, as they pull attention away from your baby. Aim to coordinate rather than match exactly: a few colours that sit well together look softer and more natural than everyone in the same outfit.
If you're not sure, send me photos of your outfits before the session and I'll happily give you my thoughts. Comfortable clothes help too, especially for mum. You'll be sitting, holding and moving around, so wear something you can relax in.
What to bring on the day
A little preparation goes a long way. I'd suggest packing:
Everything you'd need for a feed, plus a bit extra
Plenty of nappies and wipes
A spare change of clothes for baby (and maybe for you)
A soother, if your baby uses one
Snacks and something to drink for yourselves
A favourite toy or book for siblings
Any props you'd like to include (I don't supply props or wraps)
A baby toy or two to catch your baby's attention
A toy is handy for keeping your baby's attention, but we don't want to lose them to it completely, so I'll use it sparingly. Try to come with a fed, settled baby if you can, but don't stress about it. There's time built in for feeds once you're here.
After the session
After your session, you'll get a private online gallery where you can pick your favourites. Once you've chosen, your edits are usually ready within 5 working days to a week. A newborn session costs €250, which includes seven edited images and one print. You can find all the details on my newborn photography page.
Thinking of a gift for parents-to-be? A photoshoot gift voucher can be a lovely present for a new family.
Ready to book?
If you're expecting, or your little one has just arrived, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch, email info@manofmoments.com, or call me on +353 85 208 9927, and we'll pick a date for your newborn session in Gorey.
