Bringing a new baby home is one of the most overwhelming, and wonderful, experiences of your life. Between feeding schedules, sleepless nights, and a steady stream of visitors, it’s easy to let those precious first days slip by before you’ve thought about capturing them.
If you’re wondering when to book a newborn photographer in Dublin, the short answer is: before your baby arrives. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Golden Window: 5 to 10 Days Old
Newborn photography has a sweet spot, and it’s earlier than most parents expect.
The ideal time for a newborn photoshoot is between 5 and 10 days old. At this age, babies are at their most sleepy and curled up, making it easier to capture those beautiful posed shots, tiny fingers tucked under chins, little knees drawn up, that perfect newborn curl that disappears faster than you’d think.
After around 14 days, babies begin to stretch out and become more alert. They’re still absolutely gorgeous to photograph at any age, but the classic newborn poses become trickier to achieve. If your baby is already past this window, don’t panic, we photograph babies of all ages and stages, and there are still plenty of beautiful shots to be had.
Book Before Your Due Date
This is the most important piece of advice for any expectant parent: don’t wait until the baby arrives to get in touch.
A good newborn photographer in Dublin will book up weeks in advance, particularly in spring and autumn when demand is highest. We recommend contacting us around 3 to 4 weeks before your due date to provisionally hold a date in the diary.
When your baby arrives, simply let us know and we’ll confirm your session for within that first 10-day window. It’s a relaxed, flexible process, we understand that babies arrive on their own schedule.
What to Expect at Your Newborn Photoshoot
Whether you’re booking a Mini Newborn Shoot or a full Newborn & Family session, here’s what a typical visit to our Dublin studio looks like.
Arrival & Settling In There’s no rushing at a newborn photoshoot. When you arrive at our Ballymount studio, you’ll be welcomed with a cup of tea and given time to settle. Baby sets the pace, always.
The Shoot Itself Jenny works gently and patiently throughout, creating a calm environment where your baby feels safe and comfortable. The studio is kept warm so your little one stays cosy even during outfit changes. For Mini Sessions (baby only), you can relax and watch while Jenny works her magic. For Newborn & Family sessions, parents and siblings are included in the portraits too.
Breaks & Feeds Feeds, nappy changes, and cuddles are all part of the process, not interruptions to it. We always allow plenty of time so there’s no pressure on the day.
Session Length Mini Newborn Shoots run for approximately 1 hour. Newborn & Family sessions are up to 2 hours. Every session is baby-led, so timings are always flexible.
What to Bring to your baby's photoshoot
We keep things intentionally simple at Photos by Jen, because the best newborn photos focus on your baby, not the props.
Here’s what we recommend bringing:
- A couple of white babygros and vests, simple and timeless. Jenny’s own Zipzee Gro’ is available to purchase in the studio if needed.
- A muslin or favourite blanket, especially if it has a sentimental meaning
- Any special keepsakes, a teddy, a family heirloom, or something meaningful to you
- Enough nappies and food for a comfortable couple of hours
That’s genuinely it. The studio provides everything else, and the warmth of the space means baby won’t need layers of clothing.
Our Dublin Newborn Photography Studio
All sessions take place at our purpose-built studio in Ballymount Corporate Park, Dublin 12, warm, welcoming, and designed specifically with newborns and families in mind.
The studio is easily accessible from across Dublin and the surrounding counties, with parking on-site. Whether you’re coming from Tallaght, Rathfarnham, the city centre, or further afield, we’re straightforward to get to.
After your session, you will be invited back to the studio for a dedicated viewing appointment, where you’ll see your images for the first time on a large screen, a moment most parents say is even more emotional than they expected.
Ready to Book?
If you’re expecting a baby and looking for a newborn photographer in Dublin, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch as early as you can to secure your preferred dates, and leave the rest to us.
Jenny McCarthy
