Cara Hodge
"Bumps & Babes". Natural Maternity Photographer Dublin
Discover the beauty of pregnancy with Bumps & Babes, a natural maternity photography service in Dublin. From serene at-home sessions to brea
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Baby & Newborn Photographer Dublin
Natural In-Home Newborn Sessions
I am a fuss free, natural newborn photographer that captures your newborn and family in the cozy comfort of your home and garden.
My style is warm and natural so there are no need for stiff poses. You can just hang out with your newborn baby and I'll focus on genuine, heartwarming interactions. Just open the curtain wide! I promise you that when the room is filled with light and love, it's the secret ingredient to the sweetest baby portraits.
Whether you're curled on the couch in your PJs, singling along to nursery rhymes, or gently rocking your newborn to sleep after a long, sleepless night, I’ll capture all those honest moments. Newborn photography sessions are typically scheduled around two weeks after birth, when baby is still curled up. However, whenever you feel ready is the right time...Expect timeless black-and-white images alongside soft, vintage-inspired colors.
Celebrate your baby’s milestones with natural maternity and newborn photo shoots in Dublin, capturing everything from baby's first birthday and Christmas, to an outing around the park in the pram. When baby is a little older, scenic outdoor family photo shoots are popular throughout the year. I also cover baptisms and offer a Bumps & Babe Maternity & Newborn Package.
reasons to have a newborn session at home > newborn in a different light > maternity > Baby in b & w > Family highlights > Documentary style "Fly on the Wall" > maternity with Daschunds > info >
Embrace the Warmth of Fuss-Free Newborn Photo Shoots.
Welcome To The World
If your newborn baby is just a few days or weeks old, don't worry about achieving perfection—what matters most is the precious bond between you and your little one. Drag a comb through your hair and pick your comfiest PJ's...I’ll share a few simple tips to help you get ready.
Cozy Nest
Open the curtains to let in the light! As a natural newborn photographer in Dublin, I love a comfy armchair or the master bed for a cozy backdrop. Just clear the clutter either side but no big tidy up is needed! We can also capture beautiful moments in your garden or choose an outdoor location once your baby is older. All family members are welcome!
Treasured Keepsake
I create a baby gallery with a blend of classic family portraits and candid moments using a documentary approach. Expect sweet captures of tiny hands and feet! All packages come with the best moments from our session, all fully edited. Prints, framed prints, and albums are available also.
How Do I Love You? In A Million Little Ways
Baby & Newborn Gallery
GET IN TOUCH
Natural maternity, baby & newborn photographer, Dublin.
Whether you have questions or are ready to book your session, I’d love to hear from you!
"Our in-home newborn photography experience with Cara was a delight! She captured the gentle moments of our baby boy in soft window light while we snuggled together. These photos are memories we’ll hold close forever".
emma
"Even with the chaos of having a two-week-old baby girl, Cara effortlessly captured the love in our home. Her warmth and patience made our album a cherished treasure that we will revisit for years to come."
Héloïse
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Newborn photography session?
Although newborn in home photography can be done within two weeks of birth when baby is still curled up, many people wait until baby is a bit older, or when they are feeling a bit more perky. There is no right or wrong. Just whenever you feel ready. There is so much beauty in the connection between parents and baby at any developmental stage.
Is an in home Newborn baby session best for me?
Lots of people opt for in home newborn photography Dublin because it is so convenient. You don't have to think about heading to a studio, packing anything for baby - I simply come to you!
Ugh! My home is a mess, do I need to do a big tidy up?
Absolutely not! It is a good idea to clear immediate clutter from either side of the Master bed, as this tends to be a comfortable space for newborn and family portraits, but there is no need for a big tidy up! I might also suggest that plugs and cables be cleared from spaces we use, but we can do that as we go along.
Piles of baby clothes, blankets, bottles and children's toys are all part of what makes your home feel authentic.
I'm worried my house is too dark...
I am a light seeker, so I will scope out all the best light in your home. As a fan of low light and dramatic light, you don't need a light flooded house for atmospheric newborn portraits - sometimes a slice of light is all you need for beautiful contrast between light and shade. I will also look out for reflections off mirrors and more unusual pockets of light. Window light tends to be the best source of natural light so pull back the curtains! If you are a fan of black & white child photography then low light can be better for contrasts.
Can I include other children and family in my Newborn session?
Yes, I welcome all other children and other family members on the sessions - and I include the furry family members too. Newborn in home sessions tend to be fairly intimate, but I have had other family members drop by to be part of the session.
What if my baby is out of sorts?
I fully expect your newborn to sleep, feed and yes, also, to cry! I tend to shoot quickly so that I can capture little gestures and expressions. If baby needs comforting, I will focus on genuine parenting interactions. I can also focus on baby feet and hands as you comfort your newborn. Often newborn photo shoots at home can be done around 10am, or sometimes even earlier, when baby and younger children are fresh. However, I can work around your schedule to accommodate a time of day when baby is more likely to be rested.
I never expect your baby to perform. instead I make the most of situations as they naturally arise during the sessions. Unexpected moments and surprises can make the most endearing pictures. I find that all sessions are as unique as your baby.
What should we wear for an in home Newborn session?
I provide simple wardrobe tips, but nothing too fussy. I suggest complimentary colours across a family. Neutrals or soft colours can work well, so that the focus is on your newborn and your interactions as a family. With that said, if bright pops of colour speak to your soul, go for it! Wardrobe is a unique expression of who you are, but again, try to spread colour across a family so the eye is drawn to everyone equally.
Textures like wool, cotton, linen, silk and other natural soft materials can compliment the softness of your baby beautifully. There is no need to dress up if you'd prefer not to, and, in fact, it can look more natural to be in relaxed clothing that you might normally wear around the house.
What can I expect from my Newborn photography gallery?
As with all my family photography Dublin sessions, I will do a mix of traditional family portraits of your baby and other children and documentary family photography.
You can expect really authentic baby portraits in natural light. I won't be deliberately posing your baby, but rather capturing her as she makes natural gestures and expressions. Much of the time we will use the Master bed, or other blankets comfortable for your baby. I will also focus on details, like sweet baby feet and hands. I will also capture you as you interact naturally with your baby and other children. I leave time for documentary family photography which is about capturing moments as they arise with little to no posing.
I will deliver a fully edited gallery of gentle, warm colours with a vintage, timeless feel. I will also include classic black & white pictures.
It takes 2-3 weeks to receive your gallery of images. Aside from the mini sessions, any of my packages are suitable for in home newborn photography and family photography vouchers are available.
Can we do the Newborn session outside rather than stay in?
Absolutely! You can choose to stay home, or when baby is a bit older, outdoor baby photo shoots around Dublin are very popular too. In warmer weather I have also done outdoor photo shoots with newborns. Dublin has scenic locations throughout the year.
My mini family sessions run all through the year in Blackrock and Seapoint and are popular for children, toddlers and babies!
Celebrating baby boy in a Dublin park. No fuss. Just a beautiful family, just as you are
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Cherished Memories
Nothing compares to the feel of a timeless album—something you can hold, share, and treasure for years to come.
As your little one grows, you’ll be able to leaf through these pages with your children and relive those first days with them.
Each newborn photography album is created with luxurious materials designed to stand the test of time.
These books are a family heirloom, delightfully passed down through generations.
Bumps & babes. cherished maternity photography Dublin
... followed by your newborn's first tender moments
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