Newborn Baby Photography

Caoimhe - Newborn Baby Shoot /  by Jan

“Ballyhooly... no clue, let me check Google Maps. Oh right, between Mallow and Fermoy. I’ve never been there!”

Were my first thoughts. I was booked to do an ‘at home’ baby shoot and I couldn’t have gone on a better day. It felt like the first summer’s day of the year. Skies so blue, it felt fake. Warm air, all the grass looked so much greener than usual, and that warm, summer’s wind... What a day!

But before we get into the shoot, I want to skip ahead and already share the 5-star Google review Anne-Marie left me, because it’s just absolutely hilarious:

“Jan did the most amazing job on a Newborn Photoshoot for our 5 week old daughter. We had such a fun time during the shoot, as Jan embraced the madness and made it look like we have some control over our toddler and dog who joined in on the shoot. The resulting photographs are better than I could have hoped for and the session itself created fantastic memories for us as a family. Jan was a pleasure to work with and we will be looking for excuses to book him again!”

It had me roaring when I first read it! And Anne-Marie was right, with the dog and the whole family involved, it wasn’t the easiest shoot but it was a very fun one.

Usually with a baby shoot at home, I tend to do at least half of the shoot, if not most of the shoot indoors. But with the garden that Anne-Marie and Kevin have, and the previously mentioned, gorgeous day, I decided to leave all of my lighting gear in the boot of the car, and do this baby shoot purely outdoors. I think it only made sense, especially seeing the results.

Little Coaimhe was a great little subject for the shoot, while her big brother, Rory, was running around to his own rules. I think my favourite photos of this day are mom, Anne-Marie and Caoimhe on the chair next to the tree, and the whole family, including dog, walking towards me. Although seeing dad, Kevin, and big brother, Rory, on the swing together is also a high contender.

The great thing with these ‘at home’ newborn baby shoots is that I get to photograph families in their own environment. This makes it so much easier for their parents, often new mothers and fathers, and I get to provide them with unique photos with their homes as a slice of history that might be more meaningful to them. I really enjoy dipping into these environments and working with the challenges these new locations provide.

If you would like to book me for a newborn baby shoot, you can say hi to me here and we can get you booked in!

Isobel - Newborn Baby Photographer Cork /  by Jan

As a newborn baby photographer, it is my joy and privilege to capture the precious moments of a family's newest addition. Each photo shoot is filled with tender emotions, love, and a touch of unpredictability. One particular session stands out in my memory, involving baby Isobel and her adoring parents in the comfort of their home.

Isobel's parents had been one step ahead and prepared this lovely setting of a sheep skin on the bed. Together with the lighting I brought to their homes, and the white outfit, we had this stunning white on white which makes these photos look so dreamy and angelic!

I got this lovely 5-star Google review from mom, Ciara:

“Jan was so personable and really put us at ease. The photos were beyond our expectations, he really captured special moments with our newborn. Would not hesitate to recommend!”

Well, thank you for that! Grinning from ear to ear!

I love taking photos of the parents interacting with their baby, nuzzling in, or stroking. These intimate moments are so precious to capture and cherish for years to come.

After these photos, I set up my equipment in the living room. I moved some of the furniture around to have a lovely setting with the armchair, creating a neat and visually spectacular setting. Even if it doesn’t make sense to arrange the furniture in that way as a functional living space. But it looks great for the pictures!

Isobel's parents lovingly cradled her, as I captured these portraits and also made sure to photograph every tiny detail, like her eyes, hands and feet. The parents were understandably proud and eager to capture these early memories, making sure to book me ASAP. Isobel, seemingly unaware of the significance of the occasion, seemed quite content on her parents' arms.

There were a few tears, but that is normal for a newborn baby photo shoot and something a bottle usually fixes! This is why I always make sure I schedule plenty of time for these baby shoots.

As a newborn baby photographer, I understand the importance of documenting these fleeting moments, the stories that make each family's journey distinct and unforgettable.

If you would like to book a newborn baby photo shoot with me, say hi to me here, I’d love to hear from you!

Or we can also do a family photo shoot, like this, if your child/children are already a little bit older.

Till the next blog post!

Ayla - Newborn Baby Photo Shoot Cork /  by Jan

This shoot was a first for me! It was my first time photographing a family and/or newborn baby shoot in Ballincollig’s Regional Park, and I must say, it’s instantly become one of my favourite spots ever! I actually have no clue why it’s evaded me for such a long time.

Loving the woods

What do I like so much about it? I love how mixed the scenery is. At the beginning by the parking lot, you have the park and benches which is perfect for some of the more traditional photos, and the perfect spot to take some close up shots of the baby. Then you can head into the woods and get some amazing wilderness shots that I absolutely adore. I love photographing in nature and making places look so much more remote and exotic than they are. I love it! It almost becomes an adventure shoot, like this.

These intimate photos of Ayla with her dad are also so precious!

But today’s star isn’t Ballincollig’s Regional Park but Ayla herself! Just five weeks old at the time of this newborn baby portrait shoot, she really is a newborn, even though her size might suggest that she’s already a little older.

The Challenges

The challenge of these newborn portraits is always working quickly enough while the baby is in good spirits, but not letting the shoot go on too long before they get too cranky or need a nappy change. Which is why I always make sure I have plenty of time planned for these baby shoots. There’s always an unexpected milk break or things can get a little overwhelming when you’re so tiny. But I love this photo of Ayla calming herself down again by sucking on her own thumb. So cute!

So cute!

“But I love this photo of Ayla calming herself down again by sucking on her own thumb.”

And thanks to the parents, Amara and Wynand, for being super easy to work with and being up for everything I suggested. A delight to work with.

Google Review

And they didn’t find it too bad either, leaving me this 5-star Google Review:

“Fantastic day out! Had a great time chatting and taking photos. Jan makes a newborn photoshoot feel like catching up with a friend, very relaxed and easygoing. Our photos came out stunning! Will definitely do it again!”

Inquiries and availability

If you would like to make a booking for a newborn baby photo shoot, you can contact me here for availability and pricing. I don’t just do newborn baby photography but also the following:

• Couples Photography in Cork

• Family Portrait Photography in Cork

• Wedding Photography in Cork

• and more!