The Best Time to Book Your Dublin Maternity and Newborn Sessions
Most families reaching out to me for the first time have the same question: When is the right time to do this? Whether you are looking for an in-home maternity session or lifestyle newborn photography, the timeline depends on the story you want to tell.
I shoot exclusively on 35mm film. Because I don't use a digital screen, I focus on the raw, unscripted moments the "quiet chaos" of home. To maintain this level of craft and ensure the quality of my work, I only accept 5 film-integrated sessions per month.
The Maternity Window: Weeks 30–34 (And why last-minute is okay)
For a maternity session, we typically aim for the window where your bump is beautifully defined, but you are still comfortable enough to move freely. This is usually between weeks 28 and 34.
I prefer shooting maternity sessions in-home or at a favourite outdoor Dublin location, like the Bray Promenade or a quiet local park. This isn't about awkward, belly-cupping poses; it's about documenting the anticipation of your baby's arrival in a way that feels like you.
However, I know that for many mums, the desire to have these photos doesn't kick in until the final weeks. If you are at 36, 37, or even 38 weeks, please know that last minute is perfectly okay. I did a last-minute maternity photoshoot at 38 weeks My 35mm approach is slow and intentional by nature. If we are shooting late in your pregnancy, we simply adjust the pace. We keep the session even more relaxed, focusing on quiet moments in your home where you can just be.
Documentation of those final weeks at home, shot on 35mm.
The Newborn Story: Finding Your Window
As an in-home newborn photographer in Dublin, I don’t use props, oversized bows, or artificial studio setups. We work with the natural light and the unique rhythm of your home. When it comes to timing, people often feel pressured to shoot in the first few days, but there is truly no "bad" time. It just depends on what part of the story you want to see in your Collection.
1. The "First Days" (1–4 Weeks Old)
If you want to capture that specific "newborn look and feel," this is the window. During these first few weeks, your baby is often in that hazy, womb-like sleepiness. Your whole world has just fundamentally shifted, and while the days might feel like a blur of feeds and nappy changes, the beauty of an in-home session is that you don't have to leave that bubble. You get to stay exactly where you are.
It is the perfect time for capturing the tiny, fleeting details that change almost daily. Because we are in your space, we can naturally weave in those personal touches, like a favourite heirloom toy or a gifted quilt, making the images feel yours.
Focusing on the small things the textures and details of those first few weeks.
2. The "Settling In" Stage (4–8 Weeks Old)
Many parents prefer to wait until this stage. By now, you’ve usually built some form of routine and the initial "survival mode" has eased slightly. At 4 to 8 weeks, the baby is more alert. They are starting to fill out, and you’ll begin to see those first purposeful stretches. It’s a lovely middle ground between the sleepy newborn phase and the more social stage that follows.
In-home session at 4 weeks
3. The "Blooming Personality" (12 Weeks +)
At three months, the "quiet chaos" has found a real rhythm. Your baby is making eye contact, giving those first gummy smiles, and starting to react to your voice. This stage is less about the "newness" and more about the blooming personality and the connection between the mums, dads, and the child. If you want photos filled with interaction, expression, and awake moments, this is your window.
7 months old
The Truth: There is no bad time
The most important thing to remember is that there is no "expiry date" on documenting your baby. Whether they are 10 days, 10 weeks or 10 months old, the goal is the same: to tell the story of your family as it is right now. Don't let the "perfect" window stop you from booking. If you’ve missed the two-week mark, you haven't missed the chance for beautiful, meaningful photos.
The "Fly-on-the-Wall" Approach
Choosing an in-home session means the background of your photos is your real life—the nursery you spent months painting, the light in your kitchen, and the dog at your feet. For Dublin mums and dads, it removes the stress of packing a bag and travelling to a studio.
I’ve shot a lot of behind-the-scenes on film sets, learning how to be a "ghost" in the room. This experience allows me to capture the real, unscripted moments that happen when you forget the camera is there. Because I shoot on 35mm film without a digital screen to distract me, I am 100% present in the room with you.
Capturing life as new parents
Securing Your Slot
To maintain this documentary style and ensure the quality of my Classic, Deluxe, and Luxury Collections, I only take on 5-10 sessions per month. If you are in your second trimester, that is usually the "sweet spot" to reach out. It ensures we can hold a spot for your due date month before those slots are gone. However, because life happens, I always keep a waitlist for last-minute maternity or newborn requests. If I can fit you in, I always will.
https://www.jitebirhire.com/photos/maternity
