Calm, baby-led sessions — with beautiful results, even if baby has other plans.
Those first weeks can feel like a blur. You’re learning your baby, learning yourself, and trying to keep everything afloat — while time seems to move far too fast.
A newborn session with me is designed to feel unhurried, warm, and genuinely supportive. You don’t need to “prepare” your baby. You don’t need to arrive looking perfect. You just need to show up — I’ll guide you the whole way.
Based in Glanmire, Cork. Fully trained, insured, and safety-first.
Newborn sessions are ideal for babies around 8–14 days, but I also welcome older newborns up to around 4 weeks — especially if birth or recovery has been a lot.
If you’re still pregnant: the best time to book is during your third trimester, and we’ll hold a flexible window around your due date.
You’re not alone in thinking this — and it’s exactly why my sessions are slow and baby-led.
Babies cry. Babies feed. Babies need cuddles. Babies have flaky skin, wind, reflux days, and “I’m wide awake” days. None of that is a problem.
I plan sessions with plenty of time built in, so we can pause whenever we need to. Some of the most meaningful images happen in those in-between moments.
Warm studio, calm pace
Breaks for feeding and settling whenever needed
Simple, timeless styling (I provide wraps and textures)
Gentle guidance for you — you never have to wonder what to do
If you’d love family images too: partners and siblings are very welcome, and we’ll keep it relaxed.
I’ll take care of the rest.
If you feel unsure about being photographed, you’re not alone. New mothers rarely feel “camera ready.” That’s why I keep everything effortless — soft light, simple direction, nothing that feels staged.
One day, those images of you holding your baby will matter more than you expect.
Safety always comes first
I’m trained in safe newborn handling and posing, and I’ll never force a setup if baby isn’t comfortable. Safety matters more than any image.
A couple of weeks later, you’ll come back to the studio for your Viewing & Ordering Appointment. This is where you’ll see your finished images and choose what you love, with guidance and no pressure.
If you’re someone who wants your images on your walls, I’ll help you plan pieces that suit your home — sizing, grouping, and where they’ll look best.
What to do next
Send an enquiry (including your due date)
We’ll hold a flexible slot around your due date
Once baby arrives, you message me and we confirm the exact date
Newborn Photography FAQs!
The ideal time to photograph newborns is within the first 1–3 weeks after birth, when babies are usually more settled and curl naturally.
Most parents book during pregnancy and I hold a flexible window around your due date. Once baby arrives, you simply message me and we confirm the exact session date that suits how you’re both feeling.
If your baby is older than 3 weeks — please don’t worry. Older newborn sessions are still beautiful, just in a slightly different way, and I’m happy to adjust the plan.
At this stage, babies tend to be sleepier and more content being gently posed and wrapped. That said, every baby is different, and beautiful images can be created at many stages — there is no “failure” window.
All newborn sessions take place in my cosy studio at:
Unit 28, Glanmire Business Park, Glanmire, Cork, T45 YC82
(Same business park as Monkey Maze — just the opposite end.)
The studio is warm, calm, and fully equipped for newborn photography, so you can relax while I take care of everything.
Sessions usually last 2–3 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, cuddles, and working gently at your baby’s pace.
There is no rush and no pressure — babies lead the flow of the session.
Warm, slow, and calm.
Most parents sit back, have a cup of tea (or coffee), and simply watch while I work with their baby. You don’t need to perform or worry — this is a very gentle, baby-led experience.
Absolutely. Newborn safety is at the heart of everything I do.
I’m professionally trained in newborn handling and posing, support babies at all times, and work slowly and gently. I never force a pose — every setup is adapted to your baby’s comfort and natural movement.
This is completely normal and expected. Babies cry, feed, wriggle, and need cuddles — it’s all part of newborn life.
I allow plenty of time so we can pause whenever needed. There is never any pressure to “get through” anything quickly, and some of the most meaningful images happen in these in-between moments.
Of course. Feeding, winding, and cuddles are a natural part of the session.
We take breaks whenever your baby needs them — there is no rush.
If your baby is congested, coughing, feverish, or just not themselves, please let me know — I’d always prefer to reschedule.
A sick baby won’t settle comfortably, and your baby’s health always comes first. I also work with newborns every week, so keeping the studio a safe, healthy space matters for all families.
If needed, we can reschedule or plan an older baby session — both options are absolutely fine.
Very little — I provide wraps, textures, outfits, and props.
Please bring:
Nappies and wipes
Feeding supplies
A dummy (even if you don’t usually use one — it can help during transitions)
A spare change of clothes for baby (and you, just in case)
Dress baby in a simple, easy-to-remove outfit (like a loose onesie) so we can move into wraps without disturbing them.
If possible, gentle wake time before the session can help, but this is optional.
Every baby is different — do what feels right for you both.
Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby:
beige, black, taupe, muted greens, earthy tones.
Avoid:
Mums:
Choose something comfortable and simple — a plain dress, shirt, or vest in a neutral tone or black works beautifully. You don’t need to look “done” — natural is perfect. If you’re unsure, bring a couple of options and we’ll decide together.
Dads:
A plain t-shirt or shirt in a soft neutral colour works best. Avoid bright white as it can overpower the image.
Hands:
I often photograph hands — removing old nail polish beforehand helps. (Blue polish is the trickiest to edit.)
Check out my Pinterest BOARD with recommended family outfits and colours; choose 2-3 complimentary tones and base your outfit around those.
Yes — gently and naturally. Newborn skin changes daily, and I keep edits timeless while staying true to your baby.
And just so you know — I actually love flaky skin, especially on newborn hands and feet. Those tiny peeling fingers and toes are part of what makes this stage so real and beautiful. It’s often exactly the kind of detail parents forget they’ll miss later.
If there’s anything you’d prefer softened or edited (like scratches or redness), just let me know — I’m always happy to adjust.
Yes — always. Family images are a beautiful part of the session, and I keep them relaxed and simple.
This is incredibly common. We can keep things very natural and gentle — no awkward posing.
You’re never obliged to be in photos, but I’ll always encourage a few simple images with your baby. They often become the most meaningful ones later.
It happens every week. Truly. Nothing to worry about at all.
Never. I work with brand new parents every week — tired, emotional, healing, figuring things out. You are exactly where you’re meant to be.
If baby is having a really tough day, we stop and adjust. There is never pressure to push through. Your experience matters more than ticking boxes.
I’m all about making your vision come to life! If any of my past images have made you stop and say, “Wow, I love this!”, let me know. I want to sprinkle that same magic into your own unique artwork.
Let’s create something special together, capturing the sweet, fleeting moments of your newborn’s early days. Together, we’ll transform them into timeless pieces of love that’ll add a dash of joy to your home and heart for years to come.
It happens with newborns. Just send me a message — we’ll adjust calmly.
You’ll return to the studio 2–3 weeks later for your Viewing & Ordering Appointment. This is where you’ll see your finished images and choose your favourites, and artwork you love most.
Yes — and I believe your photographs deserve to be enjoyed in your home, not just on a screen.
You can explore the artwork options here:
https://belladaly.com/your-images-displayed-beautifully/
I’ll guide you through everything during your appointment so choosing feels easy and relaxed.
This is the quiet question almost everyone has.
You’re not “being extra” — you’re choosing something meaningful for your family. And you don’t have to decide on images until you’ve seen them.
No — you don’t choose anything in advance.
Your newborn session includes a full 2–3 hour studio experience, styling, wraps, props, and family portraits.
After the session, I carefully edit your full gallery (usually 20+ images).
Around 2–3 weeks later, you return to the studio for your Viewing & Ordering Appointment, where you’ll see your images and choose what you love:
• 5 digital images — €399
• 10 digital images — €549
• All digital images (usually 20+) — €699
You only choose after you see the photos, so there’s no pressure to decide upfront.
Many families also choose a collection that includes wall art or albums, and payment plans are available if that’s helpful.
Is the session Fee separate?
No.
The session itself is included — you’re paying for images, not time.
Do I have to spend more than €399?
No.
€399 is the minimum spend, and many families choose to stay there.
Why do you do it this way?
Because it allows you to:
Your newborn session is secured with a €50 deposit.
You can book at any stage of pregnancy, and we’ll confirm the exact date once baby arrives.
If you have questions before booking, just message me — I’m always happy to guide you through it.
A few simple steps can help your session feel relaxed and smooth — but please know nothing needs to be perfect. I’ll guide you when you arrive.
A full tummy helps babies settle.
A loose onesie or easy-to-remove outfit is perfect.
This lets me move baby into wraps gently without disturbing their sleep.
3. Sleep tips (optional)
If it feels right, a little gentle wake time before the session can help baby settle more deeply once we begin — but every baby is different, so please don’t worry if this doesn’t happen. We’ll work with your baby’s rhythm.
4. Bring the essentials
5. What to wear (parents & siblings)
6. Studio environment
The studio is warm, calm, and kept cosy for your baby.
Layers are helpful for parents, as it can feel toasty.
7. If your baby is unwell
8. Your questionnaire
Once you’re booked (and ideally once baby arrives), please complete your questionnaire so I can prepare styling and details ahead of time. It helps everything feel calm and seamless when you arrive.
And most importantly…
You don’t need to stress, prepare perfectly, or have everything figured out.
Your only job is to arrive and look after your baby — I’ll take care of the rest.
I might be the right photographer for you if you:
Love simple, honest images
Minimal, thoughtful photography that lets your baby and your connection take centre stage — without distractions.
Are drawn to rich, deep tones
You prefer depth and mood over pale pastels, and want images that feel grounded and emotive rather than trendy.
Want a calm, unhurried experience
Especially for newborn sessions — where baby leads the pace, and nothing is rushed or forced.
Value authenticity over perfection
You don’t want heavy retouching or over-styled images. You want your baby as they are, in this moment, beautifully and truthfully.
Appreciate personal touches
You like the idea of a session that feels tailored, thoughtful, and reflective of your family — not a copy-and-paste setup.
Prefer quality over quantity
You trust a professional eye to guide you to a smaller, more meaningful collection of images you truly love.
Care about how your images live in your home
You imagine photographs on your walls — not hidden on a hard drive — becoming part of your everyday life.
If you read this and thought, “yes, that feels like us”, then you’re in the right place.
My work is created to be seen and lived with, not just stored away.
I’ll help you turn your images into artwork that suits your home, your style, and your space — in a way that feels easy and natural, not overwhelming.
If you’re expecting, you can book your session during pregnancy and I’ll hold a flexible window around your due date. Once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm a day that works for you both — no pressure, no rigid timelines.
If you’re unsure, or just want to ask a few questions first, you’re always welcome to get in touch. I’m happy to guide you.
