Newborn Archives | Aurelie Lenoir Photography

What Makes a Documentary Newborn Session Different From Studio Photography

Aurélie — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:01:57 +0000

Documentary newborn photography vs studio

When you’re expecting a baby, it’s natural to look for a way to remember those first precious days.
You might find yourself comparing two very different experiences: the studio newborn session, and the documentary newborn session at home.
Both create beautiful memories, but what you get, how it feels, and what the photos mean to you later on are worlds apart.
Let’s explore the key differences of documentary newborn photography vs studio, so you can choose the approach that truly fits your family.

More info about my newborn photo sessions

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The setting: your home vs a studio

In a studio session, the environment is designed to create a clean, polished look, often using controlled lighting, neutral backgrounds, cute props and gentle posing. The photographer usually offers a selection of curated outfits that you can borrow for the session.

In a documentary session, I work with your home as it is; photographing the natural moments of your baby and family life. Your newborn will wear the clothes you or a loved one have gifted them. Both approaches create beautiful memories; they just highlight different aspects of your newborn journey.

Read more about why I don’t pose newborns.

Poses vs natural moments

Studio sessions often include gentle posing and wraps to create a composed, classic look.

In a documentary session, I focus on photographing your baby as they are: curled up in your arms, stretching, yawning, feeding, or snuggling close.
These are the tiny everyday gestures that define this fleeting time.

Lighting and atmosphere

Studio light is designed: soft boxes, backdrops, and consistent tones.
At home, light is real. I use the natural light available in your home to create images that reflect its warmth and atmosphere, letting the small, everyday details tell your family’s story.

While studio sessions often create a timeless look, at home you might notice little hints of the season or even the holidays, adding subtle context and warmth to your newborn’s story.

“The natural and authentic style of Aurélie’s work perfectly captures the essence of our family and these precious, fleeting moments with our baby. We are so grateful to have these beautiful core memories to look back on as our little one grows so quickly.”
– Maude

The pace of the session

A studio session can take several hours, as the photographer waits for your baby to settle, ensures each pose is just right, and adjusts lighting and props for each shot. Feedings and breaks usually happen off camera, and the session resumes when your little one is calm or asleep. While this creates carefully composed images, it also requires planning: getting to the studio, bringing any essentials, and sometimes coordinating with siblings or family members.

A documentary session, on the other hand, follows your baby’s natural rhythm. There’s no need to pack a bag or leave your home. Everything happens where life is already unfolding. If your baby needs to feed, that’s part of the session and included in the photos. If a toddler needs a cuddle or a moment of play, that too becomes part of the story. The session flows at your family’s usual pace, capturing the small, real moments.

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What these photos will mean later

Studio portraits make lovely, aesthetic keepsakes, while documentary photos capture a deeper sense of connection and everyday life.

Years later, as your child grows, these images will remind them not just of how they looked, but of their home, their pets, their favorite toys, and the little moments that made their early days unique.

If you’re curious to explore why documentary family photography makes such a meaningful keepsake for children, check out my guest article on The Family Edit: Why documentary family photos are the best keepsake for your kids.

Newborn documentary at home or studio?

Both studio and documentary newborn photography have their place.
If you want photographs that feel like your family’s real beginning, a documentary session lets you remember those quiet, intimate moments just as they were.

Your baby doesn’t need a backdrop to be beautiful: just you, your home, and a bit of daylight.

Studio vs Documentary newborn sessions: key differences

Studio sessions

Polished, timeless portraits
Controlled lighting and poses
Ideal for classic, posed keepsakes

Documentary sessions

Natural, real-life moments
Captures your home, family interactions, pets, and everyday details
Flows with your baby’s and family’s natural rhythm

Thinking about your own newborn session?

If you’re expecting and dreaming of honest, tender photos of your baby’s first days, I’d love to create them with you.
Your home, your rhythm, your love; that’s all we need.

Get in touch!

BOOK your session today
See Sessions info & pricing

The post What Makes a Documentary Newborn Session Different From Studio Photography appeared first on Aurelie Lenoir Photography.

A Glimpse of Natural Newborn Photography in Dublin – A real Life Family Session at Home

Aurélie — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:36 +0000

Because life doesn’t stop when a new baby arrives — it simply gets fuller, louder, and even more beautiful.

I spent an afternoon with a lovely Dublin family welcoming their third baby.
Their newborn was just a week old, their eldest was four, and their little girl — 2,5 years old — was starting school the very next day. How exciting! Between games, cuddles, and a snack, their home was alive with energy and emotion.
That’s exactly what I love about natural newborn photography in Dublin: it is never about spending hours to find perfect outfits for everyone (who has time for that? I don’t!) or working hard to make your home spotless. It’s about real life, the beautiful everyday life that you live together and that holds meaning and so much beauty.

More info about my newborn photo sessions

Contact Aurélie

What natural Newborn Photography really means

Natural newborn photography is all about keeping things simple, honest, and unposed.
No need to rearrange your furniture, iron matching outfits, or worry about how tidy the house looks. Babies don’t care, and neither do I.

Your home tells your story. The drawings on the fridge, the laundry waiting to be folded, the coffee cup that never quite gets finished… These details are part of your family’s world right now.
And years from now, they’ll mean even more. Read more about why I don’t pose newborns.

An afternoon full of (real) life

Have you ever looked around you and thought “This is us right now, all over the place” ? Well, this is the good stuff. These are the good old days, the ones that fly by so fast you blink and suddenly their shoe size is bigger.

That’s the kind of atmosphere I want families to remember: relaxed, loving, sometimes chaotic, but always authentic. I will freeze time for you so you can close your eyes for a moment and be right there, with them, in the picture.

Between sibling giggles, feeding time, and a quick visit from the family cat, we created photographs that reflect who they are, not a styled version of it, but their true life at home.

Why families choose a natural approach

It feels relaxed: no pressure, no posing, no performance.
It’s personal: every home, every family, every dynamic is unique. You don’t get the same photos everyone else is getting.
It’s emotional: these are the images that will make your kids smile years later, because they’ll recognise their real childhood in them.

For many parents, especially with more than one child, this approach just makes sense. There’s no need to pack bags, rush everyone out the door, or hope for “good behaviour” in front of a stranger’s camera.
Everything happens in the comfort of your own space.

“We recently had Aurélie for a newborn session and all I can say is wow! I cried at how beautiful the photos are!! She did an amazing job. Aurélie is such a wonderful calming presence to be around and captured our little family so beautifully, and naturally even including the cat and the turtle too!! I cant thank her enough for capturing those little family moments of our little boys first weeks of life, it means so much to have these photos of his first days with our other 2 children.”
– Katrina

Your home, your rules, your pace

A natural newborn photo session usually lasts an hour and a half.
We follow your baby’s and kids rhythm: feeding, changing, cuddling, and we adapt as we go. I’ll gently guide you if needed, but most of the time, you’ll forget the camera is even there. I will be your friend with a camera!

Whether your baby sleeps peacefully, cries for a while, or needs lots of holding, it’s all part of the story. There’s no right or wrong way to have a documentary newborn session.

Natural newborn photography in Dublin isn’t about creating a perfect photo; it’s about remembering how it felt to bring your baby home.
Because one day, when life feels a little quieter, these images will take you right back to that warm, messy, love-filled chapter.

And because I want you to hold tangible keepsakes and fill your home with beautiful, heirloom quality prints, every photo session comes with a print credit you can spend however you choose.
Learn more about why prints are so important, and why childhood photos matter.

If you’re curious to explore why documentary family photography makes such a meaningful keepsake for children, check out my guest article on The Family Edit: “Why documentary family photos are the best keepsake for your kids.”

Contact Aurélie

FAQ – natural newborn photography in Dublin

Is natural newborn photography suitable for bigger families?
Absolutely! It’s often even more meaningful: siblings bring energy, laughter, and lots of love to your newborn session.

What if my baby doesn’t sleep, or cries?
That’s completely normal, and part of what makes documentary newborn photography so authentic. There’s no need to rush; I’ll follow your baby’s rhythm. If your baby cries during a newborn session, take the time to comfort them, and I’ll document this sweet, real parenting moment.

Do I need to clean my home before the session?
Not at all. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless! It’s your safe place, full of warmth and memories. I promise you it’s perfect as it is. If you are worried you can read how to prepare your home for a family session.

Can we include pets in our newborn photos?
Of course! Pets are part of the family too, I’ve photographed cats, dogs, and even a turtle. You can read how to include pets in your photos.

Thinking about your own newborn session?

If this sounds like the kind of experience you’d love for your family, I’d love to hear about your home, your kids, and what everyday life looks like for you right now. Get in touch!

BOOK your newborn session today
See Sessions info & pricing

The post A Glimpse of Natural Newborn Photography in Dublin – A real Life Family Session at Home appeared first on Aurelie Lenoir Photography.

Cozy In-Home Newborn Photos in Inchicore, Dublin 8 – Documentary Newborn Photography

Aurélie — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:48:38 +0000

When your baby is only a few days old, even stepping outside can feel like an adventure. You’re running on no sleep, and your baby’s schedule is still figuring itself out. That’s exactly why these in-home newborn photos in Inchicore, Dublin 8 were so special: calm, warm, and full of love.

These two new parents welcomed me into their cozy home for a relaxed afternoon with their 7-day-old baby girl. It was one of those typical Dublin autumn days: gentle rain outside, cosy throws on every armchair, a baby sleeping peacefully in the arms of her loving parents.

More info about my newborn photo sessions

Contact Aurélie

A slow afternoon filled with love

The goal was simple: to photograph their new life as it really is.
No posing, no props, no pressure: just two parents in love with their tiny miracle, and their new everyday life.

I watched them move around naturally, changing her into her tiny pyjamas, sharing kind words, whispering to her while the kettle boiled in the background. It was a moment of quiet magic, the kind that fills a home when a newborn arrives.

The baby slept through most of the session, perfectly content in her parents’ arms. These peaceful moments are what I love most about in-home newborn photography. It’s the feeling of comfort, the little mundane gestures that mean the world, and the genuine bonds between people. Read more about why I don’t pose newborns.

Why an in-home newborn session is perfect for new parents

In the first few weeks, you don’t need to rush anywhere.
That’s what makes at-home newborn photography in Dublin so meaningful. It allows parents to stay in their own rhythm. You can feed, rest, or take a break anytime.

Your home tells part of your family’s story too: the nursery you prepared, the living room where you spend cosy moments, even the soft light coming through your windows. That’s why I always include details of your home in your photos. Years later, these images will bring back not only how tiny your baby was, but also how your home felt at that time.

At one point, while the newborn was peacefully asleep, I suggested we take a little break so Mum and Dad could have a moment alone, and I captured some cute, romantic couple portraits. You can read more about why I always include a few romantic shots in every family session here: Romantic Couple Shots in Your Family Photoshoot

What about the light on grey days?

I often hear this question: “What if our home is too dark or what if it’s rainy?”
Here in Dublin, we know cloudy days are part of life, but they’re also part of the beauty.

Professional cameras are designed to work beautifully in soft, natural light, and with 17 years of experience, I’ve learned how to use it to create warm, vibrant images even when the sun hides.
Rainy-day newborn sessions often turn out to be my favourites, there’s something so peaceful about that soft, diffused light.

The photos from this Inchicore session are full of warmth and softness, the kind of cozy atmosphere that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and smile.

“We got the most beautiful family photos to document the first days with our newborn. Aurélie is incredible at her job. We felt so relaxed as she photographed us in our home. We also had great fun with her as she is so friendly and kind. We have beautiful photos and life long memories of us as a new family of 3.”
– Petra

A keepsake that will grow with your family

These photos aren’t just snapshots, they’re little windows into the very beginning of your family story. From the tiny fingers curled around yours to the sleepy sighs in the afternoon light, every moment is captured so you can relive it again and again.

Every collection comes with a print credit, so you can choose a tangible keepsake that will bring your favorite moments to life. Whether it’s a framed print for your wall, a fine art photo book, or a gift for grandparents, these memories are meant to be held, displayed, and cherished. Your newborn’s earliest days are fleeting, this is a way to preserve them beautifully for years to come. These in-home newborn photos in their Inchicore, Dublin 8 home can be turned into prints and memories this baby girl will treasure forever!
Learn more about why prints are so important, and why childhood photos matter.

Contact Aurélie

FAQ – Newborn Photography in Dublin

When is the best time to do a newborn session?
The best time is within the first two weeks after birth, when babies are still very sleepy and tiny, but anytime in the first month works perfectly for an in-home session. It’s best to book early to make sure you get a spot!

Do you photograph newborns in other parts of Dublin?
Yes, I regularly photograph families throughout Dublin and I’ll come to you so you don’t have to plan a trip with a young baby. You can often find me in Clonsilla, Blanchardstown, Cabra, Drimnagh, Sandymount, Ashtown, Dollymount, Blackrock…

Will my home be nice enough?
Absolutely! Your home is your family’s nest; the place where your children grow, play, and feel safe. It’s full of memories, light, and love. That’s exactly what makes it beautiful. Every home is enough, and I’ll photograph yours with the same care and tenderness it deserves. I promise the dust won’t show on the photos, don’t worry.

How long does a newborn photo session last?
A typical in-home newborn session in Dublin lasts around 1.5 hours. It gives us plenty of time for feeding, cuddles, and quiet breaks. No rush, just a gentle rhythm that suits your baby and doesn’t exhaust you.

Ready to book your newborn session in Dublin?

If you love the idea of natural, stress-free newborn photos at home, I’d love to create something meaningful for you too.

BOOK your session today
See Sessions info & pricing

The post Cozy In-Home Newborn Photos in Inchicore, Dublin 8 – Documentary Newborn Photography appeared first on Aurelie Lenoir Photography.

Why I Don’t Pose Newborns

Aurélie — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:13:11 +0000

Unposed newborn photography: my own baby album story.

When I was growing up, I remember being completely fascinated by Anne Geddes’ calendars. Those dreamy, whimsical photos of babies dressed as flowers or curled up in tiny props. To me, that was what “real” newborn photography looked like: polished, creative, and clearly very professional.

But at home, what I kept coming back to were the simple snapshots of my own first days: me in my parents’ arms, my first bath, my first bottle. I still have a simple pink album, a bit worn now, with a few words my mama wrote under every glued photo. Those everyday photos — imperfect, unstaged, meant so much more. I couldn’t remember those moments, of course, but I could feel them. They gave me a way to imagine what it was like to be held, and cared for in those very first days.

As a newborn and family photographer in Dublin, that’s the kind of photography I’m drawn to now. The kind that feels like memory.

Contact Aurélie

A gentle, real-life approach to newborn photography

There’s nothing wrong with posed newborn photography. Many families love those beautifully styled images, and many photographers do incredible work in that genre. But as a documentary photographer and a mother of three, I’ve realised that what I want to give families is something different.

I don’t pose newborns. I don’t use props or wrap babies in elaborate setups. Instead, I quietly document the way your family already is: sleepy cuddles on the couch, tiny hands wrapped around your finger, siblings tiptoeing in to say hello.

This approach isn’t just a stylistic choice. Why I like unposed newborn photography so much is deeply rooted in my belief that the most powerful photos are the ones that tell your story, the story of life just as it is.

Learn more about my newborn photo sessions in Dublin

Why real-life moments photography matters

The early days with a newborn are blurry, tender, messy, beautiful. You’re not always dressed up. Your home might not look “photo-ready.” But none of that matters. What matters is that this is your real life, unfolding moment by moment. And it deserves to be remembered. By you, and by that small, incredible human being you just created.

My documentary style of newborn photography means you don’t have to “perform” for the camera. You don’t have to worry about how the baby is posed, or whether you’ve cleaned the house. You just have to be there, with your baby, in this chapter of your life.

Check this blog post to see what a newborn session with me looks like.

You deserve to be in the frame

So often, new mothers are the ones taking the pictures, and are rarely in them. I believe it’s important that you, too, are seen. That your baby sees you holding them. That, years from now, they can look back and know what it felt like to be loved by you. They will want to know what you looked like, what their first home looked like, how life was back then.

This is why I don’t pose newborns. Because what I want to give you is more than a photo. I want to give you something that brings you back! To the warmth, the quiet, the chaos, the love. Your newborn deserves beautiful photos, but so do you. So you should be included, doing the hardest job there is: being a parent.

You and your baby deserve something that feels like memory.

Why home is the best place for newborn photos

One of the biggest benefits of documentary newborn photography is how relaxed and easy it can be, especially compared to a studio session. There’s no need to pack a bag full of nappies, changes of clothes, bottles, and comforters. No need to bundle up your baby and drive across town, hoping they’ll stay sleepy when you arrive.

Instead, I come to you.

You get to stay in the comfort of your own home, in your own rhythm, where everything you need is already close by. There’s no rush, we’re not working within a narrow window of time while your baby is still in that sleepy newborn phase. Your baby can be awake, asleep, or cluster feeding the whole time. It’s all part of the story.

This slower, more natural approach means less stress for you, and more authentic photos that reflect this fleeting moment in your life exactly as it is.

Contact Aurélie

If this feels right for you…

If you’re drawn to quiet, genuine moments more than perfectly posed ones, if you want images that reflect the way it felt… Then an unposed newborn photography session might be just what you’re looking for.

Let’s create something honest, joyful, and full of love.
Photographs that feel like you. Learn more about my documentary family sessions and get in touch with me! I can’t wait to meet you.

All sessions

Baby photography

Newborn photography

Home family session

Day in the life photography

Pricing & info

The post Why I Don’t Pose Newborns appeared first on Aurelie Lenoir Photography.

In Home Twin Baby Photos With Sibling, Stoneybatter, Dublin

Aurélie — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:13:34 +0000

I had the privilege of photographing a wonderful family in their cozy Stoneybatter home, Dublin. The session was warm, relaxed, and full of love. Mama loves displaying family photos in her house and she wanted a photoshoot to remember and cherish those first few months together as they had just welcomed their twin babies. Let’s have a sneak peek at these cute in home twin baby photos with their sibling in the heart of Dublin!

This family of five, mum, dad, a lively two-year-old big brother, and their adorable twin babies boys, welcomed me into their home on a quiet morning. Their space was filled with soft light and the kind of chaos that only comes with a house full of little ones (and twin newborns, of course). I had the most wonderful time meeting everyone and documenting their daily morning routine.

A gentle start to the morning

We began the session slowly, as Papa prepared their morning coffee. These small, everyday rituals are what make in home sessions so special. You don’t have to change your routine or habits! While mum cradled one of the twins and started to breastfeed, she kept a watchful eye on their toddler, who was already busy roleplaying with his toys. Papa introduced me to their cat, and soon joined Mama on the couch to cuddle their other twin.

The babies took turns nursing, cuddled up with their mum in a calm and intimate moment. We chatted happily while I documented the small, meaningful details—the tiny fists resting on mum’s arm, the way she looked at her babies with so much tenderness… I was there as a witness to these special, everyday moments, to tell the story of these early days.

Playtime with their big brother

Once the twins were fed and happy, the focus shifted to their big brother. With his bright smile and endless energy, he eagerly showed me his favorite books and toys. Mama and papa joined in, reading storybooks while the twins nestled comfortably nearby. The little guy is so proud to be a big brother, it was the cutest!

Then the family gathered on the couch for some cuddling, and I documented their unique connection. Moments like these are what make documentary family photography so vibrant and real. In home twin baby photos with their sibling are the perfect way to document the special bond your kids have, and remember how cute their interactions were when they were little.

Time in the Garden

After some time visiting the house, cuddling on the parent’s bed and showing me big brother’s new bedroom (he was so proud to have a “grown up” bed), we decided to head outside.

We wrapped up the session in their backyard, where the toddler had space to run and play. The crisp Dublin winter air brought rosy cheeks, and the twins were snug in their pram for a much needed mid morning nap.

The garden offered the perfect setting for candid moments: the whole family was basking in the simple happiness of being together.

Why baby and sibling photo sessions matter

This photoshoot in Stoneybatter was a reminder of how fleeting these early years are. The newborn stage, the toddler mischief, the little routines that make up your day… they pass so quickly. That’s why I love creating images that preserve these memories, not just for today but for the years to come. I’ve been there, in these early stages of family life, and I know how precious these photos are when everyone is grown up.

If you’re considering booking a family photo session with newborns or babies, think about how special it would be to have these moments documented right in your home. There’s no place more personal, and no story more unique, than your own. Home is where the magic happens, where they feel safe growing and becoming extraordinary human beings. Read about another siblings photo session.

“Aurélie is one of the most talented photographer I met. We planned a family shooting at home : she was able to capture some of the magical moments of our day-to-day activities, and transform them into lifelong family memories. Her natural approach and ability to make people feel comfortable made the result stunning!”.
– Camille

Want to chat about your dream family session? I’d love to hear from you!

Are you dreaming of your very own professional family photography session in Dublin? Then let me tell you: it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. It’s about honoring your family’s life, with a simple and unique everyday routine. Are you wondering how to prepare your toddler for your family session? Read more about it here. If you’re in this exact season of life and would love in home twin baby photos with their sibling to celebrate them coming into the world, this is your cue!

See my family and newborn photography sessions offers and pricing in Dublin. If you’d love a session for yourself, let’s chat!

More on the blog:

The post In Home Twin Baby Photos With Sibling, Stoneybatter, Dublin appeared first on Aurelie Lenoir Photography.

Newborn Archives | Aurelie Lenoir Photography

What Makes a Documentary Newborn Session Different From Studio Photography

Documentary newborn photography vs studio

The setting: your home vs a studio

Poses vs natural moments

Lighting and atmosphere

The pace of the session

What these photos will mean later

Newborn documentary at home or studio?

Studio vs Documentary newborn sessions: key differences

Thinking about your own newborn session?

READ MORE:

A Glimpse of Natural Newborn Photography in Dublin – A real Life Family Session at Home

Because life doesn’t stop when a new baby arrives — it simply gets fuller, louder, and even more beautiful.

What natural Newborn Photography really means

An afternoon full of (real) life

Why families choose a natural approach

Your home, your rules, your pace

FAQ – natural newborn photography in Dublin

Thinking about your own newborn session?

READ MORE:

Cozy In-Home Newborn Photos in Inchicore, Dublin 8 – Documentary Newborn Photography

A slow afternoon filled with love

Why an in-home newborn session is perfect for new parents

What about the light on grey days?

A keepsake that will grow with your family

FAQ – Newborn Photography in Dublin

Ready to book your newborn session in Dublin?

READ MORE:

Why I Don’t Pose Newborns

Unposed newborn photography: my own baby album story.

A gentle, real-life approach to newborn photography

Why real-life moments photography matters

You deserve to be in the frame

Why home is the best place for newborn photos

If this feels right for you…

All sessions

READ MORE:

In Home Twin Baby Photos With Sibling, Stoneybatter, Dublin

A gentle start to the morning

Playtime with their big brother

Time in the Garden

Why baby and sibling photo sessions matter

Want to chat about your dream family session? I’d love to hear from you!

More on the blog: