in-home newborn sessions
Hello
So I have come to the realistic truth that I might possibly be inconsistent with my blog posts (lol - based on how this summer has gone). However, now that my kids are getting back into school and we’re establishing some sort of routine again, my hope is that I will get my routine back as well. Which will then lead to more blog posts where you will see a good blend of photographs and words based on where my inspiration strikes. It all might come in spurts, as that is how my brain typically works (hi, Gemini brain here), but I will again try my best to stay somewhat consistent with posting so that you can get to know me and my photography - as well as provide the opportunity to educate you (my clients) about my style and process when booking with me.
So with that intro we are starting with a sweet little discussion on in-home lifestyle newborn sessions. I LOOOOVE me some newborn sessions. All the cozy cuddles, yawns, squishy little bodies, expressions, itty bitty fingers and toes - my list could go on and on. They get to me more than anything else. I’m sure it’s partly because I am in the motherhood era myself but I don’t know that I will ever get sick of them.
Now what is a lifestyle session you may be wondering? Since the in-home part is self explanatory.
The word “lifestyle” can be a little confusing, but to me it just means that you don’t have to do anything fancy or prep too much for this session. The idea of a lifestyle session to me is to keep it casual, more natural feeling pictures of your family relaxing in your home doing everyday “normal” activities. It can be as easy as relaxing on the couch or on the floor together. Introducing a new baby to your family can be stressful and anxiety inducing enough (hi, postpartum is tough no matter how prepared you are for the babe) and yet capturing pictures of these moments are something you’ll be incredibly thankful to have down the road. In my eyes, this is the easiest, most relaxed way of getting newborn pics without the stress of loading everyone and everything up to meet somewhere for pictures. One note about me is that I do not bring props or anything to dress your infant with - if you’re looking for poses and adorable wraps I will say right now that I am not the photographer for you - and I say that in a loving way because I want us both to be happy and there are plenty of photographers who will do these things for you. It’s just not my style.
So if you like what I have said so far and an in-home lifestyle newborn session is what you’re looking for here are FIVE pro tips (and maybe a few suggestions) to help you prep your home, your family and your mental health.
1. book ahead of time.
Reserve your date and put it on your calendar. I promise after you enter newborn land in those first few weeks after giving birth it’s harder to make things happen. If you know this is something you want to do, I recommend booking your session 2-3 weeks after your baby’s birthday - so simply estimate based on that when booking. I will ask to come to your house either late morning or early afternoon depending on your schedule and preference, as that will be the best time for light to shine brightest in your home. Please keep in mind I understand circumstances may change and I am happy to work with my newborn clients (or any in-home sessions) and adjust dates as needed if something unexpected happens (based on my schedule and availability, but we will always figure something out).
2. Don’t clean your home.
Yes, I know that sounds strange. But since a lot of times I don’t know your home already, the first thing I will do when I arrive (after giving you a hug and saying hello of course) will be to look around your house for the best lighting (since I am a natural light photographer). This could be on a bed, on your couch, on the floor near a window, etc. We will always find something that works. Once we find the best spots we can always declutter that area if needed. The last thing I want for you to do is clean your entire home and cause extra stress to your day when we might not even be in that area for pictures. I am used to a home that is lived in and never expect perfection in any circumstance.
3. Keep wardrobe simple.
Now you can buy a cute dress and fancy the family up if that’s what you’re looking for BUT you could also throw the kids in some cute pj’s, their fav tutu’s or Elsa outfit (can you tell I have girls?) and let these pics be a real representation of how every day life is in your home. Save the more coordinated outfits for the next family session. I’m here for it either way but know that the everyday version of your family is imperfectly perfect! If you are looking for more specific inspiration I do love a good clean, neutral color palette (which doesn’t have to be all white/beige, but can even be deep green, blues or blush colors) with less pattern so we can focus more of the baby, their natural expressions and less about what they are wearing. In my opinion, a naked, skin-to-skin babe makes for the best newborn photos.
4. LET SIBLINGS PLAY & HAVE FUN.
They are adjusting. You are adjusting. If you have other children in the house, I will most likely start with pictures of them when they are most excited that I am there. I know a children’s attention span can be hard to grasp for very long increments - because of that I try my best to have fun with them and work quickly. I suggest during any session with me that you try to prepare your kids prior to our time together by telling them a friend is coming to take pictures of your family (or something similar). I’m a parent that finds nothing wrong with a little treat (or as I like to call it incentive) after a session with me (hello ice cream) and I certainly don’t want you to feel like you need to discipline or punish your kids simply because they are being kids in your home.
5. Let the newborn lead the session.
Lastly, but most important - we are going to follow the lead of your newborn. I don’t force poses or put them in any positions that are unnatural. If the baby wants to nurse/eat - awesome! If they want to sleep, cry, cuddle, need a diaper change - I’m good with it. I am going to follow your families lead and we’ll get some great moments captured in the process. You can expect your gallery to be warm and light but maybe slightly darker (color wise), more intimate and vulnerable than outdoor sessions with me. I love black & white, textured images for newborn sessions so you’re probably have more of those for an in-home session with me. Along with a lot of images of cutesy up close fingers and toes. I strive to create a personalized, intimate experience with you where you can look back at these pictures years from now remembering this newborn phase as well as me as your photographer supporting you during this process.
