The Joy of Capturing Precious Moments: Benefits of In-Home Newborn Photography

Congratulations on your recent newborn - or soon-to-be newborn for those planner parents on my page! This is such an exciting time and can go by quickly. I’m here today to help walk you through how to take the idea of a stressful newborn photography session and turn it into the joy of capturing precious moments of in-home newborn photography! 

Having a newborn is already stressful, and your newborn photography session doesn't have to add up to stress. My lifestyle photography approach is relaxed and baby-led; we will work around him or her. This experience should be stress-free; my priority is your baby's comfort and capturing the bond between you and your newborn baby.

I’m a family photographer, and a mother myself. So I know firsthand life with a newborn as well as how to truly capture those intimate images as a new family with your newborn. 

Tip #1 - Your home doesn’t have to be neat, it can be messy.

It is okay not having your laundry done, or the kitchen sink with dirty dishes, or if your bathroom is messy. Ignore them! None of those areas in your house will matter throughout your newborn photography session. 

When planning for newborn family photos at home just focus on the exact areas we will be photographing. So if you want us to spend time in the nursery, living room and primary bedroom just focus on those spaces. The rest of the house, believe me, I will not judge at all (the mom in me totally gets it). 

Tip #2 - It’s okay not to have a clean home, don’t stress about this.

You might be thinking you need to do a deep clean before your in-home newborn family photos. I’m here to tell you those things won't show up on the camera. My focus when photography families and newborns are on you all! My camera (and I) focus on your faces, all those little toes and fingers, and the joy and love amongst you all. 

I assure you some dust on a floor, or crumbs on a side table will not show up. As with the above tip, focus on the areas we will be spending the most time. If you want shots laying in a bed, ensure that the bed is clean. However don’t feel you need to go dusting the entire bedroom, just the zones we’ll be hanging out in frequently!

Tip #3 - Choose a room with a nice window for your session.

This is one of my top tips for your newborn and family photo sessions! Choose a space with a nice window - this allows us to play with lots of beautiful natural light for your in home newborn photos. When possible, try reducing clutter in your master bedroom, the family room, and the new baby's room. Removing things from the ground, like toys and side tables, will help focus on your family during your newborn session!

Tip #4 - Your kids can bounce off the walls, it's okay!

Not your first kid? The others may be adjusting to a new person who came to be part of their space. Having a day dedicated to the new baby getting all the attention can be challenging even for the most well-behaved kids. I recommend in preparation for your newborn photography sessions to have some special snacks ready or their favorite stuffy to snuggle, and we will manage to get some great pictures! 

If you want, you can also have another family member to help with keeping the kids busy when the focus is on getting some newborn portraits. For example having parents, siblings, and a family friend who can help with ensuring everyone is getting a good amount of attention during the at home newborn photography session. Here’s some incredible tips on in home photography with kids!

Tip #5- I will work around your baby, we can stop as many times as needed.

If your baby is fussy, try not to stress. I know this is easier said than done. But I have photographed some kids who sleep the whole session and others that cry. The best thing about a lifestyle newborn photos in home session is that we won't force the baby into anything. If he/she is fussy, we can get everything we need while your baby is snuggling in your arms.

Tip #6 - If you're a newly post-partum Mama, dress comfortably!

Maxi dresses or leggings and long sweaters flatter your body and keep you comfortable for your in home newborn family photos. If you want to pick out matching outfits for the family, first off that’s cute and adorable, second to that is to make sure you choose something you feel comfortable in. If you want a couple of different outfits during the session that’s also okay, just let me know so we can chat about this ahead of time.

If you are ready for having a in home newborn photography you can book your session at the link below!

Or you can check out my newborn portfolio for more inspiration about in home lifestyle newborn photography.

Or you can check out my newborn portfolio for more inspiration.