Are you thinking about booking a newborn session soon? With so many photographers, styles, and price-points out there it can be a bit overwhelming! The first step is deciding between a newborn studio (posed) session and an in-home lifestyle photoshoot. There are a few things to consider when choosing between the two. Perhaps you are nervous about a stranger coming into your home to photograph the baby or maybe the thought of leaving the house with a newborn babe so soon after birth is daunting. Maybe you are worried about the state of your home or how your other children will behave? These concerns are totally valid. Bringing home a newborn can be stressful and overwhelming but there are definitely some misconceptions about in-home newborn photography. I LOVE in-home newborn sessions and here are FIVE reasons why:

Flexibility

In order to have those perfectly posed newborn photos, most photographers will want to photograph your newborn within the first 10 days. With in-home lifestyle photography really anytime works! If you are a new mom, perhaps had a less-than ideal delivery or just need some extra time to heal and settle-in, then an in-home lifestyle newborn session would be perfect for you! They can take place anytime – but usually within the first 2 months. Since the focus is on the bond between your family and this new little being, there is no need for baby to be sound asleep or out of your arms! Of course, if baby and time allows, I always try to get some sweet solo shots of babe. In addition, in-home sessions typically last anywhere from 1-2 hours while a posted studio session can last up to 4!

 

You’re in the Comfort of Your Own Home

If you’re anything like me, being photographed can feel a bit… awkward?  My job is to make you feel relaxed and at ease. If you are in the comfort of your own home, everyone automatically feels a bit more relaxed. I love newborn sessions with older siblings and letting them show me their room, the baby’s room, their play space, etc. They get to feel more at home and part of the process – allowing them to warm up to me a bit quicker than if you were in a strange environment.

Some people worry about the state of their house – especially with all of the sleep-deprived chaos that occurs with bring a newborn home. While I do prep my clients and provide a list of “suggestions” for what to wear and how to prepare your home, ultimately it is up to you! Of course, I love light-filled spaces and gorgeous decor as much as the next person, but I also love dark, moody, emotive-filled images that tell the REAL story of your family. If that means a sink full of dirty dishes, an unmade bed with a nightstand full of bottles and diapers – so be it! These will be days you can never get back so let’s document them!

Your Home is Part of the Story

I just love capturing all of the details during a shoot – and with in-home newborn sessions there are so many fun details! The nursery, handmade gifts, your home decor, the view out your window… they all tell the story of your life during this sweet time. Photographs are the closest we have to traveling back in time and I want to give you the whole picture of your life as it was when you brought your new baby home! This is another reason why I am an all-inclusive photographer. You will receive all of the best images from your shoot and not have to pick and choose your favorites. The photos as a set tell a story.

Everyone’s Welcome (Including Furry-Friends)!

Many families are lucky enough to have extended family come to stay/help when they bring a baby home. If Grandma + Grandpa are there I love to get a few shots of them with the baby! While I can’t promise a big extended family portrait, I do try to capture anyone who is at the home who would like to be in a picture or two! That includes your fur-babies! Some of my favorite newborn photos are of families who incorporate their gentle and inquisitive pet. Everyone is getting to know that baby and I’m there to capture it all!

It’s Easy!

In-home newborn photo sessions can be as simple or as involved as you want them to be. Prefer to stay in your jammies? No problem! Want to get dressed up with your hair + make up done – great! Want to hire a cleaner to come the day before your shoot to make your home shine? Perfect! Can’t bother to clear the clutter? That’s fine too! Whatever will be a good representation of your family and will be memories you want to treasure, I’m game!

Some parents may have set an intention to take their own photos, print, frame and display them. I know many photographer friends who couldn’t make this happen due to the sheer exhaustion you feel as a new parent. So, you could pamper yourself with an all inclusive session with me and allow me to take all of the stress and busy work off your plate so that you can focus on the most important thing: taking care of yourself and your family. Did you know I’m also a graphic designer? I can even help coordinate/design/order birth announcements!

You can see that there are many reasons to choose to do an in-home newborn photo session. From not having to leave the comfort of your own home to including all your family members, you can be assured that this part of your beautiful life story will be preserved in a super special way. Let me know if you think of any more reasons to add to the list. Leave me a comment below and tell me about your in-home session experience and what you loved most about it! OR, if you haven’t had one yet and would like to book one, head over here to learn more!