A Guide to In-Home
Newborn Sessions
As an in-home newborn photographer, it is a pleasure to be invited into your home and more importantly into this amazing time in your life. The newness, the emotion......so raw, and so beautiful. Here are a few things to expect for your session.
My style of shooting for these sessions is a natural light setting with a combination of posed and lifestyle shots. I enjoy capturing you in a way that depicts real life and in real settings.....a glimpse into your everyday.
Let's talk about wardrobe......this one is easy. I recommend soft, natural colors no matter what type of session we are doing. A general rule of thumb is to compliment each other without matching.
For mom - soft comfortable clothing!! Knit top, cotton gown, or simple tank and sweater. This will keep you comfortable and make a great background for mom and baby shots, especially for close-ups. Consider a nursing top if you will be breast feeding as this will make snacking and feedings during the session a breeze.
For dad - comfort is key! Wear what you would normally wear around the house. Comfortable, casual and low-key. Example.....jeans, plain colored t-shirt or button -up that compliments moms outfit. Try to stay away from large logos, bright colors and bold patterns.
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How to prepare........We will get a wide variety of images by using a couple different rooms and switching up posing. Tiny details of their face, curves of their face, and lots of cuddles.
Think your house is a mess? Don't stress......you just gave birth to a HUMAN BEING!!! Your home is not a museum, and you live their, your photos should reflect that. By simply putting things where they belong before I arrive, things will look normal but tidy. If needed furniture can be moved temporarily (I will take care of this).
I do ask that all window blinds and curtains be opened and overhead lights turned off so that I can evaluate the best lighting. Also, newborns like to be warm so turning up the temperature a few degrees will make baby happy and nappy.
Continue to feed baby as you normally would, but be prepared to feed or give baby a snack during the session. Newborns typically don't have a feeding "schedule" and may cluster feed as many times as needed during the session.
Make the bed........ I know, I know, I just told you not to worry about a messy house.......however.....some of my favorite images are families snuggled on the bed. A non-busy, soft, neutral comforter works best. Pillows or a blanket are a great way to add color and personality. If you think your comforter may not be perfect for the session, a blanket can be thrown on the bed, or mention it to me and I can bring some options for you if you want to use the bedroom.
The nursery is another great place for some great shots. You have put so much time, thought, and love into designing this space, and it needs to be a part of your session.
Lastly......what to expect.
When I arrive, I will ask for a tour of your home so I can gauge the lighting, and get a feel for your style. We can talk about anything special you would like to incorporate in your session, and answer any questions you may have.
When I start shooting we will take cues from baby as to where we start. Basically baby will run the show.
The session can last anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on how many snacks and cuddles baby needs.
I will bring everything that is needed, but if there are any items that are special or sentimental, please have those ready.
Final thoughts.......
Sometimes baby sleeps through the entire session, and sometimes baby needs to eat, or be changed a few times. One of the best things about these sessions is they are flexible and we take our time.....so RELAX!