6 Reasons In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Photography is the Best
You’re the parent of a newborn.
Life is perfect. You’ve waited for this day a long, long time and now that it’s here, you feel like you’re in utter bliss. You want to hold your beautiful bundle of joy nonstop and can’t stop yourself from breathing in that intoxicating new baby scent (no, not spit up but you know, “babyness”). Things could not be better.
Except that 5 interruptions a night from sleep is pretty exhausting, pretty quick. Baby isn’t feeding the best so that’s kind of stressful. And is this colic? They seem to be awfully fussy for such a small person.
And then it’s gone in the blink of an eye. You’ll want to soak it all in to remember it all; but we don’t. We can’t.
The newborn phase is all-encompassing. It’s an exhilarating whirlwind but also special and oh so important. You’ve brought a new human into the world! Go, you!! That’s why it’s so important to document it. I offer two types of lifestyle newborn photography in Ottawa and the surrounding area: in my cozy Orleans studio or in your own home. Here’s what I love about in-home newborn photo sessions! Unsure? Read on.
Benefits of In-Home Newborn Photo Sessions
No need to pack up and leave home. No diaper bags to bring, no worries you might forget something, no feeling rushed to get out the door. The newborn phase in a family’s life is an adjustment and I want your session to be as calm and relaxed as possible. For most people, that happens in their own home, where they feel most at ease and where everything they need is right there.
It’s usually an easier adjustment for older siblings. Introducing a new baby to an older sibling is so exciting for everyone! However, some kiddos take some time to warm up to the idea of a new brother or sister. Adding a new environment by way of a studio or unknown outdoor setting may also be a bit unsettling. Older siblings usually adjust better in their own familiar space. I also make sure I spend some time focusing just on them, as well, by taking photos of them with their toys or in their room so that they feel 100% included.
Let’s face it all babies are messy. Kind of understandable when you lack all bodily control. At-home, wardrobe malfunctions and incidents are easier to deal with. Diaper explosion? Spit up down the front of Dad’s shirt? No problem. A quick change or wipe off is just down the hallway.
You’re less “on the clock” in terms of when you have them. Traditional, posed newborn photographers usually recommend that the session occurs within 1-2 weeks of baby’s birth date. However, with lifestyle in-home sessions, newborn sessions can occur up to 4-6 weeks old as baby is not required to be asleep and photos are more candid (past that time, an in-home session is still possible but babies grow quickly). Baby is often laid naturally, lightly swaddled or not depending on baby’s preference, either in their crib or another comfortable spot. We also take lots of photos of baby being held by a family member. And we all know that babies love to be held.
Prints will match your decor. Since your newborn photos use your own walls, flooring and furniture as the backdrop, you know without a doubt that any prints you get will go perfectly with your home decor as is.
There’s something special about your baby’s first photos being in their own home. When they grow up and get older, children (and adults) usually love looking back on what their home looked like when they were younger. It helps evoke special feelings of connection and memories they wouldn’t get in any another setting.
So there you have it! I hope that helps answer some of your questions about in-home newborn photography. One final thing I’ll mention about in-home photo sessions in general is that they can occur rain or shine, hot or cold, any time of year! While I strive to use natural light indoors as much as possible, I also bring my own lighting as well, so you never need to worry about the light in your home (everyone worries about that one but I’ve got it covered, trust me).
Please contact me if I can help in any way or if you’d like to book. And you don’t need to know your due date! I flex the session date around baby’s arrival but it’s best to book as early as possible so that I can leave my schedule open.
Hey there, before you go, I’m participating in a blog circle this month and want to share with you the very talented Michele Quattrin! Michele is a lifestyle photographer (like me) and she’s got the goods on Fall at Tamarack Nature Center and capturing the beauty of it all. Give it a read.
