I’ve been writing a lot lately, explaining the different types of sessions that I offer and why. Many families have found these posts very helpful in making the decision on when to book newborn photos, what type of location is right for them and what other age after newborn is the best for photos. As a Waterdown and area newborn photographer, I have photographed new families in the hospital, in-home and in-studio. While I love it all, today I’ll be speaking about the benefits of having your newborn portraits done in the comfort of your own home.
To read about the Benefits of In-Studio Newborn sessions CLICK HERE.
NO NEED TO TRAVEL
The most obvious reason is you don’t have to leave your house. Having a baby is a bit overwhelming and you’ll still be in that “newborn fog” when your photo session is scheduled. I remember when my first was born, it was 10 full days before I felt normal enough to leave the house. It was smack dab in the middle of winter and snow season, but still… Commuting to a studio with a baby under two weeks of age for some families might add in that extra layer of stress that is not needed.
IT’S FLEXIBLE!
There is no pressure to photograph baby in the first 2 weeks as there is with posed studio portraits. Anytime up to 3 months really is fine. If you want to capture baby when they are fresh and newborn looking, I generally recommend between 2-3 weeks of age. This gives you more time to get settled at home to your new reality of life with a new baby. There is no pressure for baby to sleep. If they are awake for the whole session, so be it. Awake images are always some of the favourites of families and often the ones they print the largest and display. If baby needs a feeding break, that’s perfectly ok. If baby is a bit fussy, we’ll take the time needed to make sure baby’s needs are met. I have three kids of my own and one of my babies was quite colicky. I’ve got lots of soothing tricks up my sleeve and don’t get stressed out if baby is crying. The session is relaxed, not rushed and we go with the flow and make sure baby’s needs are met.
OLDER SIBLINGS ARE MORE COMFORTABLE
If this is your second, third or fourth child, hands down I always recommend a lifestyle newborn session. While I can create wonderful sibling images in studio, the experience is much more comfortable for siblings when they are in the familiar environment of their own home. Plus, we have the benefit of time. Big brother or sister can come in and out of the pictures as they please during the entire hour or two that I am there. If big sibling is shy and takes a bit of time to warm up to me, that’s perfectly fine. I’m happy to get to know them, play with them a little when baby feeds and make sure that they too feel really special. In the end, I’m usually able to get more photos with big sister or brother in them during a lifestyle session than I am during a studio session.
THE IMAGES WILL TELL YOUR FAMILY’S STORY
Every lifestyle session is unique. I enjoy seeking out all the wonderful areas of homes to see what spaces will offer the best light and interesting places to photograph your family. We will incorporate your home’s decor into the images. A favourite place to photograph for many families is the nursery. So many hours have been spent, planning, designing and putting together your baby’s first room. It’s really special to capture them inside their beautiful new space. Lifestyle photography is about telling a story. The first few weeks when a newborn is brought home is so happy and joyful. Parents are filled to the brim with emotion and I aim to capture that authentic emotion of love for your new baby into photographs that convey the story of your life.
BABY’S FIRST HOME
Whether you are moving shortly after baby is born or if this is your forever home and your child will live here until they go off to college or university, your house is special because it is baby’s first home. It deserves to be documented. I’m able to get those sentimental moments of you and baby in the space where you do all those late-night feedings. I will capture your master bedroom where your family spends so much time snuggling and admiring this new life you created. We can document you in that beautiful nursery rocking chair and get photos of baby in their crib. These are moments that you’ll treasure the most years from now.
I hope this post has helped you get to know my lifestyle newborn sessions a bit more to decide if this style of photography is the right fit for your family. You can peek in on more lifestyle newborn sessions and see lots of galleries and examples. If you’d like to hear about my availability and get some booking details, contact me.
