Why you should take newborn photos at home
Here’s my top 10 reasons why you should take newborn photos and why photos at home are actually the perfect (and EASY) choice
1.) You don’t have to go anywhere or prep anything
I have one rule: no cleaning before I come! We can move things if we need to, no problem. Don’t worry about nursing pillows, bottles, swings or other new things laying about because its all part of the context of welcoming your new baby.
2.) Your home is perfect, even though its not perfect
That’s not a typo, its the truth! This isn’t a shoot for Better Homes & Gardens so nothing has to be clever or put together. Many of my clients (including the couple featured here) just moved in or underwent a major renovation in order to make room for someone new. And plenty of my clients live in small apartments or condos and that’s not a problem either: I avoid the word “house” on purpose. Interacting with your beautiful baby is the focus; your home is simply your most comfortable and authentic environment for that purpose. So its perfect!
(already convinced? Let’s get started on booking your session here…)
3.) We’ll work the time so that you can get some extra sleep
I know that you are sleep deprived and I’m not a morning person either – 10am is great! If you prefer afternoons in order to include school aged children I’m game for that too. I always check in to make sure you feel up to it and if you would like an extra reminder text I’m happy to… I know you are in a time warp!
4.) You can play your music to relax
Or drink your coffee or your protein shake or your nursing tea! Whatever you need is readily available to you at any time.
5.) You’ll have everything you need
Newborns run the show when we shoot at home: if they need to feed, that’s what you do and you’re in the best place possible to do it! Everything you need to care for your baby is readily available and caring for them is part of the session, not a disruption. Trust me, your parenting is more beautiful than you think!
5.) Fur babies are in!
Dogs, cats or whatever non-human babies you have loved since before this one arrived are welcome to take part!
6.) Its the only photo session in life you get to sleep through
… if you’re the baby, anyway. Whether they are aware or asleep, whatever happens happens and it will be beautiful – we don’t need to coax, overfeed or pose them. Photos in your arms where they feel most safe are exactly what I’m going for.
7.) Have I already mentioned “easy”?
We’ll move around your space but I know you are recovering so if all you do is sit on a couch or bed by a window and stare and this beautiful new human in your arms, that’s all I need!
8.) Your home is a place they will be curious about someday
Babies can’t make memories for themselves and homes often change as families grow. To capture your home at their arrival and the season of their birth if possible will mean a lot to you as you celebrate consecutive birthdays.
9.) Someday they will want to see how much they were loved
Being home makes the session feel less like a photo shoot and more like a visit from a good friend. Every single time I review the capture my heart melts because your adoration is palpable – so I know it will melt your child’s heart too someday.
10.) Everyday life is worth capturing and celebrating
There’s no fancy dress or bouquet or three tiered cake today. But these everyday-days with your new baby are even more meaningful and worthy of investment. Everyday scenes prompt everyday memories and remind us that we truly appreciated each phase.
You’ll take lots of pictures for yourselves in these early days – as you should – but seeing your family together will be so important someday, especially photos of mom and her baby.
Read more here: Photo advice for new moms
The way you feel when you look at your new baby, you will feel that way again every single time you look at these photos. You will marvel at the smallness of fingers and toes because that are never so small again. And seeing the earliest versions of you as a parent are going to be priceless to the baby in your arms someday. Maybe even when they become parents themselves, feeling all the same zig zaggy feelings you have right now but knowing that their own parenting heroes began in the same place. This is how it is with generations: this is a gift you can give. And I promise to walk you through everything so you know exactly what to expect.
Read more here: How to prepare for your documentary photo shoot
Even if you feel hesitant, even if you feel like newborn photography is cheesy or a luxury, it can be different and you deserve this. And if you don’t do this for you – knowing as I do that parents do very little for themselves – do it for them. So that they always know how their story began.
Read more here: Why your family photos matter
L & N, congratulations and thank you for inviting me into your beautiful new home and for trusting me to capture this time with Baby F! I already can’t wait to see him again!
Are expecting? Let’s get your newborn session booked, click here to get started!
XO, Mel
