When thinking about a newborn shoot, you have a number of options to consider including studio, props vs no props or keeping it simple in the comfort of your own home. So many memories are made in your home, which is why I love the latter option.
Every corner of your house can have a meaningful memory. What are yours?
- Where you got engaged
- Did you welcome your little one into the world during a home birth
- Reading Dear Zoo every night for the last year to your toddler
- Acting as surprised during the hundredth game of hide and seek where your littlest hides in the same place every time!
- Your toddler playing dress up in their favourite character
- The spot in which your children’s first steps were taken
- Where your baby first leant to roll over
This is a special time for you and your family, so here are my top reasons to have an indoor at home newborn shoot:
Convenience & comfort
You’ve just welcomed your little one into the world and the last thing you probably feel like doing is travelling for a newborn shoot. This was certainly how I felt when I welcomed my daughter into the world and had a toddler at home too. The early days are so unpredictable, there are lots of appointments and checks ups to make sure both mum and baby are doing well, so this is your time to have a photographer come to you. Don’t worry if you are not ‘ready’ on my arrival, I will spend the first 10 minutes scouting the best locations for us to take photos in your home.
Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes. By shooting at home, you can keep the room warm and cozy, ensuring your baby’s comfort during the session. Happy and content babies make for more beautiful photos.
Your home is where your story unfolds
The memories that are held within a home are precious and meaningful. Every room has a unique backdrop, whether that’s your little one’s nursery, your bedroom or the snug living room where you spend your time embracing those newborn cuddles. Being able to capture photos of your child’s first home is special and will have a sentimental value when you look back on these for years to come. It’s more authentic and connected because it’s your space.
Whilst I tend not to use props, I’m happy to use items that mean something to you, such as a blanket, or incorporate your little ones first cuddly toy, which will all be on hand during our session.
Relaxed environment
Your home is your safe space and where you probably feel most relaxed. I want you to be in your newborn baby bubble where I can capture those intimate and tender moments of your family. My shoots are relaxed and my approach is to go with the flow. Newborns have their own schedule, so all my sessions are baby led. Every baby is different and will have different needs at different times. As such, I don’t like to put a time limit on my time with you. I’ll be there for as long as required to ensure you have the most special gallery.
Siblings & Pets
My toddler was 20 months when my daughter was born. I had a photographer myself when she was 4 weeks old and I loved how relaxed my son was by being at home. This was his home too and one he felt so incredibly comfortable in, which meant he was able to be his cheeky self for our photoshoot. I often find that newborns need a break every now and then and if you have a sibling, I love to get some one-to-one time with them. This is their story too –They can show me their room, their favourite toys and I find that giving them dedicated time to capture them in their element is important for the whole family.
I love incorporating pets into a photoshoot! Pets are another family member, so if you have one at home, let’s incorporate them into the shoot! You might not get this opportunity at a studio, but it’s your home, your rules!
You only have this time once
Ok, so this is not specific to an at home shoot, but it’s just as important to me, so would be remiss of me not to include. The first few days, weeks and months go by in a blur and in the blink of an eye, they will be at school.
Newborns change rapidly, and their tiny features - wrinkled skin, tiny fingers, and button nose, are fleeting. I love to capture these details.
I’m forever grateful for the newborn photos I have with of my two, so let me do the same for you. Every new parent should be able to look back at this special time with a recorded document of this once in a life time moment.
So there you have it - My top 5 reasons to document this truly magical moment in your life.
Get in touch to book your session in with me!