Eight awesome things about in-home New born sessions - Salisbury New born Photographer
You’ve found out you’re pregnant. Maybe it’s the first time, maybe you’re a dab hand at the whole newborn thing now, either way you’re now busily preparing for a brand new member of your family to arrive, and that’s exciting! There’s so much to do before and after your little one is born that it’s easy for it all to pass by in a bit of a blur.
What better way to hold onto those fleeting memories than photography? Maybe you’ve heard of in-home photography but aren’t quite sure if it’s for you. I’m here to tell you all about it so you can make your own decision.
1. It captures the whole family!
Yes, in those early days it feels like it’s ALL about the new baby. But this is actually so much more than that. This is a season of change and growth for your whole family, and that’s worth documenting. In-home and ‘lifestyle’ photography allows the whole family to be involved, including parents, siblings and even grandparents if you chose! And if you’re wondering how to prepare an older kid for these sessions, I have you covered!
2. All in the comfort of your own home.
The beauty of in-home newborn photography is you don’t have to leave your home. Your older children can stay somewhere they’re comfortable and come in and out as they please, you have all the cushions, bottles, blankets and changes of outfit that you need. You don’t even need to be dressed and ready when I arrive, I know what the newborn bubble is like! And as a bonus, I don’t ask you to tidy your home either. Just relax and let me take care of everything.
3. At the baby’s pace
Newborn’s don’t know what the time is, and quite frankly they don’t care! Being in your own home means you’re not rushing or stressing about when your slot is ‘over’ or making sure the baby is settled at the right time. I believe in taking things at the baby’s pace and following their lead. I don’t force them into complicated poses, overheat or overfeed them to make them sleepy. I only take on one newborn a day, usually in the morning, allowing us plenty of time to go at their speed. Your baby doesn’t even need to sleep or be put down if they’re not comfortable, the entire session can take place with them in your arms.
4. Siblings can come and go
Usually, siblings are super excited by me initially then they start to lose interest. I generally plan to get all the whole family and sibling photos at the beginning so that kids can come and go as they please after that! If the weather is good we can even move between the house and the garden and capture some photos of your older siblings in their natural environment.
5. Timeless
You may love the current trend or style of posed, studio newborn, and that’s okay! But they are exactly that, trends. While they might look new and modern now, they may become as dated as an 80s hairdo one day! But your home is your home. Photos taken there capture a moment in time, the home you raised your children in. The home you loved and struggled and laughed and cried in. While your decorating might age badly, the photos taken in your home won’t.
6. Photos that tell the story of you
In your own home you have the freedom to make your photos really personal. Yes, we can get portraits of your children and of you as a family. But we can also capture fun. real moments in your own space. Dancing, reading, pillow fights and tickles, whatever you enjoy in your family!
7. Connection, connection, connection!
Photos only make you feel something if you’re really connecting with your loved ones. Otherwise, they feel sterile and posed. It’s much easier to relax in a space that’s your own, therefore you’re much more likely to let those real emotions show.
8. No rush for that ‘first two weeks’ window
This is a big one. Most studios will ask you to bring your newborn in their first two weeks, when they’re all squishy, sleepy and more likely to consent to being posed. Most in-home photographers are more interested in real connection and photos of the whole family than posing the baby in the froggy position. This means there’s no need to rush for those early weeks if that all feels too much. You can check out my blog on the best ages for newborn photos here.
