Most of the time clients book me for in-studio newborn sessions. This is where clients will get the lovely posed images that I’m well known for. However, did you know that I also offer in-home newborn sessions? You can book an in-home session (cost is the same as an in-studio session) or you can book it as an add-on to a studio session at a discounted cost. For more info about pricing and packages shoot me an email.
Here is some additional info on in-home newborn photography sessions to help you decide if this type of session is right for your and your family. If you follow these tips your session will go a little more smoothly.
- Go With the Flow – In-home sessions are lifestyle sessions. This means that there are no studio lights, no naked posed babies, and no props. Instead we use your home as the backdrop for your session. If your baby is happy in your arms then we will get lots of cuddling pictures. If your baby loves his/her nursery then we will hang out in there. If big sibling(s) want to jump on the bed next to baby instead of cuddling baby then that is what we are going to capture. Hey – that is real life anyways! If baby is fussy and wants to eat then we can take a break and let baby eat! No stress or pressure. My goal is to capture your family in a flattering way but in a real, meaningful way.
- Consider Neutral Clothing – It’s important to pick clothing that complements your home. I typically recommend soft neutral colors for everyone – whites, pinks, creams, tan, peach, or any other soft color that matches your home. However, while color is important, it’s also important that you feel comfortable in whatever you are wearing. I know you just had a baby and I’ll shoot in flattering angles. But if you also feel comfortable in what you are wearing you are bound to love your images even more! Please try avoid wearing red or bright pink as these can create unflattering color casts on baby. All of my sessions include the use of a free styling tool. I’ll send you access to this after you book your session. You can use this tool to help pick out clothing that goes well together for the whole family. I would encourage you to consider what to wear for your session before baby arrives. It’s just one less thing to worry about after the craziness of baby’s arrival.
- Keep Baby’s Clothing Simple – A white onesie is my favorite outfit for baby. It’s that simple. You may also consider having a few swaddles on hand (and I’ll bring a few too). Swaddles are a great way to sooth a fussy baby and they are super cute to photograph baby in too. When babies are little they can get lost in busy clothing. Keep baby’s outfit as simple as possible.
- Who to Include in the Shoot – Normally I recommend immediate family for your in-home newborn session. This includes siblings and your fur babies (they are family too!). If you add too much extended family things can get a little crazy. That being said, if you do want to include extended family you totally can! If you (mom and dad) don’t want to be in the pictures then I would recommend doing an in-studio session where we can completely focus on baby.
- Session Scheduling – We don’t schedule your newborn session until after baby arrives. You can book your session at any point during your pregnancy to ensure availability. Then once baby arrives just shoot me an email and I’ll send you some dates/times I have open for your session. Sessions are typically scheduled on Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings. Sessions are best when done within the first two weeks of baby’s life. If you are doing an in-home mini session (add-on to a studio session) you should expect the session to last an hour or less. If you are doing a full newborn session then you should expect the session to last 1-2 hours.
- Before I Arrive – Try to keep baby awake for at least an hour before your session start time. This will help us have a sleepy baby during the session. I also recommend turning the heat up in your home to 80 degrees before I arrive. Babies love it warm! About 15 minutes before I arrive please feed baby as full as he/she will allow you to. It’s okay if you are still feeding when I arrive. I do also ask that you open blinds/currants and turn overhead lights off before I arrive. You may also consider having an an activity planned for your session. Don’t go crazy! But if you want to give baby a sink bath, or have sibling(s) help you with a diaper change, or if it is nice we can snap a few pictures outside your house.
- After I Arrive – When I arrive I’ll probably ask for a quick tour of the rooms you were considering for the shoot. I’ll be looking for lots of natural light. Typically clients use the nursery, master bedroom, living room, and/or any other rooms with interesting architecture or lots of light. While we don’t typically use lots of props for these session if you have any family heirlooms or other items you would like to include in the session this is a great time to show me so I can plan out your session.
- During your Session – During your session you are encouraged to relax and be you. You don’t need to look at the camera the whole session. Instead share a moment with your significant other, new baby and siblings. Let me capture the real you. I’ll pose you but feel free to relax and make the “poses” comfortable for you. I’ll also get lots of pictures of baby alone. You will want to remember those tiny feet, hands, and dimples. If you have a nursery I’ll also capture the details in there. If baby needs a break at any time to feed then we will take a break. Baby is in charge for the newborn session!
- What to Expect After Your Session – About 2 weeks after your session I’ll send you your online gallery via email. You will have print rights to all your edited images and you can download your whole gallery with the click of a button. I do still recommend having your images professionally printed. I’ll send you those recommendations when I send you your gallery.
- What About Other Sessions? – I also offer in-studio newborn photography in Indianapolis where you will receive images that are more posed and styled. I offer Indianapolis Fresh 48 photography. These sessions are done in the hospital within 48 hours of baby’s birth. I also love doing Indianapolis birth photography too! If you are interested in doing a grow with me package to capture baby’s first year feel free to reach out for more info on that!
