4 Benefits of At-Home Newborn Photography

Four reasons why you should consider having your newborn photography session at home 

If you are expecting a little one soon and want to plan a newborn session for your family, here are 4 Reasons You Should Consider Having Your Newborn Photography Session At Home. Now, remember that I love shooting in very versatile locations, but when working with newborns, I mostly want to ensure that mom and baby are in a comfortable environment. Here are some reasons why I would consider keeping your newborn photography session at home

 1. Photographing a newborn session at your home will be comfortable and convenient. 

One of the most significant advantages of photographing a newborn session at your home is its comfort and familiarity. Your home is where your family feels most relaxed; this ease can make a big difference in the photos. Newborns, especially, can sense their environment and feel more at ease in a familiar setting. This comfort translates to more natural and serene images, capturing your baby’s true essence.

Newborns are sensitive to their surroundings (I mean, they ARE babies, after all, and this is a whole new world to them outside the womb! Being in a familiar environment, such as their home, can help both baby and mom feel more comfortable. Plus, let me stress, it’s also very comfy for mom. Mom is also recovering from giving birth (giving birth is no joke, no matter how the baby comes! Both mom and baby will most likely need to take breaks throughout the session, and being in a cozy environment is one of the main reasons I love photographing sessions at the client’s home.

Another thing I love to do for moms is bring a hair and makeup artist with me to help them get ready for their sessions! The last thing I want a mom to do is rush around getting herself ready, getting her family ready, and, let’s be real, most likely doing ten thousand other things because we, as moms, wear many hats! So, I aim to ensure Mom has ample time to rest (and be pampered) before her photography session!

Some exceptions exist, such as if the family is under construction, they have no room in their house for a session, or they want a specific “look” and feel for their session, which can be achieved at a specific studio.

 2. Photographing a newborn session at your home adds a personal touch to your session.

Photographing a newborn session at your home allows for the inclusion of personal touches and unique backdrops that can’t be replicated in a studio. From the nursery you’ve lovingly prepared to the cozy corner of your living room, these settings add a personal and intimate feel to your photos. Including elements like your baby’s crib, favorite blankets, and family heirlooms in the pictures makes them even more special and meaningful. These details tell the story of your family’s journey and create a unique narrative that’s all your own.

You can layer these personal elements by having your photographer take detailed photos of the nursery, photos in front of your home, photos inside the nursery, and even incorporate some of the newborn’s wedding into the detail shots!

 3. Photographing a newborn session at home is beneficial because you can include your family pet.

It’s easier to include family members, including siblings and pets, in the photos when the session is at home. This can lead to a more intimate and meaningful family portrait. To be completely transparent and honest with you, if you have other children who are between the ages of 1 and 6, it may be harder for them to sit still in a studio or at a location that is not familiar to them. They may want (and NEED) a break themselves, and having the photography session at their home can allow them to go to their rooms (play games, eat a snack, or do something familiar to them) between the family portraits.

 4.  Photographing a newborn session at home can reduce the risk of spreading unwanted germs. 

Parents have control over the cleanliness and safety of the environment. Reducing the risk of exposure to germs and ensuring the baby’s safety during the session is a huge priority, especially for young babies with certain health risks. This is especially prevalent during the winter months. I strongly advise any newborn sessions to happen at the family because of the flu and cold season!

On the flip side, if the family wants to have the session at a specific studio, I also work very hard to ensure that the studio has been deep cleaned and sanitized before the family comes.

Either way, the whole point here is = to make sure your environment is clean for the newborn’s sake. Babies are fantastic, and as a mom, I want to ensure that all my newborn clients are treated with proper care and respect!

Summary

In summary, I want you to have an enjoyable newborn photography experience, whether at home or studio. Remember, choosing between a home session and a studio session ultimately depends on your preferences and comfort. Communicating your ideas and expectations with the photographer is essential to ensure the best possible experience and outcome. I hope this inspires you to think through your newborn photography session!

Want more inspiration for your photography session at home? Check out this blog post:

Newborn Home Session Featuring The Themes Of National Parks and Gardening | Nashville Family Photographer | Dolly DeLong Photography

If you need help preparing for your family session, click the banner below! I’ll walk you through my entire family photography session experience from start to finish!