Hello! If you have come to this page, I may have sent it to you or you may have stumbled across it while asking questions like, What do I wear for an in home session? or How does an in home newborn session work? And I will answer those and more below!
HOW TO PREP:
Once we narrow down our session date and time, I will ask what areas of you house you would like to session to take place in. I like to have clients pick one or two rooms that have the best natural light and the time of day when it is best also! Master bedrooms, living rooms, baby’s nursery and spare bedrooms are most common. Opening all blinds and curtains before my arrival will help me to figure out which spaces are best. Please do not feel the need to deep clean your entire house before I come. Please. There is zero need to impress me, like at all….. I’m a mom… of four boys and two girls. So nothing scares me! However, if you can, try and declutter items on counters/floors in the spaces you’d like me to photograph in. Less is more when it comes to these type sessions. That’s why spare bedrooms are always clients favorite rooms to shoot in because most of the time, those are the rooms with just a bed. Also, keep in mind your bedding. There are some really wonderful colors and patterns out there (which is amazing) however, if you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely bust that out and lay it on top. The reason being, bright and bold colors will cast shadows and colors on skin, leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket is. So if you can, keep it simple and plain. Whites and creams are always ideal to ensure esthetically please images to the eye.
If possible, try and keep your house warmer than usual. Babies love being warm and cuddly and when the house is cold, they’ll let you know if they don’t like it. About 30 minutes to an hour before I arrive, just bump your thermostat a few degrees. Baby and I will thank you! :)
WHAT TO WEAR:
My number one wardrobe tip is choose Mama’s dress first! Stay away from leggings, jeans, phrases, loud colors, and tight fitting clothing. I love dresses for my mamas because they add movement and texture to a photo, but they are also just so classic.
Simple is best. Comfort is key. Keep colors neutral but don’t be afraid to add a little bit of color! Whites, creams, grey, and subdued colors always photograph the best. Try and avoid bright and bold colors (neons), super dark colors like black and navy blue and big patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want the focus to be on you and your little one, not what your shirt said. Same rules apply to siblings. Try and avoid clothing with characters, sequins and neons.
Also, remember your home, choosing colors, textures, and looks that compliment your decor so that when choosing your wall art it is a cohesive statement about your family and how you live!
As for baby, swaddling is KING! This keeps baby warm, snuggled and happy, It makes holding baby easier especially for new siblings who are not so sure about how to control arms and legs once baby gets worked up or chilly. I suggest an easy gown or onsie under the wrap! I am happy to do all the wrapping !!
ALL THINGS BABY!!!
This is absolutely the easiest item on the list! If you can, you’ll want to time your baby’s feed to be just before I arrive. Usually a full baby is a happy baby which means we will have a laid back and easy going session. That said, we always pause for hungry babies!
Skin, lets face it that soft delicious smelling baby skin is wonderful until it isn't ........and it is peeling and there are milk bumps and don't forget baby acne. Try not to worry too much is the very first step! These are all normal things and honestly they leave as fast as they come and you will forget it was once there. So embrace it! Or use a baby lotion or Aquafor to smooth them out.
WHAT DO WE DO IN THE PHOTOS
Lifestyle Newborns are all about your family. There is nothing that has to be fancy unless you and your family embody that daily. We want to basically follow you around and be paparazzi!
Does your family enjoy lounging in the family room or playing together in the floor? Lets do that then!
Do you spend time cuddling together on the bed, reading, playing and maybe a jump or two?! Let's do that!
What about baby's nursery? You spent so much time designing and bringing it to life........ let's spend some time there too!
Our last two points are about siblings! And pets! Include them is all I have to say!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
My baby is so fussy I’m afraid she’ll cry the entire time you’re here!
-This is the wonderful thing about in-home sessions. We can stop at any time. I give you all the time you need to relax and recompose. Babies cry. It’s totally ok. It’s totally normal.
My son/daughter is afraid of the baby or want’s nothing to do with them.
-This was my life when I brought my second child home. My kiddos are 17 months apart and my oldest son wanted nothing to do with his new brother. It’s ok. It’s normal. A new addition is a huge adjustment to a sibling! I never force or coerce kids to get in the frame. Sometimes a simple game of “can you show me baby’s nose?” does the trick, sometimes it doesn’t and we let them be. The goal is to never force a child or punish them if they’re not feeling it.
My house isn’t Pinterest perfect.
-Mine isn’t either. And it definitely wasn’t when I had little ones. The goal for in-home sessions isn’t about the state of your house. It’s so much deeper than that. And really, all I need is one room with some good light and I can create magic.
I live in a 1 bedroom apartment with just 2 windows. We don’t even have a crib!
-Some of my most favorite sessions had taken place in such a space! It’s all about angles and light. Cribs are not necessary to show you have a newborn. There are so many other places inside your home that we can use! Couches, beds, even the floor!
How long does a typical session last?
- Most sessions last around 2hrs. I like to leave extra time for feedings, diaper changes and fussy babies.
Do you use or bring props?
- Not normally. Being a lifestyle photographer, I tend to lean more towards less is more. My goal is to capture you and your family organically. But I can, if I do it is usually one prop and some layers. Then we use your home!
We are so awkward in front of the camera. Will you help pose us?
- Yes of course! I totally understand being awkward, because I am too! I will definitely help guide you into a pose and then ask you to engage with your family.
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