There is nothing quite like the new feeling of becoming a parent (or a parent to 2, 3, 4....). It is a time that is a complete blur, which is why so many people choose to overcome the sleep deprivation and hire a professional photographer to document the special and very fleeting time of life. Instead of packing up all of the things in a diaper bag and trying to get out the door to head to a studio, you can have a photographer come to you so you can stay in the comfort of your own home.
In home photography helps document and preserve those extra special little stories so that you can remember not just what baby was like in those early days, but also what you and your family were like then and even what your home was like in those days.
In the arms of a parent and/or sibling
Babies want to be held. Can you swaddle them and warm them and shush them during a very lengthy studio session to get those Anne Geddes style portraits? Yes. Do I recommend it? No! Babies like to be held and how much of your days and nights are now spent holding this little one? So dang much. That's why it's extra special to document baby in your arms. And if there is a big sibling in the home, it's special to document baby with big sibling too.
In front of the crib
Not every family I photograph has a crib and nursery set up for baby and that's totally ok. But if you do have one set up, I often like to have y'all snuggle up in front of the crib or leaning over the crib, doting on your sweet babe. They may or may not actually be sleeping in said crib, yet you probably put a lot of thought and effort into selecting just the right crib, putting it together, and anticipating baby while looking at it, so it's really special to get to memorialize it with beautiful images.
On parents big bed
This is a fun one, especially if there are bigger siblings in the mix. If it's just three of you, your big bed offers great framing and usually really nice light. It's cozy and soft and often feels so good to snuggle up together here. If there are older siblings, your big bed is often a special place they can have space to tumble, jump, or snuggle all together.
In the kitchen
So much of life happens around a kitchen table or a kitchen island and yet for some reason, the kitchen is often the most overlooked location for in home photos. Maybe we are all scarred from too many photos of us taken with our mouths full over the years. The kitchen has so much of your real life, every day moments. You may feed baby outside of the kitchen, but the kitchen is the place that sustains your own life and vitality...hello coffee!
On A comfy chair
This one is often the spot where newborns get fed, so it holds extra special sentimentality. Even if you don't feed baby in a chair, big cozy chairs are fun to squeeze the whole family into or to have a spot for those one on one moments of connection.
On a special blanket or basinet
If you have a family member that knit or quilted a special blanket, preserving that memory during your in home photo session is so meaningful. Even if it's not a homemade blanket, yet you took a lot of time selecting a special store bought blanket or you have blankets that add a little color pop, contrast, or texture...blankets are such a special way to include more personalization and variety to your gallery.
Near a large window
This one is a requirement during every in home session for me. Often people are so nervous about their dark little home, yet if you have one large window or door with natural light, we will be good to go for lighting in your home. So much of photography is about use of good light and so a large window provides the best in home portraits.
On a playmat
This one is extra fun, especially if you've waited a bit to photograph your baby. Babies of all ages are entranced by what goes on above them and around them on playmats and it's fun to document the way their eyes fixate on that one spot, or their hands happen to collide into something that makes an interesting and unexpected sound. It's never too early to try out the playmat.
If you feel like you don't have things set up for baby yet, don't stress...you do not need baby specific items for a great in home photo session.
If you feel like your home is too small or too dark, don't fret...you can have a beautiful session in the comfort of your home even with just a good window or doorway.
If you feel nervous about your own postpartum body, it's totally normal. Wear comfy clothing and a great photographer will work with camera angles that best suit all bodies.
If you have any other hesitations about an in home photo session, speak with a photographer and they will help put your worries at ease. You will not regret having beautiful images of this special, most fleeting phase of life.
If you're ready to chat with someone today and you are located in the Seattle area, I'd be happy to schedule a call or you can hop on my calendar right now (packages start at $950).