“Should I do an in-home or a studio newborn session?”

When you have a new baby on the way, there are so many things to prepare for and think about. It can all become really overwhelming. With everything going on when a new baby arrives, I want your newborn session planning to be as stress-free as possible.

So, today I am going to go into detail about each type of newborn session I offer, AND show you just how easy I make this process.

Studio Newborn Sessions

What does my baby wear?

Your baby will not need anything fancy for the session. I use my white and cream wraps for many of the shots, as well as white onesies. If you’d like to bring your baby to the studio in a white onesie, we can start with that, which is always adorable. Please do not buy any fancy outfits for your newborn. They end up being uncomfortable, and many times they are too big for newborns. Your baby is beautiful just as they are in a simple wrap or without anything on at all.

What do we wear?

My home studio has an organic, natural feel with white walls, light wooden floors, and white furniture. Because of this neutral look, my subjects (your baby and family) are the focal point of the photographs. I want choosing outfits to be as EASY as possible, and so I recommend my clients wear white or cream to the session. Dads can wear just a white tshirt and even dress it up a little with a white button up. Moms can wear a white shirt and borrow one of my lacy cardigans over the top. White and cream dresses are also very flattering on moms after delivery.

What should we bring?

I recommend that you pack your diaper bag with extra diapers, wipes, a pacifier (even if it’s only used during this session to calm the baby), and formula if you are not breastfeeding. I always allow time for diaper changes, cuddles, and feedings during sessions. Your baby runs the show!

I have all the wraps, outfits, headbands, and blankets that we will need for the images, so you do not need to bring any of that!

If an older sibling is coming along, I have books, puzzles, stacking games, etc that they can play with while they wait. However, it’s always helpful if parents bring along something they know their older child likes to do.

How long is a studio session?

Studio sessions can be much shorter than in-home sessions because I control the light, the heat, and the poses. I have a heater in my studio to keep it warm, and babies love the warmth. In your home, it’s much harder to keep all the rooms warm and cozy for your baby. My workflow is almost identical at each studio session as well, so things flow very smoothly. I also already know the light in my room, so I don’t need to find good light in your home. We can get started right away. Studio sessions typically last about 1-1.5 hours.

Do you use props?

My studio is mostly set up to be used like a home would be (a futon/bed setup), a pretty window area, neutral walls as a backdrop. I do; however, have a large posing beanbag for babies to lay on in adorable poses. I don’t do unnatural poses like “froggy” or “taco”, but I use the posing bag to get baby all curled up in a wrap. I believe that your baby is perfect just how they are, so I do not use a lot of props. I may use a basket for some of the images.

In-Home Newborn Sessions

Do you bring props to the in-home session?

In-home sessions are lifestyle in nature, which means we use areas around your home for the images. I bring along a few wraps for your baby, but other than that, I do not bring anything along.

Where will we take the pictures?

When I arrive in your home, I will look around at the natural light you have coming through windows. I tend to turn off all lamps and lights in the house so that we don’t get yellow casting on your images. In-home sessions are easiest near windows, so we will likely move a kitchen table or use a pretty corner in the family room. I also love to use the parents’ bedroom and the nursery if available.

How long will the pictures take?

An in-home session can take anywhere from 1.5-2 hours. I will arrive and greet your family and meet the new baby. If there are older siblings, I also try to engage with them a bit so that they warm up to me. Once I get my camera gear and wraps into the house, I spend a little time looking at the light in your home and opening curtains that are closed. I may also bring along a space heater to warm up the area we are using a bit for the comfort of your new baby. We will want to use a few different areas of your home and also get a variety of images (baby alone, closeups of toes and lashes, baby with each parent, baby with siblings, baby with whole family, etc…).

Do you pose the baby at in-home sessions?

I use all natural posing in both studio and in-home sessions. Your baby will sometimes be wrapped in swaddle blankets for the session to make holding them easier and to keep them comfortable. I do not bring along my posing beanbag, so your baby will mostly be held by you or lying on a bed or in a crib.

No matter what type of newborn session you choose, your session will be stress-free and flow easily. You’ll come away with timeless images that your family will cherish for years to come.

Ready to book? Reach out here!