In-Home Session vs. In-Studio Session
You’re back home from the hospital and your baby is settled into their new nursery. Now it’s time to capture those first sweet images of your newborn baby! You might wonder where the best location for newborn photos is? Should you should you do them at home? Should you go into a studio? What about props? Where will baby (and you!) be most comfortable? Today I would love to share what the biggest differences and benefits are between having in-studio and in-home portraits done!
Why book a newborn portrait session?
The purpose of your newborn portrait session is to capture sweet details and priceless moments of your babe’s first expressions, movements, and tiny newborn details. These are sacred images you will forever treasure. Trust me, you will thank yourself for capturing these. They are only so tiny and little for such a short amount of time. With newborn imagery, you get to bottle up those fleeting moments with stunning and organic images you can frame, or put into an album.
Newborn Photos Done In-Studio
I love to photograph out of my home studio. I have a luxuriously designed and in-home studio full of everything you’d need to capture the best imagery of your new little one. Warm, natural light pours in all throughout the morning, the room is kept warm and cozy (babies get cold easily), and all props are readily available to easily grab and use. My in-home studio provides clients with the best of both worlds: a comfortable, relaxed, and natural home setting designed for capturing a wide variety of stunning imagery of your babe.
Having your portraits done in-studio is also less stressful for mama and baby. In the studio you wont have to worry about clutter or noise coming in to disturb our session. I allow for plenty of time during the session to nurse, interact with baby, get those perfect natural newborn poses, and to calm baby if there’s any fussing.
For baby’s portraits, I will carefully lead your baby into natural, soft, and comfortable poses to give more of a variety for baby’s solo images. Photographing in-studio provides beautifully controlled imagery in a cozy environment designed to pamper both mom and babe.
Newborn Photos Done In Your Home and Baby’s Nursery
Your home and baby’s nursery is naturally a comfortable environment for baby since the smells, sounds, and environment are most familiar. It’s a sacred and special place, because it’s where you first brought home your little bundle! At a newborn session done in your own home, we will begin by grabbing a few shots of baby by themselves. Typically these portraits are done while mom holds baby in her arms, or with baby lying on the bed.
I always bring along a few neutral and cozy swaddle blankets to in-home sessions, so that the imagery reflects my light and airy photographic style. I do require at least one room in your home where there is ample natural lighting and the wall color is neutral. Normally this is a room where the soft and indirect sunlight keeps it well lit throughout the morning.
We will also capture images of beautiful details of your baby’s belongings! This includes room decor, heirloom items/toys, and any other detail you would want included in these portraits. In-home sessions are typically more lifestyle-focused. Mom and dad (and siblings of course) are invited to interact with baby as they would if I was not there.
The Benefits of A Newborn Portrait Session
At both the studio and in-home, you will have the chance to interact, snuggle, and bond with your new baby! I will lead you into organic and candid moments in order to capture the best most natural poses of you and your new little one together. This portrait session is all about celebrating the new life you’ve created, capturing their tiny details and hints of personality, and enjoying the bond you’re creating.
Wardrobe and outfit styling for your baby’s newborn session
Your little babe will be in a soft, neutral swaddle for their portraits, as well as wearing tiny accessories such as simple headbands or bonnets if you wish. They don’t need much else! But what about mama? I provide all of my clients with a gorgeous, hand-picked selection of beautiful gowns and dresses from my Client Wardrobe Collection to wear for your shoot!
I have a wide selection of designer dresses for mamas of every shape and size, and plenty of outfits for babies up to age 5. My curated collection includes a variety of neutral tones and soft patterns that all flow perfectly well together, making it a breeze to choose your outfits for your portraits. Almost everything I have is nursing friendly, for those moms who want that intimate bonding time captured with their babes. There is also an option to add on hair and make-up, so that you can look and feel completely stunning and refreshed for these special photos.
Ready to book your newborn photos? Let’s Chat!
Prior to our portrait session, we will meet for an initial consultation to discuss the little details. We will plan where your portrait session will take place and decide on wardrobe styling for you and baby (and siblings).
Approximately 2-3 weeks after our session we will meet at my home studio in San Elijo Hills for your custom ordering & design appointment. This is where you will view and hold your images in print for the first time! You will be able to touch & feel the beautiful heirloom quality pieces I offer. During this time, I help you design your images into tangible memories that perfectly flow with your family style and home decor. This is also when you choose and pay for digital files, framed fine art prints, and/or an heirloom album.
Typically newborn sessions are done within the first two weeks earth side, to best photograph them at their sleepiest and tiniest. Send me a message to book your consultation session so we can talk due date, location of choice, and plan your precious new babe’s first portraits!
