Are you ready to capture those precious moments with your newborn in the comfort of your own home? Imagine the soft natural light streaming in through the window, highlighting every delicate feature of your little one. This intimate setting allows for truly authentic and emotional photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime.
When it comes to scheduling your at home newborn session, timing is key. As a Denver Newborn Photographer, I highly recommend booking your session between 10 days and 4 weeks of your baby's arrival. During this time, your newborn is still in that sleepy, curled up stage, making it easier to pose them and capture those adorable, squishy poses.
But why choose an at home session over a studio setting? Picture this: instead of lugging all of your baby supplies to a studio and trying to keep your little one calm in an unfamiliar environment, you can relax in the comfort of your own home. The familiar surroundings create a sense of ease and intimacy that will shine through in your photographs.
Here are my 5 tips for a successful at home newborn session:
Declutter - Your home does NOT have to be perfect. I promise. It’s your home and it’s supposed to look lived in. You can focus on de-cluttering your home, which means just tidying up a bit and basically putting stuff in the room where it belongs and toss the rest in a closet until I leave. This includes allll the extra burp rags, the breast pump, and extra pacifiers laying everywhere!
Light – Let the natural light pour through the windows! I typically shoot a good portion of the session in the nursery, so please have the curtains wide open and the shades up to let in natural light. Go ahead and turn off ALL the lights and lamps in these rooms as well. It might seem dark, but my camera can do magical things that the lights will ruin later on!
Prepare your outfits and maybe a backup – For my editing style, think light colors, cream, and pastels. If you’re comfortable wearing a flowy dress (even in winter), bonus points to you because they photograph the best! Make sure you have a solid outfit ready for baby (a white onesie or muslin swaddle is always a great option) and perhaps a second outfit that shows a bit more personality. Make sure you have backups on hand for both you and baby! Unexpected blowouts or a big spit up might happen!
Prepare the crib – I encourage either a white or neutral crib sheet, so if you don’t own one, perhaps pick up one for $10 at Target beforehand! Crib sheets with too much color will reflect onto baby’s face, casting a colorful shadow that’s challenging to edit out later on. Too much pattern on the crib sheet will also distract from your baby in the photos, so keep it simple.
Be prepared – Start feeding your baby 20 minutes prior to my arrival, diaper change, then into their outfit last. Be prepared to do bonus small feedings if baby gets fussy! If you have an older sibling in the family, set them up with a snack and maybe one of their favorite movies or activities before I arrive. This will keep them distracted at the beginning part of the session. It will keep the session relaxed and focused on baby. Then we can welcome in the older sibling(s) after we get the images we need of the new bundle!
One of my recent clients chose to have an at home newborn session and was thrilled with the results. She told me that being able to cuddle with her baby on the couch and capture those tender moments was an incredibly special experience. The photographs we captured truly reflected the love and connection between Mom and her newborn.
As a photographer, I believe that these moments of intimacy and authenticity are what make at home newborn sessions so special. The bond between a parent and their newborn is unlike any other, and being able to capture those emotions in a natural and comfortable setting is truly priceless.
So, if you're considering booking an at home newborn session, don't hesitate. The early days with your baby are fleeting, but the memories captured in your photographs will last a lifetime. Trust me, you won't regret preserving these precious moments in such a beautiful and meaningful way.
Resources to prepare for your baby:
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