Preparing for an at-home newborn session with Columbus, Ohio newborn photographer Heart Sung Photography
Ahhhh, the phase of life when doggo thinks all those diapers could be hiding a snack
Hey, mama. Are you considering hiring a photographer for newborn photos? I know it can be overwhelming, trying to decide between going to a studio, staying at home, taking a documentary approach or deciding on posed portraits with all the pretty props. There is no right or wrong answer, so let me share a little bit about what an at-home newborn photography session entails in order to help you decide.
My approach to an at home newborn photography session is intended to be both artful and relaxed. I think your baby is perfect as-is, so I don’t position them in any props or unnatural positions. You and your partner’s love for your baby will tell the story, set in the very place where you are falling in love and making all of these new memories.
I love photographing families and babies in their natural environment, as it’s where everyone is most comfortable and you know you can relax and take breaks to feed or change the baby as needed. The backdrop couldn’t be more significant and sentimental, and I’ve yet to come across a home I couldn’t make gorgeous art within. Plus it’s easy for dogs, Grandparents, and/or older siblings to hop in.
If this is your first baby, you aren’t yet aware of the extreme exhaustion that sets in during the first weeks of having a fresh babe in the house. Imagine trying to gather everyone and everything you need to get out the door and head to a studio? I feel overwhelmed just thinking about it.
As a Columbus newborn photographer with over six years of experience, I’ve learned the most effective ways to help you prepare for your session in advance, so that when the day of your session rolls around, you feel as relaxed as possible.
This includes:
Access to my newborn preparation guide which will help you prepare your baby, family and home for a photo session.
An in-depth consultation call to learn all about your family’s story as well as a facetime walk through of your home so that I can see the nursery and additional rooms that have great lighting (alternately you may send me pictures of your space)
Styling guidance based on your personal style as well as the colors that are already in your home.
Guidance on print products including frames and albums, and the best way for your family to document this special time.
Doing the walk through in advance helps us to narrow down which rooms in your home we’ll be using, so that you don’t feel the need to deep clean the entire house before I come over. I’m more than happy to help shuffle things around as needed, which happens at nearly every newborn session I’ve ever photographed (so don’t feel bad about it!).
So what’s an at-home newborn session actually like?
When I show up at your house to photograph your baby, we can pick up right where you’re at. Baby’s asleep? We can begin there! (I just ask that you change your baby into an outfit you want photographed in advance if you can tell she’s getting sleepy.) I’ll set you and your family up in beautiful lighting and gently guide you into natural poses. This is often something you’ll do all on your own, as you bask in the glow of that new-baby love, and all I really have to do is move the hair out of your face or gently turn you towards the light. I always try to be on the lookout for little sweet moments and will often ask you to do something you did completely without prompt over again, just because it is unique to you.
I let baby take the lead, so if she needs to eat or get changed we’ll roll with it (and I can photograph it or not, your preference), taking as many breaks as needed. I try make sure I’m there to document baby while she’s both awake and asleep (not always possible as they get older and become more alert), but I never force a baby to go to sleep by overfeeding. I’ve found that swaddling is enough to calm your baby into a relaxed state for peaceful-looking portraits. If baby does fall asleep, I’ll gently guide her into very natural poses for more peaceful baby portraits.
Some things you might hear me say during a newborn photography session:
“Ooooh - you look beautiful just like that! Stay like that but let’s rotate towards the light”
“I love baby’s little toes; hold her feet just like this so I can grab a picture of them while they’re so little and sweet”
“I love the way you looked at mom just then, will you do that again?”
“Pretend I’m not here and hold your baby in whatever way feels natural.”
“Doesn’t mom and baby look beautiful over there? Go behind them and wrap your arms around them in a big hug.”
“Let’s get the dogs in here for a family portrait!”
(for siblings) “Look at baby - are her eyes open?” “Can you kiss the baby on the top of his head?” “Tickle baby’s toes”
Pretty easy, right?
Are you considering an at-home newborn session? I’d love to chat with you about it! The best time to schedule your session is about two months prior to your due date. This gives you plenty of time to get everything in order in case baby decides to make an early appearance. Baby’s already here? No w0rries - l firmly believe that you can create a newborn experience for older babies as well, and that it’s better to document them NOW as opposed to never! Reach out so we can chat.
The sweet little smile of a one-month old baby.
