First things first, congratulations! If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are either expecting or have already welcomed a newborn into your family. The newborn stage is such a beautiful time, but it also goes by so quickly. Newborn sessions are the perfect way to preserve this moment and create something that you and your family can look back on for years to come. Let me be clear, I have nothing against studio newborn sessions! There are many reasons that families choose to book their sessions in-studio. However, today I’m sharing my top 5 reasons to book your newborn sessions in your home rather than in a studio.

Everyone is more comfortable at home.

From siblings to parents to babies, everybody is more relaxed in the comfort of their own home. If there are older siblings that you want in a few shots, it is so easy to call them over for a few photos and then let them go back to playing. Loading everyone up and driving to the studio can be stressful and scary for new siblings. Why make them sit around in a photography studio if they don’t have to? I have several clients who are not ready to take their newborn babies out, and an in-home session puts their worries at ease. Your baby will also be more at ease at home. The sounds and smells will be familiar to him or her, letting me capture your baby’s personality while they are comfortable and relaxed.

Newborns are hard; let’s make it easier.

Let’s be honest; the newborn stage is not all sunshine and rainbows. It can be stressful, exhausting, and painful, especially in those first couple of weeks. If there is anything that I can do to make this time a little easier on everybody, I’m going to do it. If this means that I drive across town to your house instead of having you pack everybody and their outfits into the car to trudge into the studio, sign me up. Rather than working around feeding, sleeping, and pooping schedules, let me come to you and take pictures of your baby in their natural element.

You worked hard on that nursery.

I love to see the personalized nurseries that families set up for their little ones. You can truly feel the love that they have for their new arrival. You’ve worked hard to turn your baby’s room into a space that feels like home to them, and I think we should show it off. When you look back at these photos for years to come, you can tell your little one that the room in the photos is their very first bedroom.

Home is where your story happens.

It's true that it is easier for me to pose your baby in-studio. And if you want several props and controlled photos, an in-home session simply may not be for you. However, being in your home space allows me to capture the authentic connection that a family has for each other. We can document your perfectly imperfect home and family just as they are, and just as you want to remember them. At home, I can incorporate personal pieces and truly make the session about you as a unique family. It is so much fun for me to get to see new families in their element and capture their essence.

More backdrop options.

This one is simple. In a studio, there are only so many backdrops and props that I can pull out. In your home, we can explore as many rooms as you’d like to and even move outside if the weather is nice! One of my all-time favorite photos of my family is one of us sitting on our front porch. It is so special to me to have that memory of our little family in front of our little house full of love.

In summary, in-home sessions allow everyone to feel comfortable and safe. In newborn sessions, this is so important because we want to document this precious time with your little one as authentically as possible. I would love to work with you and your growing family and be a part of recording your story.