6 Reasons to Love Home Newborn Sessions

If you’re on the fence about booking a newborn session, you’re probably worrying about things like what to wear, whether or not it’s worth the money, the way your home will look, if it will be stressful to have a stranger there with a new baby…

All of these concerns are totally valid.

But also, they are all based on some pretty big misconceptions about what a newborn session is “supposed” to be.

I’m mildly obsessed with approaching newborn sessions with as much ease, grace, calm, and love as possible. So here’s 6 of my top reasons (there are sooooo many more, but I’ll restrain) why in-home newborn sessions are a new parents’ best friend.

1. YOU’RE IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Getting photographed can be intimidating to some people and often brings up ideas about performance and anxiety. I can’t tell you how many times inquiries have come in with the disclaimer “(insert person in family) hates getting his/her picture taken.”

But in a casual atmosphere, your bare feet, and you favorite chair, the only expectation is that you are simply yourself. You don’t have to dress up. You don’t have to pose.

Make coffee. Eat a bagel. Let the dog lick your plate. Read the newspaper. Feed the baby (duh). Throw a load of laundry in. Wear your pajamas if that’s what feels good – heck, in those first few days, if that’s what life looks like, let’s capture it!

2. TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF. 

You’re not going to take them yourself. You really think you’re going to get this creative bug to set a self timer and get in the shot naturally, to edit your photos, to sit down and find an album company you like and place print orders for family gifts or announcements, to buy and frame them, the actually hang them on your walls or make a book…? 

Did you do it for your wedding photos? Try doing it now and see if you enjoy it. Now do you actually think when a baby comes it will be easier.

Cut yourself a tiny bit of slack and hire someone to help you do this one thing, then check it off the list- you don’t even have to pack bags to leave the house with changes of clothes and bottles for “just in case.” Just hire someone you love to come to you and then enjoy keepsakes forever. Sounds a lot better, right?

3. FLEXIBILITY 

At in-home newborn sessions, we just go with the flow. We take breaks as needed, so if your two-year old throws a fit, the baby needs to eat, or there’s a massive blowout situation – I’ve seen it all. These dynamics are still very new to everyone and we can take as much time as needed for your session without having to handle it all in one small room for hours.

I’ll also likely swaddle and rock your baby for a good chunk of time so while extra hands are present, power naps are always acceptable.

4. YOUR HOME IS PART OF YOUR STORY.

The pictures on the fridge, the careful details of the nursery, the books on your bedside table, the quilt thrown over the couch that grandma knitted and you curl up in every night together for storytime…

Whether it’s a temporary cramped apartment with 70’s wallpaper or your forever home, it’s part of this season and worth telling.

5. EASILY INCLUDE PETS.

Yep, again, they’re part of your story. They’re family. They’re loved and will grow alongside the little lives in your home. But not forever. They’re just as important to get in the frame and that’s so easy to do at home.

6. YOUR SESSION WILL BE ONE OF A KIND.

Your story is unique so your photos of it should be, too.

You’ll have context around the space that will mold your child’s memories for her whole life.

Pretty cool, right? Now that we have chatted about WHY! Let’s peek at an adorable in home session I just did.

NOW, this sweet trio (plus some fur babies) welcomed me into their home to document their first week with this adorable little dude. It is not lost on me that my loving families open their arms and their doors and hand over their most precious possession. I mean, how awesome is that??? I appreciate the trust and know they just adored their gallery.

This nursery is to die for! I always take the time to document the nursery if it is done. That is one of the benefits to having the session done in your home. If you missed her stunning maternity session, check it out here…