It is hard to believe, but I have been in the business now for a decade. During this time, I have photographed countless children, newborns and families. I have learned many things during this time period as both a photographer and as a mom. One thing I have learned is that photo sessions should be as stress free as possible for every client. I like to provide each client with options for sessions that create a relaxing and calm experience for them. For some clients it is my studio, for others it is their home. Today I am going to talk about the in home session and what client this session is geared towards.

Families with Toddler Siblings, this session might be right for you.

Besides being a seasoned photographer, I am also a mom. My girls are 2 years 3 months apart. Although they are now 10 and 8 years old, I remember those first few months when I brought my second baby home. It can be difficult to adjust to this new schedule and it can be challenging to keep up with the needs of both your toddler and baby. Leaving your home for a 2-3 hour photo session could be anxiety inducing for some moms. For others, they prefer to be out of the home. Most clients who have children in the 1-3 year age range, prefer being at home for a newborn session. There are a multitude of reasons why.

1) Newborn Sessions are Long!

Most newborn sessions, even lifestyle session are lengthy. They rarely last less than two hours, especially with siblings. This is a long time to keep your child engaged at a studio. Although I have a TV and toys on hand, most young children will feel calmer and more relaxed at home. They can take breaks as needed, have some lunch, play in the yard and then they can come back for some more pictures relaxed and refreshed. I always try to capture all of the images that involve the sibling at the start of the session, but that is not aways possible because I also have to follow the newborn baby’s lead. So for some, the relaxed pace of the in home session is ideal.

2)You Want to Document Your Time in Your Home

It is so nice to have photos that capture this particular stage in life. When my youngest was born, I was living in a rental home in Point Lookout while my house was being repaired from Hurricane Sandy damage. I love that I have photos of my daughter in that home. It reminds me of where we were in life when she was born. My recent client just recently moved into her new home and because we scheduled the session there, she now she has images of her home in the early phases of moving in. Your home is unique to your family and is perfect for your newborn photos

3)You Want Images That are Family Centered, Not Prop Centered

Propped newborn images are beautiful, but they do not capture the feelings of bringing a newborn home. If you are looking for photos that are focused on you as a family, then the in home session is for you. I will guide and lightly pose you and your family using the best light in your home. I will also capture portraits of the baby. You don’t need a prop to have gorgeous images of your baby. My favorite images are always of the baby swaddled on the master bed. They are timeless, uncluttered and beautiful.

If propped images are your jam, I now offer the option of adding on some extra session time for a propped set up of your choice. These propped sets are still very natural and the baby is posed in a relaxed way, but it is a nice option for those who want the best of both worlds.

4) The Baby Doesn’t Have to be Asleep

Because in home sessions are geared towards capturing connection, your bundle of joy does not have to be asleep for any of the photos. The baby has to be content, but not sleeping. I personally love images in which your little one is alert and awake. I especially love this when you catch the baby glancing at a parent or smiling. It helps to tell the story of those first moments home with a baby. If you elect to add a propped portion to the session, he/she will need to be sleeping for that segment.

What an In Home Session Looks Like

Because the decor, lighting and style of every home is differnet, each in home will vary tremendously. This recent session was with a returning client, who happened to have gorgeous light throughout her home. I photographed her older son in my studio for lifestyle family newborn photos. I adore her photos from that session and even though my studio has since been renovated and has a new look, she opted for the in home session. She said she wanted to be in her home because she knew her son would be most at ease and cooperative there and she was right. Although he is two and a half years old, he was a super star during the session. I have so many sweet captures of him and he was an eager participant. I always say to each client, you know your child best and what is the best option for you as a family. Whether you choose the studio or the home, you will have gorgeous and timeless images. You just need to choose the location that works best for your lifestyle. Here are some of my favorites from her session.