The Case for an At-Home Newborn Photography Session

When it comes to newborn photography sessions, you have options. First, should you do them? If you are considering them, then the answer (in my opinion) is yes! Those first couple of months with a new baby are indescribably sweet, and the days feel undoubtedly long. But babies don’t keep, and before you know it, your life will start to take shape again beyond the comfort of your bed or the glider in the nursery.

As a family and newborn photographer in Columbia, SC, I fully believe this fleeting time should be documented beyond just the camera roll on your phone. And, importantly, you should be in these photos—holding your baby, in love with your partner, lost in how small your world became overnight before it opens back up again. You, exactly as you are right now. And, as the title of this post suggests, maybe even in the comfort of your own home. So, let’s consider why an at-home newborn session might be right for you.

COMFORT & FAMILIARITY

It’s called home-field advantage for a reason, and it’s a real thing when it comes to newborn photography. This is a vulnerable time, especially for mom, and being in a comfortable, familiar environment will allow you to feel more relaxed in front of the camera.

And it’s not just you, but your partner and children, too. The whole family is going through a big change, and older siblings may be a little out of sorts as they adjust to big brother/sister status. Going to a studio and expecting them to be on their best behavior for an hour in a place they’ve never been before, wearing something other than their favorite dinosaur shirt, all while asking them to stay in one spot and smile? For my toddler at least, this would be a tall order.

Without the time constraints of a studio, at-home sessions have the luxury of moving at a slower pace with plenty of time for breaks. Does the baby need a mid-session feed? No problem! Is your toddler on the verge of a meltdown? Let them run off to the kitchen with Dad for a snack. Diaper change? Outfit change? Easy. And you get to do all of this in the privacy of your own home.

CONVENIENCE

I remember the first doctor’s visit with our son when he was only a few days old. The night before, I packed the diaper bag, laid out everyone’s clothes, and walked through our morning in my head. And yet, I was fully unprepared for how much time and effort one new, tiny human would add to the morning rush of getting out the door. We made it to that appointment with seconds to spare, flushed and apologizing to the receptionist for our near tardiness.

Traveling, even a short distance, with children is not for the faint of heart. As parents, every time we load them up in the car and get to our destination (mostly) on time, it’s a cause for celebration. Being able to avoid all of this, and maybe even allow ourselves a few extra minutes in our pajamas with a cup of still hot coffee, is a major perk of staying home. Doing an at-home session means that you save time and effort, making the whole experience less stressful before we even get started.

A PERSONAL TOUCH

For some of us, we spend a great deal of time during the nine(ish) months leading up to meeting our babies dreaming up their nursery and then bringing it to life. With an at-home newborn session, you can show off your efforts and document them for posterity. Because before you know it, it’s a toddler’s room, and then a big kid’s room. Just like babies, those sweet little nurseries don’t keep either.

And at-home sessions aren’t limited to just the nursery or one space. They can take place in multiple spots in your home—maybe the living room where your family spends most of their time together, the breakfast nook with amazing light, even on the porch swing or in the backyard. Your own home offers a lived-in environment that is authentic to you, something a perfectly staged setting may lack.

The personal touch of an at-home session can apply to even the smallest details. Maybe it’s an heirloom rattle, a hand-knitted blanket, or even a wooden dresser made by hand and passed down to this next generation (if this last example seems specific, it’s because this is something I’ve actually been asked to incorporate in a session!). You don’t have to lug these things across town when you have your session at home; they are already right at your fingertips.

ANIMALS ARE WELCOME

Our four-legged firstborns are a welcome addition when you opt for an at-home newborn photography session. As long as your pet is at ease and you are comfortable, including them highlights their role in your life and commemorates the moment with the whole family. Pets bring out natural expressions and emotions in people, and their presence often adds warmth, joy, and authenticity to these photographs. 

Just keep in mind that sometimes including a nervous or high-energy pet can be stressful, so this should be taken into consideration. Always talk to your photographer ahead of time if you have questions or concerns.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A PINTEREST HOME?

I get it. Thanks to social media, we’re exposed to countless picture-perfect images of aspirational homes with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and pristinely white couches. Goals, right? But the beauty of an at-home newborn session isn’t perfection; it’s rooted in realness. And at the heart of these photos are the people in them and their connection to one another.

Still not convinced? Keep in mind that your photographer also brings their own expertise to the table and uses natural light, angles, and composition to highlight the best aspects of your home. And the camera only sees what it sees. That pile of laundry in the corner? No one needs to know.

Not only is the photographer going to have an eye for the best spots in your house, but being at home means you have more control over the space and can make adjustments. Moving a chair closer to a window or repositioning a plant are small changes that can have a big impact.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There is no right way to do a newborn session. Whether you decide to do an at-home, studio, or even outdoor session, there are benefits and drawbacks to any setting. If you want your newborn photos to have a lifestyle feel with a personal touch and an emphasis on the whole family, then an at-home session can deliver just that.