6 benefits of in-home lifestyle newborn photography

As a primarily in-home documentary photographer in Columbus Ohio, I photograph families who are looking for an easy and stress-free way to capture their unique bond. This especially applies to families who have just had a baby! – they want amazing and sincere photographs, but without all the fluffy props and unnatural poses. Just natural, relaxed photos to document this oh-so-fleeting time. This is where in-home lifestyle newborn photography comes into play.

Photographers will differ on their definition of lifestyle newborn photography. For me, I believe that a newborn baby is absolutely perfect just as they are. No crazy props or poses, just a simple nod to the beauty that exists in the natural family environment. Through gentle guidance, I’ll help you get situated in great light and provide suggestions of how to interact as a family. The result is 100% real, genuine moments that tell the story of who your family is. 

If you’re still debating whether in-home lifestyle newborn photography is right for you, consider these 6 benefits:

1. You have more flexibility on when you schedule your session.

Traditional (or “posed”) newborn photography must be scheduled when your baby is 5-14 days old, when they’re flexible to be posed. Lifestyle newborn photography, however, is much more forgiving and works just as well if your baby is older. We can capture beautiful alert photos of your baby gazing at your faces, and if the weather’s nice, we can also pop into your backyard for some outdoor family time. I’ve photographed babies as young as 5 days old, as old as 5 months, and everything in between. The result is unique and beautiful every time. That said, if your heart is in the tiny squishy details, you’ll want to schedule before 8 weeks.

2. It’s convenient

If you’re a new mom still recovering, or you’re worried about taking your fresh baby to an unfamiliar place, having a photographer come to you is the safest and most convenient option. You’ll have everything you need within arm’s reach, so taking breaks to feed + soothe baby is just a normal part of the session flow (and makes for beautiful photos, too!). There is nothing to organize or pack, and preparing your home takes very minimal effort. But if you’re too tired to tidy up before I arrive, then don’t – seriously! I’m always finding creative ways to shoot around potential distractions so your photographs highlight the people and emotions you want to remember.

3. You can document the nursery and Other keepsakes around the home

Baby’s nursery represents all the time, love, and effort poured over countless hours to ensure they arrived home to a safe haven. It’s such a special gift to capture that space on camera to add context to their story. Having a photographer come into your home means they can also capture heirlooms you might not think to photograph otherwise. Hand-me-down books, well-loved blankets, and vintage stuffed animals hold a special place in your family history, and now you can bring them back to life through your baby’s photographs!

4. You can include the whole family (pets too!)

In-home newborn photography provides a family-based approach. Your photos will capture the love you share as a family unit, and the special bond between each member of the family and the newest addition. This approach is especially beneficial if you have other young children or toddlers, who are much easier to appease in their home environment. And don’t forget, your pets are an equally important part of the family! The gentle curiosity of dogs exploring their new human sibling is ADORABLE, and I love having dogs sniff around while I’m working. You’ll be so glad to have those tender moments to remember forever.

5. baby-led sessions are safe

Baby’s comfort is always #1, so “baby-led” just means that we will not force baby into any positions they wouldn’t naturally do on their own. For the most part, baby will stay in your arms, where they’re most comfortable. There may also be an opportunity for your other kids to take turns holding baby, or to capture baby alone in their crib. We’ll listen to baby’s signals for what is comfortable (and what isn’t). You’ll feel more relaxed throughout the entire session knowing the plan is completely flexible. This will result in more sincere photos where everyone looks and feels their best. 

6. More variety in your photos

If you’re looking for a diverse collection of images to fill a baby book or to hang up in a wall gallery, an in-home lifestyle newborn session will get it done beautifully! I personally love to photograph a little bit of everything so your story has a beginning, middle, and end. I’ll typically capture the outside of your home before coming inside, the little every details like dad enjoying a cup of coffee as he watches over you + baby bonding, your dog perking up when baby cries, and all of the special keepsakes that sprinkle your home with reminders of just how much your baby is loved. It’s all part of the story, and worth remembering.