Ever wonder what a typical in-home newborn photo session looks like? How does it flow? How long will it take? Are there any breaks? What does the family do?
In this post, I’ll tell you what my newborn photo sessions are like, and I’ll include photos from one of my in-home lifestyle newborn sessions with this super precious baby girl and her parents in their beautiful home!
My newborn photo sessions typically last two hours. When it’s just baby and the parents, they can be a bit shorter, however, if you have older children and want to include the family dog or grandparents (which I’m more than happy to include!) the session can go a little longer. I never set a strict time constraint, so you will never feel rushed!
I usually have openings on weekends and weekdays, and I tend to schedule my sessions around 11:00 am. However, I usually have a flexible schedule, and I am happy to begin as early as 9:00 am and if necessary, as late as 5:00 pm (depending on the light and the time of year).
I typically photograph families with their newborns in two or three rooms in their home. When I arrive, I ask Mom which rooms she has in mind for taking photos, and I like to take a quick tour of their house before we begin. I love and prefer shooting in rooms that get the best natural light. I also like to open curtains and blinds to let more light in when necessary.
Typically, I shoot in the living room for the majority of the session! I’ll get photos of just baby and baby with their parents in a chair and on the couch and utilize the natural window light as much as possible.
I also love to get photos in the nursery if the family has one set up. I know parents put a lot of time and thought into decorating and preparing a room for their new baby, so I love to capture images of it. But it is also more than ok if you do not have a nursery; many of the families I work with do not have one set up.
In addition to the living room and the nursery, I also sometimes use the master or spare bedroom. I love to get photos of just baby on the bed, Mom with baby and the whole family. I’ll also get photos of baby in a cradle or bassinet if you have one. It is also more than ok if we stay in just one room of your home!
My sessions are all baby-led. What this means is, if at any time your baby gets fussy, we’ll stop to address their needs. I have no problem taking multiple breaks for feedings, diaper changes, or if baby just needs to be rocked and cuddled. However, I’ll most likely keep taking photos during these breaks because I love to capture those real-life moments!
Please note that I do not bring a bunch of props to your newborn session. I prefer to use items that you already own! I will, however, bring a shallow Moses-type basket and a small assortment of freshly laundered muslin blankets if I should need them. Please read this blog post for more details!
Depending on the weather, I also love to have everyone step outside for a few photos on the porch or in the yard!
You don’t have to worry about doing anything but cuddling and gazing at your new baby! I tell parents to just look at the baby for most of the photos so you’re not awkwardly looking at my camera for the whole session! Of course I’ll have you look into my lens for a few, but most of the time, you just need to relax and look at your baby!
Do not worry or overthink about what to wear! Just dress comfortably! I encourage Moms to wear loose and comfortable clothing. Choose an outfit or two for the baby, but keep it simple. Sleepers and onesies are totally ideal but I also love a cute outfit like baby J is wearing here! Before your session, I will send you more details on things like, what to wear.
It’s more than ok if your baby is awake during our session! Since I do not pose babies, there’s no pressure to have a deep-sleeping baby! I love to get wide-awake photos as well as the sleepy ones!
I absolutely loved working with this beautiful family and their precious baby girl! Baby J slept so deeply for most of our session until she needed a break to eat and a diaper change or two.
Go have a look at my newborn gallery!
Do you have more questions or concerns about a photo session?
I’d love to answer them for you!
If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in the greater Pittsburgh or Youngstown, Ohio areas, please get in touch to inquire about a session!
Here are some blog posts you may be interested in!
~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography has over twelve years of experience and specializes in newborn photo sessions in Pittsburgh PA and many of the surrounding areas.
