As a Bridgeville newborn photographer, this is a common question I hear from new parents who are interested in booking an in-home newborn photo session. The short answer. Yes. One hundred percent yes.
You do not need the perfect nursery, or a nursery at all, to have newborn photos in your home. In fact, many of the families I photograph do not have a nursery, and their sessions are some of my favorites.
Maybe you never got around to hanging the wallpaper you spent weeks picking out, your partner still has not gotten around to assembling the crib, or you’re still waiting on that one shipment that completes the room. Believe me, this is way more common than you would imagine!
Sure, you may see some beautiful and adorably decorated nurseries in the photos from sessions I have done, but around half of the families I work with either have an incomplete nursery or opted not to have one at all!
This adorable couple did not have a nursery yet for their precious baby girl, and that was more than ok! Their bedroom had the perfect light, so we took a majority of photos on the bed by the windows.
As a Mom to three, we did not have a nursery set up for each baby! With our first baby, we lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and the “nursery” was a crib in the corner of our bedroom. With kid #2, I had a very plain nursery that was not very styled or decorated, but it served its purpose (if its purpose was for the crib to hold laundry and stuffed toys). And with our 3rd baby, we did not even bother planning a nursery.
Most Newborns Do Not Use Their Nursery Right Away
Most newborns spend their first weeks in a bassinet in your bedroom and in a pack and play, cradle, swing, etc., in the living room. Oftentimes, parents do not even use the changing table area in the nursery and opt to do diaper changes in the living room or bedroom.
My newborn photo sessions are more about capturing real life rather than capturing the perfect nursery. I mean, of course, if you do have a gorgeous nursery set up, then I will most definitely want to get photos of it! But our session is more about how this time with your newborn actually feels, not how you thought it would look on Pinterest.
We Can Photograph Anywhere With Good Light
When I arrive at your home, I am not looking for a perfectly styled room. I am looking for the best light!
Some of the best newborn images happen in the spaces where parents naturally spend their time together with their new baby. This space is most often your living room, but it might also be your bedroom or spare bedroom. When I arrive at your home, I’m going to peek around and find the area(s) with the best natural light! Then, I’m going to open the blinds and curtains to let in all that lovely light!
Your Bedroom Is Often the Perfect Space
If your baby is sleeping in your room, that space already holds so much meaning. Middle of the night feedings, early morning light, quiet moments when the rest of the house is still. Bedrooms tend to have softer light and neutral tones, which photograph beautifully. They also allow for a calm, intimate feeling that works so well for newborn sessions.
Some families worry their bedroom is too small or not finished but that is never an issue. We use what works, and we keep things simple.
I often have the parents sit on the end or side of their bed to face the light coming into the windows, rather than take all of the images of you sitting in front of your headboard.
The Focus Is Always on Connection
When parents worry about not having a nursery, what they are probably worried about is whether their photos will feel complete.
They will.
Because the heart of your newborn session is not the room, it is the way you hold your baby. The way you look at them.
Those moments happen anywhere.
If You Are Hesitating Because You Do Not Have The “Perfect” Nursery, Please Do Not
If the lack of a nursery is the only thing holding you back from booking newborn photos, I want you to let that worry go.
You do not need more space.
You do not need more stuff.
You do not need to finish one more thing.
You just need to be there with your baby.
I will take care of the rest.
If you are on the fence and wondering whether an in-home newborn session will work for you, even without a nursery, I promise you it will. Years from now, these photos will remind you of how life really looked and felt in those early days. That is what makes them valuable.
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Bridgeville, Nevillewood, Heidelberg, Collier, or Scott Townships in the Chartiers Valley area of South Pittsburgh, please get in touch to inquire about a session. I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!
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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
