If you’re reading this with a new baby in your arms, still in pajamas, and a half-finished coffee nearby, I want you to know this: you don’t need to feel “ready” to have photos taken with your new baby.
Want to know a not-so-secret secret? Most parents don’t feel ready. Especially in those early weeks when you’re still figuring out feedings and sleep and what day it is. The idea of a photo session can feel like a lot.
But that’s the beauty of doing a newborn session at home.
I actually encourage parents to wait a little longer if that feels right. You don’t need to rush into it. At the same time, I know that even when you don’t feel ready, you might still want to capture your baby while they’re still tiny and new-ish.
That’s why I keep things simple and stress-free. Whether your baby is two weeks old or two months old, we can make it work…even if you’re not feeling totally put together.
For this wonderful Oakmont family, we did the session when their baby girl was 13 days old. We spent most of our time in her gorgeous nursery, which had the prettiest light streaming in and custom floral wallpaper from the family’s business. It was a calm, cozy space where their baby snuggled into her parents’ arms and stayed sleepy for most of the session.
Their two golden retrievers (who are technically cousins) made their way into a lot of the photos, which was perfect because one of Mom’s main requests was to include these fur-babies. They were clearly in love with this new little human and loved checking on her and giving her some doggy smooches!
One of the best parts of a lifestyle newborn session is that even if you’re in that two-week window of having a new baby at home, your house doesn’t need to be spotless, and you don’t need to have it all together. Your baby doesn’t have to sleep the entire time, and we work with whatever the day brings, and it’s always enough.
This doesn’t have to be something you rush through during the newborn fog. It can be something you actually enjoy. Whether your baby is 10 days old or 5 weeks old, there’s no wrong time.
If you’re in Oakmont or nearby and wondering when the “right” time is for newborn photos, just know that it’s whenever you feel ready…even if that means a little later than expected.
Curious what a session like this could look like for your family?
Reach out anytime. I’d love to help you capture this chapter in a way that feels calm, natural, and true to you.
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in 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!
