Lifestyle photography is real life with an artistic flair. These shots involve some prompting (telling you how to hold your baby, moving your hand to another place, etc.) but no stiff positioning. Newborn lifestyle photography is relaxed, and the photos can be taken no matter how old your baby is. If you're a connected, cozy, and laid-back family, then in-home newborn photography might be right for you.
What is Lifestyle Photography?
Lifestyle photography is real life with an artistic flair. These shots involve some prompting (telling you how to hold your baby, moving your hand to another place, etc.) but no stiff positioning. Newborn lifestyle photography is relaxed, and the photos can be taken no matter how old your baby is. If you're a connected, cozy, and laid-back family, then in-home newborn photography might be right for you.
Is Your Home the Ideal Place for Newborn Photos?
Lighting: Gotta talk about light first! Do you have a lot of natural light in your home? Photos can be taken in any home, but they will look very different depending on how much light is in the home, if you're using natural or artificial light, and the overall color scheme of the home. While it would be ideal to have gorgeous light throughout the home and be able to take photos in every room, it's not necessary. For in-home newborn photos, ALL YOU NEED IS A WINDOW. If your home is dark, then we'll do most of the session in front of a window.
Photographic Style: Is posing important to you? Do you want your baby placed neatly in a bucket or are you more the type of family to snuggle up on the couch together? Are certain looks or poses important to you (e.g. your baby curled up on a bed or her sleeping peacefully in a bucket) or are you more excited about documenting your real life (in your real house)?
If posing and props are important to you, your home might not be ideal for newborn photos. In that case, you'll want to head to a studio. But if you're all about capturing everyday moments in a place that's significant to you, definitely go the in-home route.
Style & Decor: Do you have a lot of stuff in your house? Are your walls dark brown and your couch black? While you can take photos anywhere, less clutter, neutral colors, and bright spaces will photograph better. The photos in this post were taken in a home that was very dark inside. You might see a photo you light on Instagram of a family on a bed, but that same prompting and positioning might look very different in your home if you don't have the same white walls and bright bedspread. Light, colors, outfits...they all work together to create the vibe of an image.
Comfort: You will likely be most comfortable in your own space, but you may also want to consider if you want to have a photographer in your home. If you're not having people in your home due to Covid, you may opt for an outdoor family session. (Of course, I'm always happy to wear a mask in your home.) But many families are actually considering in-home sessions because of all the unknowns with busy public spaces and germs. If you're one of those families, then having a photographer come to you is perfect!
Time of year & weather: Depending on when your baby is due, we could spend a large portion of your session outside at your home if we decide that your space isn't ideal. I'd say 95% of the time your space won't be an issue. The only time I'd recommend moving the session outside is if you have dark walls in every room and few windows in the home.
These photos were taken in a dark bedroom. The new baby was placed in an antique crib and on the bed. All artificial lights were turned off. The only light was coming from a window on the other side of the room. I love the shadows and the mood!
Preparing Your Home
Focus on the nursery, main living area, and master bedroom. Check these rooms in the late morning or around mid-day and see how much light is present. If you aren't sure on what's considered "enough" light, you can take a picture of the area with all artificial lights off and send it to me. Also, south facing rooms are gold.
The areas of your home that you would like to be photographed should be decluttered and tidy, but don't stress too much. We can always move items as we take the photos.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer Near Maple Grove?
I'm located in Elk River, MN and provide newborn photography all over the Twin Cities metro. I photograph babies right at home! My sessions are very relaxed, and I'm all about the lifestyle and documentary approach. My style has been described as bright, natural, creamy, candid, detail-oriented, and on the warmer side. I also really love a little pink in my skin tones! To get in touch with me head to the contact page or email me at karajoyphoto@gmail.com.
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