Home vs Studio for your Newborn Photos
Capturing your newborn baby and your growing family is designed to be a fun and positive experience. Sure it may sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In our discussions before your session, I’m going to help you plan out the perfect morning that works best for your family and the types of memories you want to create. And one of the options we’ll cover is WHERE to have your photos. Is an in-home photo session right for you? Or would you prefer to come to my natural light studio here in the Hawkesbury? To help you decide, here are some benefits of both in-home and studio sessions.
The Benefits of having Newborn Photos at Home
1. Stay Relaxed
When our photography session takes place at your home, there’s no hustle and bustle to get out the door in the morning. No getting everyone in the car and no fear of forgetting to bring something. Everyone is in their own environment with any creature comforts (or snuggies) required. And, if Dad is working from home, he can pop in and out as needed and keep going with his other tasks.
2. No need to pack up all the baby things to leave the house
I remember that leaving the house with babies and kids in tow is no simple task. Aside from getting everyone ready, there’s the nappy bag, wipes, changes of clothes, bottles, warmth, the list goes on and on. Plus working out the feeds depending on how long you might be away. Even the thought of this can be all too much sometimes. There’s no need to start such a fun experience with a stressful arrival. Let me come to you! You’ll have your change table and cot, for whatever baby needs, so you can spend more time enjoying the process.
3. Any older siblings feel safe and comfortable in their own environment
For younger children, having your newborn photo session at home will mean they’ll be in a familiar space, which can help to curb any shyness. They might get to do special jobs to help them have fun and they get to show me their treasured possessions! For pre-teen and teenage kids, they have all their creature comforts close by, and by not having to get up and out anywhere (especially if it’s a morning photo session) can help them be on board and happy to participate in the shoot.
4. We create true memories in the heart of your home
Whether you own it or rent your current home, it’s where your family is in this season of life, and looking back on that will be a treasured experience for many people. The memories we make can incorporate special touches that you want to preserve. Maybe the front door that you painted blue, or the kitchen island bench where you told hubby you were pregnant, or a hammock in the backyard where you often spend lazy Sundays. This home is where many other cherished memories are being made every day. Little wins and milestones will come rushing back when you look back on the images we create together of your family in your home in this season!
5. Baby’s first home
Your home will most likely change in the coming years, but this is where you bought your baby home for the first time. There’s something nostalgic about it. So many firsts happened here. Though at times we’re wishing away those long hard nights awake with bub away, this is where you rocked and rocked (and swayed and rocked) bub to sleep. Where you fell in absolute love with your brand new person. The cot we photograph them in will be their own cot, or the rug they first rolled on.
The Benefits of having Newborn Photos in my Studio
1. You don't have to worry about tidying up the house
Above, we talked about the added pressure of getting out the door, but for some, feeling the need to clean and tidy can be even more stressful! If feeling like you need to have everything in order the morning of our photo session, makes you anxious already, then it’s a great sign that a studio session is the right fit for you!
2. Simple, timeless images that are not dependent on your current decor
Clean, simple images will stand the test of time. We can create beautiful photos, where you and your family are the focus and your love and bond shine, without other bright colours or furniture being a distraction. It future proofs any wall art or pieces you choose, to fit well in any decor, whether you change your style, or gift them to your children when they get a place of their own.
3. Great light
My studio is purposely designed to create great photos. I have lots of big windows with plenty of natural light, and even artificial light if the day is overcast or raining. If your home is more intimate and cosy, and you don’t have big windows with lots of natural light, then my studio will be a great option for us!
4. A Fun, family-time out
For some families, leaving the home and being somewhere new together can be exciting and conducive to a great, fun family time. The photo session time is more obviously carved out for this experience, and there are no distractions of comfort objects (like the phone or laptop for the teens). Plus, once you’re all out together, the fun can continue after our session. Maybe head out for lunch or a walk somewhere together. Family time is so precious and worth relishing every chance we get!
As you can see, there are lots of benefits to both HOME and STUDIO newborn photography sessions. Depending on your family, some of these points are going to resonate with you more than others. And what suited you last time might be different to what feels right for you now. Each session, like each season of your family life, is unique and different. I hope reading this has helped you decide what will work best for you, and you feel totally excited for your next newborn photography session!