Newborn pictures will be some of your most treasured photos. Sadly it is true that babies don’t keep, but pictures that freeze time are the next best thing! When it comes to location, sometimes it can be a tough decision! The main two options are typically in your home or at natural light studio. If the weather is just right, an outdoor session may be an option too. Here are some things to consider when picking a location for your newborn session!
Consider the Natural Light in Your Home
Natural light is a key detail when it comes to photographing indoors. If your home has poor natural light due to small windows, poorly placed windows, or obstructed light from another factor, you may want to talk to your photographer about considering another location option. With that said, if it’s important to you to have your photos done in your home, talk to your photographer about that too! Your photographer may be able to maximize light through scheduling and additional tools. As a photographer, I want my clients to love their photos. I love it when a client communicate all the factors so we can work together while picking a location for your newborn session to ensure it’s the right fit!
Are There Important Features of the Nursery or Your Home You Want Included?
If there are features of the nursery or your home that are important to you to incorporate in your newborn photos, an in home session might be a good choice for you! And if you don’t feel tied to anything in your home, then you may feel neutral for this factor. Thats okay — consider other factors to help you when picking a location for your newborn session.
Are Things About Your Home You Dislike that Would Ruin the Photos for You?
Hear me clearly — your home is NOT the focus of your photos. Details of it will make small appearances in the background, but it is not at all the focus. You and your family are the focus! If you’d really like an in home session but there are specific things you dislike, send pictures to your photographer during planning to ask if those things could be avoided. The photographer may need some context as to where windows are located in reference to those items. Window placement is a large factor in the placement of the photo, and shooting direction. It’s always an option to just pick one room you do like such as the master bedroom or the nursery. The session can absolutely take place in just one room!
Consider the Vibe and Style You’re Going For
In Home Sessions and Studio Sessions are truly both great choices and each have beautiful results! At your home, your decor and personal belongings will surround you. They will not be the focus, but they will be around and may make small appearances in the background. At a studio, your family will be the sole focus as simplicity will surround you. The vibe and style of photos you’d like to achieve is affected by the location to some extent (as well as your outfit choices).
Studio Sessions Require You to Leave Your Home With All the Things
A studio session requires you to get your family out the door with all the things needed for baby and photos. Leaving the house is something we do regularly, but somehow with a newborn it becomes a whole event. If it is going to make you really stressed for your session, an in home session might be more comfortable for you!
In-Home Sessions Require Some Picking Up/Tidying of The House
Again, let me say — all the details of your home will not be seen in your photos. Do not sweat things dust and unvacuumed floors for an in home session. I do suggest having surfaces and floors picked up in the areas photos will take place. We want the focus to be on you and your family and we don’t want clutter and distractions to take away from that! With that said, the whole home does not have to be perfect by any means. It’s easy for clutter to collect in those newborn days, so if the need to pick up around the house feels daunting, a studio session may be a better fit for you!
The main takeaway is to communicate your desired outcomes with your photographer so he or she can guide you into a location decision that will best result in your desired photos! Picking a location for your newborn session is an important factor in the results. Take time to ensure it will be the right fit!
