In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Sessions, Twin Cities, Minnesota
Welcoming Baby
Bringing home a new baby is a beautiful, emotional time. No matter if it is your first baby or third, it’s a time of immense love. As a lifestyle photographer, being welcomed into your home to photograph these early moments of joy and connection is an absolute honor.
Let’s talk about why I love lifestyle newborn sessions. Because I really love them. They feel so natural and real. Taking place in your own home, there is a higher comfort level between family members and the authentic, real moments come to light so easily. I worked several years as an RN in labor and delivery/postpartum and absolutely love that newborn period. Being able to witness the immediate love and connection that comes after a child is born is truly an honor, and I hold that time spent with new families so close to my heart. Now, having two rambunctious boys myself, I’ve learned to really cherish the little moments with them, and as I watch them grow too quickly, I look back on those moments fondly and happily. The newborn days go by so quickly, lost in sleep deprivation and overwhelming love, and it is so important to remember these times.
What is a lifestyle newborn session?
Often times when people think of a newborn session they imagine newborns sleeping soundly, wrapped up, and posed with props. While that style is absolutely beautiful, lifestyle sessions are a bit different. They are natural, involve the whole family, and really focus on your connections with this new little life. Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in your home are laid-back, relaxed, and full of snuggles and touch. Rather than focusing on poses, I capture the family’s natural connection to each other where they are most comfortable - their own home.
What to expect during your in-home newborn session
The session will capture the moments each family member shares with the baby, as well as the family all together. If siblings are involved, I take my cues from them and photograph them as they show interest and encourage their involvement throughout the session. I also take my lead from the baby and don’t rush anything; allowing baby to be fed, changed, and held as needed. When the baby is calm and/or sleepy, I will photograph the baby alone, taking photos of him/her swaddled or undressed, capturing tiny details, posed only in ways you would find them naturally, without props. However, I welcome you to incorporate any special blankets, family heirlooms, etc into your session. I do bring a handful of muslin swaddle blankets to use, if desired, as well.
As for where in your home you can expect the session to take place, most commonly, the photos will be taken in the master bedroom, nursery, and/or living room. When I arrive at your home, I’ll take a quick look around to look at the light throughout. Since I only use natural light for my sessions, this is the most important factor. However, even if your home doesn’t get much natural light, I promise you it won’t be a problem! I truly love low-light sessions. You also don’t need to worry about having the perfect belongs-in-a-magazine home! This is YOUR home and it is YOU. That is truly all that matters. No worries about cleaning your house either, though I do encourage you to de-cluttering a bit prior to the session to prevent distraction within the images, and don’t be surprised if I move things around when I arrive. I do ask that you have your bed made with, if possible, a neutral comforter or quilt - it’s the best spot for cuddly family photos!
Once we decide on the best rooms, we’ll cozy up and embrace that new sweet baby, photographing the whole family, kiddos along, just baby, and each parent with baby. All the combinations we can get for a beautiful variety of images to fill your gallery.
