In-Home Newborn session - Nashville, TN
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a photographer is the opportunity to document the most monumental moments of your clients lives. The ability to provide beautiful memories that can be looked back upon fondly is something I do not take for granted, and I appreciate all of my clients for trusting me with these moments.
Recently I had the chance to document this family of three, become a family of 4. We originally tried to do the session at Bells Bend Park in Nashville, but ultimately decided to move things to in-home. I love doing shoots in clients homes. Everyone is more relaxed and comfortable, not to mention it’s a chance to have professional quality photos without having the brave the brutal southern summers!
It was so beautiful watching this family interact with each other. One of my main focuses with in homes is to try and get the family interacting and being playful. SO many of our memories from childhood are made within the walls of our home and aren’t typically captured. In this families case it’s “circle time” around the kitchen island, big brothers love for macarons and mom + dad slow dancing in the living room.
If you’re considering booking family + newborn portraits in your home, here are some tips on how to properly prepare your home + family.
5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Newborn In-Home Family Photoshoot
Consult With Photographer On Your Vision
This is recommended for most instances but I think especially with an in home. Do you want to place more emphasis on candids / play? Direct Poses in different areas of the home? A mix of both is always recommended, but always try to set expectations ahead of time.Choose the Right Room(s)
Select a room(s) with good natural light, such as a living room, kitchen or nursery. Large windows provide soft, flattering light, which is ideal for capturing your family’s moments.Avoid Harsh Overhead Lighting
Like tip #2 says, natural light from a large window or multiple windows provide the softest, most flattering light. Harsh overhead lights that provide more “orange” or “yellow” light can mess with skin tones and make showing true colors more difficult.Add Personal Touches
Include meaningful items or special games your family plays to your photos to add character. This could be a cherished toy or book, family heirloom, that reflect your family's personality. These touches can add warmth and tell more of your families unique story.Prepare For Breaks During The Shoot
If the focus is on the newborn, expect to take a break during the session. Newborns are on their own schedule and can cooperate or not at any point in time. Build in time with your photographer for any feeding or diaper change breaks.
