When I was pregnant with my first son, I was given advice by an older nurse friend whose experience and down-to-earth approach to life I trusted. She said, “Just get through the first six weeks. However you need to, just get through the first six weeks.” It is the advice I remember above all the rest because those first six weeks felt like one single day that had been stretched out. Sleep came infrequently in small bursts and day and night didn’t really matter. The idea of taking my crying colicky baby out for a posed photoshoot at 5 to 10 days old makes my stress level rise even now. There are so many wonderful benefits to choosing an in-home newborn shoot, here are my favourites.
1. It is Less Stressful for Moms
Every birth is different. Every new baby is different. Every mom recovers at her own pace. With an in-home session we don’t need to stick to the 5-10 day schedule some photographers have because I am not going to be posing or wrapping your baby with props. Once you’ve had your baby, we will touch base and schedule your shoot when you are ready. It can be any time within the first month to six weeks so if the first week is rough (which in my experience it is), that’s okay. Lean in to getting to know your baby and I will come when you are ready.
2. Perfect for Families with Older Siblings….and For Dads Too
You don’t have to pack up your toddlers and take them to a studio where you will worry about them touching things, being too loud, not cooperating. Adding a new member to the family has its challenges so having older siblings at home, in a space they feel comfortable and safe is ideal. Dads are the same, if they need a break during the shoot they can step away and take a minute in their own space.
3. Everything You Need is Already There
Blow-outs happen. It’s a fact. At home you have everything you could need. Extra diapers, changes of clothes, lovies, special blankets and all the snacks your toddler demands.
4. Details Matter
Photos in your home will include the things that make up your life. When I look at photos from my childhood I am often drawn to the items in the background. A favourite toy, a special cup I used to drink from, the orange brick wallpaper (what???) in the kitchen of the first house I lived in. Now, when I look at photos from my kids first five years it is the same details that draw me in. I want that for you. Many people move from the first house they share with their kids, those details will matter to your future selves and your grown children.
5. Photos In Your Home Will Remind You How It Felt
In home newborn sessions capture not only your beautiful new baby but the way your family has grown and changed into something new. These sessions really are more relaxed and laid back. When you are feeling that way, I can capture a more honest, playful, and true-to-life version of how your family is in that moment. Your connection. The first six weeks are so hard. You are so tired. It would be impossible to remember everything but photos of you rocking your baby in the same place you did everyday or reading your toddler the same book in their room while cuddling your newborn can trigger your memory and remind you how it felt. That really is my goal in the end, to remind you how it felt.
If you are pregnant and this has connected with you please fill in my contact form to book a session. If you've already had your baby, don’t worry, as I said there isn’t a time limit on photographing newborns. Please contact me and we can schedule a session.
For more information on pricing a newborn session click here.
Click on the photos below to see some of my recent newborn sessions to get an idea of what your session might look like.
Kendra Knaggs is a Kincardine Newborn Photographer taking clients in Port Elgin, Paisley, Walkerton, Goderich and throughout the Grey Bruce area. Port Elgin Newborn Photographer.