Green Bay, WI

March 2023

Welcoming a newborn into your family is an unforgettable experience—filled with wonder, joy, and a bit of chaos. In the whirlwind of diaper changes, late-night feedings, and the quiet moments of bonding, it’s easy to forget how quickly those first precious days slip away. That’s where an in-home newborn session comes in, offering the perfect way to document the early moments of your baby’s life in the comfort of your own home.

While traditional newborn photoshoots often take place in a studio, an in-home session allows your photographer to capture the natural beauty and intimate moments of your family’s life—without the stress of packing up and traveling. It’s about preserving the love, the connections, and the small details that make those first days with your baby so special.

Why Choose an In-Home Newborn Session?

When it comes to newborn photography, there’s something incredibly special about staying at home. Here’s why an in-home session is an excellent choice for documenting your baby’s first days:

1. Comfort and Familiarity

One of the biggest benefits of an in-home newborn session is the comfort and ease it offers for both parents and baby. There’s no need to worry about packing up your newborn and rushing to a studio. Instead, you can relax in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by the space and people you know best. Your baby will likely be more at ease in familiar surroundings, and you’ll feel more comfortable in your own space, making it easier to bond and enjoy the moment.

2. Authenticity and Real Life

In-home sessions capture the beauty of real life—no need for elaborate props or expensive backdrops. The focus is on the genuine, candid moments between you, your newborn, and your family. Whether it’s your baby swaddled in a cozy blanket on the couch or nestled in a parent’s arms, the goal is to document your family’s authentic connection. These sessions often feel more intimate and relaxed, allowing for a more natural flow of moments to be captured.

3. Focusing on the Details

Your home is full of little details that make your family’s story unique—whether it’s the nursery you spent months preparing, the handmade blanket grandma made, or the favorite rocking chair where you’ll spend countless hours feeding and comforting your baby. These details, which might seem small but are deeply meaningful, become an important part of your newborn’s story. An in-home session provides the chance to capture these personal touches, preserving the story of your baby’s first days in a way that a studio session might not.

4. Less Stressful and More Relaxed

Newborns have their own schedule, and sometimes the idea of packing everything up and heading to a studio can feel overwhelming, especially in the first few weeks. An in-home newborn session allows you to take things at your own pace. The photographer will work with your schedule, allowing for breaks for feeding or soothing if needed. There’s no need to worry about travel time or getting your baby in and out of the car—it’s all about enjoying your time at home and letting the moments unfold naturally.

5. Personalizing the Session

Because the session takes place in your home, it can be fully personalized to your family’s story. You might want to include special family heirlooms, favorite toys, or even your pets in the photos. Your home can also provide a variety of settings for different types of photos—whether it’s in the nursery, in the living room on the couch, or outside in the yard. The familiarity of your surroundings adds a personal touch to the images, making them all the more meaningful.

What to Expect During an In-Home Newborn Session

An in-home newborn session is typically relaxed, laid-back, and focused on capturing those authentic moments. Here’s what you can expect during the session:

1. Timing and Scheduling

The best time for a newborn session is typically within the first two weeks of life, when babies are still sleepy and curl up into those adorable, newborn poses. However, in-home sessions can also be scheduled slightly later if needed, as the photographer can adapt to the baby’s temperament and capture the more awake, alert moments as well.

It’s best to schedule your session early during your pregnancy so that the photographer can book a spot around your due date. Many photographers will keep flexible time slots to accommodate early or late arrivals.

2. The Session Flow

A typical in-home newborn session usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours. The photographer will guide you through various moments and poses, but the session will feel natural and easy-going. Depending on the mood of your baby, the session may focus on:

• Candid moments: Parents cuddling with the newborn, holding hands, or sharing soft glances.
• Details shots: The baby’s tiny hands, feet, and facial expressions. Close-ups of their first outfit, the crib, and your nursery.
• Family connections: Family members interacting with the newborn—siblings meeting their new brother or sister for the first time, grandparents holding the baby, or even pets joining in for a family shot.
• Soft, natural lighting: The photographer will use the natural light available in your home to create soft, warm photos that reflect the gentle atmosphere of your space.

The session will be guided by your photographer, but you won’t be asked to do anything too stressful or posed. The goal is to let the moments unfold naturally.

3. What to Wear

For an in-home newborn session, it’s best to dress in simple, neutral tones. This keeps the focus on the baby and your family connection, rather than on clothing or distracting patterns. You might want to wear something comfortable and cozy, like a soft sweater or a simple dress, and avoid clothes with logos or busy designs. For your newborn, a simple swaddle or a cute, cozy outfit will work beautifully. The emphasis will be on you and your baby’s connection, so feel free to keep it comfortable and relaxed.

4. Incorporating Siblings and Pets

If you have older siblings or pets, this is a wonderful time to include them in the session! Including siblings meeting their new baby brother or sister for the first time can make for some heartwarming moments. Pets can also be a part of the session—whether that’s a gentle paw on the baby’s blanket or a quiet moment between your dog and newborn. The session can reflect your family as it is right now, in all its uniqueness.

5. A Relaxed, Stress-Free Atmosphere

Above all, an in-home newborn session is about you feeling at ease and enjoying the experience. The photographer will work around your schedule, allowing for breaks for feedings, changing, or soothing if needed. There’s no rush, no pressure to “perform” or worry about perfection. The best photos often come from the unposed, natural moments that occur when you’re simply spending time together as a family.

Tips for a Successful In-Home Newborn Session

• Prepare your space: Tidy up, but don’t stress over perfection. Your home is where your family story is unfolding, and a little bit of mess is part of the beauty of real life.
• Keep the baby comfortable: Ensure your baby is well-fed, sleepy, and comfortable. This will help them remain relaxed during the session.
• Relax and enjoy the experience: The more relaxed you are, the more natural and beautiful your photos will turn out. Embrace the time you have with your newborn and savor the experience of the session.
• Include personal details: Bring in any meaningful items you’d like to include in your photos, like a family heirloom, a favorite blanket, or something with sentimental value.
• Go with the flow: Babies are unpredictable, and that’s part of what makes this session so special. Let the moments unfold naturally without worrying about a “perfect” shot. It’s the imperfections that often make these photos so meaningful.