Intimate In-Home Newborn Session
Newborn photography is an industry all on its own. Having a baby is a life event that is just as big as a wedding, if not bigger. Getting those fresh baby images is a must-have for most new parents. There are so many styles, so many ways to capture those first images of your new family member. Some photographers use adorable wraps and props to create a serene and adorable image of the baby. Some photographers dress them up as characters, animals, or objects (think Anne Geddes), and some photographers focus on the in-home session, the lifestyle view of bringing home a newborn.
Where I Land
Each photographer has to find their own style. This was probably the most difficult thing for me to determine. Starting out, I was constantly comparing myself to other photographers, trying to mimic styles. It was incredibly frustrating and damaging. It wasn't until I realized that I had to be true to my eye and my style to truly be successful, that I started to let go of self-doubt and embrace self-trust—but honestly, that is a whole other blog post. Point is, whenever someone new is interested in hiring me, I refer them to my Instagram, website, or Facebook page to make sure that they like my style. Just because they don't connect with my images, doesn't mean they aren't good. Likewise, I want you to be happy—and if that means going to a different photographer with a different style, so be it! I especially voice this when someone inquires to book me for a newborn session. Like I said before, it's a lot like booking a photographer for your wedding. It is intimate, monumental, and important. These are the images that you will look back on for years to come and remember your little one, that moment in time that doesn't last long enough, the beginning of life, the beginning or addition of family. It is important that you find the photographer that is going to capture this moment perfectly for you.
Meet Deacon S.
On March 11, 2022, this little man was brought into this world. This little gentleman made his way into the world early, greeting his loving parents with a "couldn't wait to meet you!" vibe and stole their hearts immediately. I met him at 1.5 weeks old and man, was I impressed. Through this entire session, this baby cried one time. ONE TIME! A session that normally takes 1.5-2 hours, took 45 mins. It was a record. Not only was he sweet and well-behaved, but the seamless transition from married couple to parents of one was so apparent. These two just welcomed their first child and you would have thought they were experts. There was an overwhelming feeling of comfort and calmness and if there were any "first parent doubts" I never saw any evidence of it.
His mother took him into her arms without worry, changed his clothes and swaddled him like she had been doing it for decades, and moved with ease throughout the session. His father cradled him gently, yet protectively in his arms, and even though he may have not realized it, couldn't help but smile every time he looked down at his new son. The balance between caring and ease was obvious and honestly, a little unbelievable. I only say that because when my first child was born, I felt like I was living a lie and falling left and right! Not these two, they seemed ready, prepared, and most importantly—they worked together throughout the entirety of the session.
As I took the pictures, I was brought back to my first moments of parenthood. I was suddenly transported back to 2009 (am I dating myself?) as I held my daughter in my arms for the first time. Then I spun to 2011 when my son was born, and although I was a little more prepared, I was still unsure of my ability as a mother. As I flashbacked to my children as newborns, I stopped to think about what images I would want to have. I thought of images I do have from the amazing photographers that captured these important moments for my family. I tried to incorporate those moments of truth and honesty into the session. Not just the posed moments, but also the real moments. The breastfeeding, the changing, the soothing. These are all the moments you want to remember and look back on because the cliche is true—they grow up so fast.