Are you thinking about scheduling a lifestyle photo session at your home? Do you have a newborn that will be part of the session? Here are a few things you might want to think about and have gathered prior to your in-home lifestyle photo session with a newborn.
First, take some time to think about what you want your pictures in your final gallery to look like. Do you want your baby swaddled? In a diaper? Or maybe in a cute outfit? Do you want pictures of your baby in the crib? Or on a fluffy pillow? You should have a few different ideas in your mind prior to your session, and then you can begin to gather all the props and outfits needed to create these photos.
What pieces of furniture do you want to use for your pictures? Do you want to have a family picture sitting on your couch? Or maybe on the hearth in front of the fireplace. How about your bed? Whatever space you want to have your pictures taken in, you should take a few moments to clear all the clutter from these rooms. If you’re taking photos in your bedroom, consider what is on your bedside tables.
Do you want these things to show in some of your photos? As I typed out this blog post and thought about my bedside tables, I realized that I would need to do some serious decluttering before taking pictures in there. If there is clutter on your tables that you don’t want in your photos, then you will want to clear the table off for your session. And what about the colors of your pillows and blankets? Do they match the look you’re going for in your pictures? Maybe you want a nice, clean white blanket on your bed with just a few pillows? If so, be sure you set that up before your session.
Same is true for your couch. Do y’all want to chill on your couch for your pictures? Snuggly family couch pictures always look really cute! If this is the look you’re going for, then it might make sense to set your couch up just the way you like it. If you want to be all snuggly on pillows, then let’s do that. If you want something more formal, then maybe take the throw pillows off for your session?
I’ve also taken pictures in the baby’s nursery. Pictures sitting on the floor by the crib or somewhere in the nursery are popular, as well as wide shots of the nursery. If that is what you’re hoping for, then have that room ready for pictures as well. Not sure where to put all the baby things you use? Well, just throw it all in a basket for the photos, or hide it all in the closet for a few minutes during the session.
And you might be surprised by some of the places I choose to take close-up shots of your newborn and your family. A lot of this depends on the windows in your house and where the best natural light is. If the best light is in the kitchen, then I might drag a stool or small chair into the kitchen for a few shots. But don’t worry, I’ll shoot in a way that doesn’t show the room we’re in! Every house is different, so for lifestyle photo sessions I never know where I’ll be shooting. I just follow the light!
This summer has been especially hot so far, and because of this heat, in-home lifestyle sessions are a great option, especially for families with newborns. It’s nice and cool, and you’re in a setting that is familiar to you and your kiddos. So if big brother/sister need a break, they can toddle off to the kitchen for a snack or to the play room while we continue with photos of your newborn. It’s also easy for you if you need to take time to feed the baby or change outfits. This can all be done in the comfort of your own home.
You just need to be sure to remember…when babies are involved, it’s best to have all things set up and ready before shooting begins. Because as we all know, babies dictate the schedule. If they are hungry, pictures will have to wait until they’re fed. Right? And if they’re not sleepy, then you will have pictures of your baby awake!
So take the time to consider all of these things I’ve mentioned before your session. That way, you can relax and enjoy your time instead of worrying about finding the right blanket or pillow for your picture.
If you’d like to schedule something, you can find me over at Paula Mason Photography. Just let me know how I can help!
Until next time…