At Home Newborn Lifestyle Photoshoot

For the longest time whenever someone mentioned newborn photos I always pictured the photos of the tiny newborns wrapped in decorative wraps and put into toy sized cribs or set on bookshelves.  While those are absolutely adorable, I had no interest in diving into that side of photography only because with babies that tiny and me with no experience in wrapping them, it scared me.

That was until I came across lifestyle styled newborn at home sessions.  Basically, a photographer comes to your home (or sometimes a studio that looks like a home) the first few weeks after parents bring their new babe home and documents the new chapter of baby and parent’s life.   Me loving all things candid and natural, I wish to embrace that side of photography head on.  

The most recent newborn session I had the pleasure of doing was for long time clients Ashley and Sean.  I have done their engagement, maternity and even branding photos for Ashley.  Ashley and Sean welcomed their first baby, a girl, a few days before Christmas and about half way through January they invited me into their baby bubble to document the smallest details of their sweet girl.  Even though I have known Ashley and Sean for years, I am always extra cautious when it comes to newborns and germs and established that I would not touch/hold baby or even hug Ashley or Sean upon greeting them.  With a baby's immune system being so fragile I don’t want to risk getting them sick or spreading unwanted germs to them.

I arrive the Ashley and Sean’s home and am greeted warmly by Ashley at the front door.  She leads me upstairs where Sean holds their sweet babe in just one of hands.  I take a look around the nursery while catching up with new parents and we began the shoot!

We did some photos in the nursery and I had noted the large window along the staircase and wanted to grab some shots with the afternoon light pouring in.

I also noticed the lighting coming in the office/guest room and figured we could get some photos on the bed as well.  And, of course, we included Ashley and Sean’s first baby.

After about an hour of us hanging out, changing outfits, talking about all things baby, I parted from my friend’s home and headed to mine where I edited the most precious moments and details of a newborn’s first month of life.  If I could give any advice, I would highly recommend hiring a photographer to capture your newborn’s first few weeks, these moments are fleeting and to have professional images of their little toes and ears, lips and eyes, those are just priceless.

IG: @ByBelenPhoto