Atlanta Moms: Let’s Make Newborn Photos At Home Feel Easy

A quick intro to this post: it isn’t going to cover everything you need to know about in-home newborn sessions. I want to focus on the top three things new moms ask about my approach so it feels simple … I want you to gloss over this post and think “oh, okay, yeah we can totally have our newborn photos at home!”

What this post will talk about:

~ preparing your home for newborn photos

~ preparing your baby for newborn photos

~ what you can expect on the day of your newborn session

If you want to dive deeper, hop over to my “In-Home Newborn Photography: Frequently Asked Questions” page.

Some questions you’ll find answered on that page will include:

Why would I hire an in-home newborn photographer vs. going to a studio?

I have a wild toddler, this will never work for us … will it?

Wow, this is a big spend for our family – can you talk to me about the price of newborn photography in Atlanta and what it actually covers?

Okay, let’s get started …

Getting Your Home Ready for In-Home Newborn Photos

I can count on ONE hand the number of homes I’ve been in over the last several years that feel like they’re right off a Pinterest board. Yet as moms, we feel guilty or “less than” if our home isn’t “ready” for a guest, especially one showing up with a camera!

Take a moment and look at these pictures below:

This is what your home should look like if you have an 8 day old baby AND you’re moving in less than two months!

Baby gear, cozy blankets, tables with bottles, bags and moving boxes. This mama was worried her home was “a bit of a mess atm” and wouldn’t work for newborn photos. I had her send me a picture. I was able to look at the lighting, markup the image and sent her this reply: 

… And Her In-Home Newborn Photos Turned Out Like This

Getting Your Home Ready for Newborn Photos Doesn’t Require a Deep Clean

This is what I mean when I tell mama, “please don’t clean for me!” You have enough on your plate and we can get lovely newborn photos in a relatively small area.

A quick de-clutter, sweep, parting the curtains and just creating a little clear corner is all that’s necessary. I bring everything I need, like lighting and posing aides, so having a top-to-bottom tidy  house really isn’t necessary. It’s a stress I want new mamas to let go of!

What Does My Baby Need to Wear For Their Newborn Session?

After concern about the home, the second thing that moms often worry about it this. What will my baby wear for her session?

This is one area in which I have spent years curating my newborn photography experience for busy mamas. Your baby can simply be clean, have a full tummy and be in a diaper (wrapped in a blanket or something warm).

I have an extensive styling inventory with years of carefully curated wraps, props, swaddles, outfits, accessories and more. 

Some families have an outfit in mind and I always try to accommodate, but to achieve the coordinated and styled looks you see in my body of work, I have amassed thousands of dollars worth of options and the studio setups come to you. 

What To Expect – Realistically – On Newborn Session Day

1. I text when I’m headed to your home with a more specific ETA, this gives you a head’s up so you can time diaper changes, finishing a feed, etc.
   
2. Once I arrive, I look around your home and make sure we’ve selected the best spots to photograph your family.
   
3. I set everything up! Unloading my equipment and getting everything set up can take around twenty minutes so this is a great time to really finish feeding your baby into a deep sleep.
   
4. We photograph! Depending on the rhythm of your family this may mean siblings and family first then posed baby or maybe we flip that if baby is sleeping well and we’re not working around the whims of a restless toddler.
   
5. Sessions take between 2.5 and 3.5 hours from start to finish.
   
6. Then I pack up and leave you in your space, that’s it! No loading everyone up and driving back home because you’re already there.
   

Let’s Chat Newborn Photos!

Here’s what I find most reassuring to new parents about my approach to newborn photography in Atlanta:  we’re not on the clock.

My sessions are untimed and I don’t book more than one family per day. Meaning we have time for toddler meltdowns and snacks. There’s space for feeding and changing your baby. We can sit and chat while you finish a cup of hot coffee and I gently pose your newborn for photos.

It’s such a sweet time designed to specifically support the new rhythms of a home and a family that’s just added a new baby. 

If you’re looking for an Atlanta newborn photographer who specializes in bringing the studio to you, creating a stress free space and combining posed images AND family … I might be the photographer for you.

You’re welcome to read more about my approach on my Newborn Sessions page or jump over to my Contact page and shoot me a quick inquiry. Even if you’re still in the looking around phase, I’m always happy to connect and help answer questions. 

If you love a little family lifestyle photography sprinkled in, I’m here for that and am always taking inspiration from other photographers who excel at lifestyle family photography. Like my friend Charis who did this poolside family photo session in Oklahoma City. Check it out for some pure summer fun!