In-Home Newborn Photos
Marlo Moody Photography - Tallahassee, Florida
Babies don’t keep! A well-known saying that is vividly true. Nothing stays the same when raising children, especially those initial few weeks and months after bringing your newborn home. My approach to newborn (baby) pictures is unique because I truly focus and listen to the baby. The goal is to be comfortable, relaxed, and connected to each other. I will never do any uncomfortable poses with the baby. The baby is the boss at my newborn photo sessions. I believe newborn babies belong in their parent’s arms as much as possible. And love seeing parents’ hands embracing their newborn. My desire is to orchestrate moments between family members that allow me to truly show the images of your beauty, love, and warmth. A close romantic setting with joy in between is how I want you to feel when you view your images. The raw and real details of a newborn are beautiful to capture. The tiny ten toes, small hands that rely on mom, and all the different faces and sounds sum up the newborn life. I hope the answers below will help ease any concerns or answer any questions you might have about having a photographer come into your home days or weeks after you bring your precious newborn home from the hospital.
Below are a few questions that I get asked about my “In-home Newborn” sessions.
“Oh, I can’t do in-home sessions my house is a mess!” - You are not alone in feeling this way and pondering this thought. I actually experience the same feeling when I hired a photographer to come into my home after my son was born. First, try to let this go in your heart and mind. I completely understand the lack of sleep and having no time to do anything but focus on keeping your new baby alive. When you book with me, I will ask you to send me pictures of specific spaces around your home so that I can have a great idea of where I want to direct the photo session. If something is in my way while taking pictures we will discuss possibly shifting items. Most of my images during the in-home session are focused on the details of the baby, parents, and siblings. Close connection that doesn’t show anything around you. The baby, parents, and siblings are in full frame most of the time. I like to use two to three spots around your home but can get a wonderful gallery of pictures from one spot next to a window. Don’t worry about your floors, the stack of laundry, or the pile of dishes. Our homes are meant to be lived in.
Where will you take the photos? - I like to use a variety of spots around your home to give you different pictures in your gallery. You know your home the best, so think of good spots that have the best window and natural light spots. Spots I will look around when I first arrive will be the nursery, master bedroom, living room, doorways, windows, etc.. I typically will pick two to three spots but have done newborn sessions in one location with a good window before.
Blankets/props - I do not have any props or blankets but you are welcome to provide them during the session. I ask that you share with me what you will be using before so I can be prepared. I will try to take images of the baby without clothing and swaddled plus incorporate anything that you might have. I want to make sure to get the tiny details of your newborn without too much clothing. In other words, keep it simple.
What to wear - Remember to be comfortable and coordinated. Be you! First, look around your home. Is your home neutral or vibrant colors, clean and classic, or maybe bohemian or hipster? Whatever your home style is try to coordinate what you wear with your home décor. This will keep your pictures clean and fresh looking. Be comfortable and the BEST version of yourself. Try and stay away from neon colors or any big logos/patterns. Moms pick something that is comfortable and makes you feel amazing! Texture T-shirts give the pictures depth and bonus they are comfortable.
Location - Your home! Of course, homes located in Tallahassee, Florida, Thomasville, Georgia, Crawfordville, Florida, Wakulla, Florida, Indian Pass, St. George Island, Appalachia, Florida are all areas that I can travel and would be honored to come to your home to capture these newborn moments with you.
Time - The best time for in-home baby photo sessions to start is around 10 am to 10:30 am. This time seems to work great with newborns but also with the lighting in your home. I do ask my clients to send me pictures of their homes around this time so I can look at the light that comes into the house and the specific space I want to organize your session flow. Don’t worry about the baby needing to stop and feed or change diapers. Remember, I will let the newborn be the boss of the photo session. I will not be in any rush and want to enjoy these moments with you.
When should I book? You can book with me anytime. Before the baby has arrived or after. If you book before I will block out the days around your expected due date. You can let me know when you are back home from the hospital and we can start discussing the specific date that works for you. If you book me after the birth, I highly suggest emailing me within the first three weeks. We all know babies grow so quickly and we want to capture the newborn details. My schedule is flexible during the weekday. If you are wanting a weekend we can discuss it before you book.
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