I’ve been meaning to write this blog about in-home newborn photography for some time! But, you know. Life!
My name is Jo and I am an in-home newborn photographer serving Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula . I specialise in relaxed newborn baby photography, done in the comfort of a clients’ home. This differs from a typical studio experience of newborn photography, and this blog is just a space for me explain what the main differences are- and what you might need to consider if you are a client trying to decide between studio or in-home newborn photography.
Style
Firstly- the main difference in studio newborn photography versus in-home newborn photography is the style. Studio newborn photography tends to be a little more posed and polished. The styling and light are consistent, making it is easier to predict what the final newborn photographs will look like. The photographer usually uses their own props, adding to the overall consistent look and feel of the photography.
In-home newborn photography differs from home to home. Whilst the photographer will use their knowledge to get the best possible lighting scenarios, the differing interiors and colours of each home give each gallery its’ own theme. Photographers will often use the client’s own blankets or swaddles to wrap the baby in, and this also has a strong influence on the outcome of the photographs.
The two examples below give an example of how in-home newborn baby photography can differ from home to home.
In the two above examples, both the lighting and the client’s decor influence the final newborn baby photography.
Light
This is something that is often not considered by clients, but always considered by photographers (or at least it should be!) Honestly? Light can be the difference between an average newborn photography session, and a great one. This is where you could say that studio newborn photography has somewhat of an advantage. Studios have consistency of light, helping photographers deliver the best possible images during every session.
In-home newborn photography offers extremely diverse lighting scenarios (see above photographs). Each house has different shaped windows, all facing in different directions. There’s also the possibility of things such as trees/other buildings/porches obstructing that light. All of these factors combined lead to a different lighting outcome for each gallery, and this needs to be considered. Your photographer should have the skill to make the newborn session work and make the best of the existing light, advising the client of the best rooms to use. In the case where there is very little or absolutely no natural light available for use (and this can happen in Melbourne), the photographer may opt to take the images outside.
Variety & Bespoke Imagery
One of the important factors where in-home newborn photography trumps a studio-style session, is the variety of images that the photographer can capture. Many people are very proud of their home, and in particular a baby’s nursery that they may have worked on prior to their arrival. Incorporating aspects of a clients’ home is something that certain people value, as well as the nostalgia of being able to look back on a certain time in their life. We all remember looking back at old photos as ourselves as kids, and the old decor in our childhood homes!
Additionally, some people have unique aspects of their home, that really defines them and their personalities. This would be extremely hard to capture in a studio environment, so an in-home photoshoot would be the perfect choice for those families.
Including Pets
Leading on from the previous point, many Melbourne families want to include their beloved furbaby into the photoshoot. This could potentially be tricky in a studio environment. Personally for me, I would say one third to one half of my Melbourne clients request that their doggies are included in their photography session. Keeping the session in-home can keep the pet relaxed in their familiar environment.
Siblings
One of the main reasons that a client would choose an in-home session for their newborn baby photoshoot is because they already have a child, who is likely to be of a toddler age. Keeping a toddler in their own environment is often preferable, so they can be entertained easily whenever they are not needed for any photos.
Convenience
This probably should have been point number one, but honestly the main reason that a client books an in-home session over a studio session is the convenience. Parents have just had a baby- a huge adjustment! The idea of getting themselves and a baby (and potentially a sibling) ready to leave the house for a photoshoot might just seem like a bit much in these early days.
Even those who are living in a space that they don’t want photographed, can still capture beautiful images of their newborn baby, with the photographer’s skills of utilising existing pockets of light. Both of the images below were taken in an apartment.
So to conclude, there are several compelling reasons why a client would opt for an in-home newborn baby session, over a studio session. Whilst newborn studio photography offers consistency with light and colour, in-home photography offers variety, convenience and a gallery that the reflects the clients' personality.
If you are interested in booking an in-home newborn photography session with Jo, click on the link below and you’ll find all the details that will help you with your decision.
Jo is a natural light photographer specialising in families and newborn babies, serving Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.