The Best Newborn Photography Location

Many of my South Tampa newborn photography clients ask for my opinion on preferred locations for their newborn session and I undoubtedly suggest their home as the number one location.

*While photographing newborn babies in exotic outdoor locations may seem like a great idea, it’s not something I suggest for newborn sessions. Here’s why photographing your little one at home is the best possible place to capture those first photos:

1. Point Blank - Your Home is the Most Comfortable Location! It has everything you need to facilitate a successful photo shoot. You have access to your cozy couches and especially your rocking chair should you need to feed your baby.

2. Everything You Need Is Within Your Reach! You have access to your changing table for the event that your little one has a blow out. Baby clothes, blankets, bottle warmers/formula/bottles, pacifiers are all at your finger tips.

3. You Have Control Over the Temperature! The weather and outdoor elements do not pertain to your photo session; therefore, rain, wind, heat/humidity, too much sun or lack there of, is not a concern for your family.

4. You Can Capture Your Home Environment! Creating your baby’s first memories in your home environment allows you to remember some of the details of the home you brought your baby into after delivery.

* Some common concerns on why many clients feel reluctant to set up the session in their home:

Many clients worry that their home might be too dark, they don’t love their home decor, they don’t have a nursery setup yet, the house is too cluttered or messy or small in their opinion, there are other family members and/or dogs. The list goes on but I can assure you that these worries do not and should not concern your photographer!

There are many ways around all of these in-home photo session issues. As for me - I bring a flash unit and defusers to all of my in-home newborn photography sessions in the event that the light really is that bad but I find that it mostly isn’t, in the majority of cases. My Nikon camera and variety of lenses function extremely well in low light conditions and that paired with a working knowledge of light and how to utilize natural light make for some exquisite photographs. Messes and clutter can be hidden and not shown. Smaller spaces simply require wider angle lenses and can still be captured wonderfully. Other family members like other children, pets, grandparents, aunts/uncles, you name it - all are welcome to participate!

I recently captured this beautiful family below (scroll down to see some of my favorites from their lifestyle newborn session). In the beginning we went back and forth on if they wanted to do the session in-home or on-location. They were concerned with the home being too dark but I ensured them that I was completely equipped to capture photo shoots in lower lit environments. So we landed on doing an in-home lifestyle newborn session. And let me tell you - no flash was needed! So much natural light poured into the home when we simply opened the blinds & my amazing camera equipment surly did its job :-)

Lifestyle Newborn Session with Older Children in Tampa Florida

Lifestyle newborn sessions with older children are the most fun to photograph! The older siblings are usually very excited to welcome their new baby brother or sister into the home and I aim to capture their pure joy!

Photographing newborns and their families in the home is the most comfortable location for the children because it is familiar and they are typically less timid about getting their photos done. I usually start with posed shots so everyone can get comfortable and let’s be real here, everyone usually wants at least one photo with everyone looking and smiling at the camera so it’s perfect :-) I then work in some joyful, spontaneous and natural type shots, which are my favorites because I truly love freezing those genuine moments in time and creating memories for them to cherish <3

I had the privilege of capturing the newborn session for this beautiful family of five. The older sisters were just enamored by their new baby sister, Eleanor. They loved getting to take pictures holding her and had such a sweet time together. We captured photos in a few different places around the home and also in the yard. We did some of my favorite types of newborn shots and also incorporated a few fun props like the gorgeous award winning Design Dua Bassinet, a banner, cute hats and headbands & let’s not forget the family dog too!

Check out some of my favorites from the session below:

Is An Outdoor Newborn Photography Session Right For You?

Some potential clients struggle to decide if they would prefer to do their newborn photo session inside of their home or on-location at a local venue?

I will always recommend their home as the best newborn session location: Click Here to read why; however, I do believe that outdoor locations can and do work well too!

Here Are a Few Reasons Why You Might Want to Schedule An Outdoor Newborn Session:

1. You don’t want to do them in your home (point blank): Some clients prefer not to do them in their home for whatever reason and that is ok (maybe they are in transition with packing and/or just moved into a new home or maybe they are currently residing with in-laws), there can be a whole host of personal reasons and those reasons shouldn’t deter you from capturing your baby’s first moments of life as a newborn.

2. You live further away and would like to commute to your preferred photographer’s designated location: Many clients opt to commute when they prefer to work with a specific photographer who might be further away from their home and they opt to meet at one of the photographer’s designated and well photographed at areas.

3. You love the outdoors and prefer bright and vibrant colors and beautiful backgrounds: There are so many choices for outdoor scenes, especially in South Florida, where you can pretty much photography outdoors all year long. From luscious green grass and oak trees, to sandy beaches lined with palm trees, to mangroves, to bay or ocean water, the options are endless here.

4. You can have a little more fun with your wardrobe selection: You can select clothing styles and colors to compliment your location and look. Have fun with pretty options and accessories.

5. You can incorporate blankets & props easily: small throw blankets are a great item to bring to get those snuggly shots on the ground and small props/bassinets can be nice to get a few photos of the baby alone.

6. You can’t beat that outdoor light: whether is the direct sun at sunset or in the shade, the natural outdoor light is the most gorgeous! You can often find good light in the home by a window but you absolutely won’t be fighting for it outside.

7. You just want to get out of the house: you just had a baby and have been in your home every single day since and while it is more convenient to do a session at home, it will feel great to get out and enjoy a little time under the sun.

How To Capture a Great Newborn Photo Anywhere

To capture a great newborn photo just about anywhere, see a few tips below:

When my sister-in-law stopped by my house for a quick visit with my adorable nephew, only ten-days-old, I just had to grab a few photos of him with my camera while he was this tiny and new. I didn’t want to create a whole newborn session scene, I just wanted to document a few quick images of him. I used my professional Nikon Z6; however, you can get a great shot with just about any camera or phone if you follow these easy steps:

• Make sure the baby is fed and changed first: this will make for a smooth and stress free situation.

• Pick a cozy spot with great window light: for example, a couch, a chair, a bed, a shaggy rug, etc. (I chose my couch and the wooden floors next right next to our large living room window)

• Completely declutter the area: so there’s nothing unwanted in the background (we moved the baby bag, stroller & toys so there was nothing at all in the background, we also arranged and fluffed the couch cushions and pillows)

• Grab a few baby items that can be used as natural props: for example, baby blankets, swaddle cloths, knit hats, etc. (in our case, we used a tiny pillow, a blue and white swaddle cloth, a gray blanket, a white basket & a tiny gray and white knit hat)

• Position the baby so that they’re facing the window: this will create a bright and beautiful photo using natural light so you won’t need to use a flash. (my back was to the window but I didn’t block the light and baby boy was facing me and the window)

  • How to position the baby?

  • swaddle ~ using your favorite baby blanket or cloth, swaddle the baby nice and tight. This will give him or her a womb like effect and they will be calm & constrained whether awake or asleep it works wonders

  • sleeping ~ if you can manage to get them to sleep, use a little pillow or fabric and lay them down on their stomach.

Adventurous Family Photography On Your Boat

Tampa Bay is a very popular place to own a boat! There are inlets with ocean access pretty much everywhere. So when this family had the idea to take their boat out on an adventure to a beautiful beach location for their newborn session, I was all in and ready for the adventure!

Why you should take your boat out for an adventurous family photo session?

• To create a joyful family experience (the kids love to go out on the boat so why not have them get all dressed up, jump on & head to one of your favorite spots?!)

• To capture the memories (you take your boat out on the weekends and for special occasions so why not capture it professionally?!)

• To choose a unique location (let’s face it, some of the more exotic spots aren’t exactly accessible by car so why not head over to that beautiful inlet, island, sandbar or lighthouse for that dreamy photo session vibe?!)

• To cherish the adventure (there’s always an exhilarating element about exploring a new place by boat so why not imagine photographing your family all around that cool boat only area?!)

I was supposed to capture this family’s maternity session at the beautiful Lighthouse Point location; however, the date we had scheduled back in March got postposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic’s statewide shutdown to non-essential businesses. They ended up having the baby and waiting a good three months to finally schedule his newborn session. It was honestly a perfect family photo shoot. The baby was super adorable, chunky, sat up in a basket, smiled for me, cooed, laughed at his family & even slept; meanwhile, big sister was just the cutest and loved running from spot to spot to capture more images. We really worked the entire area, from the lighthouse, to the rocks, to the sand and ocean, to the sea grape bushes. We even included grandma in on the fun!

Check out some of my favorites below:

Lifestyle Newborn Session with an Older Newborn

I’m back on the blog! It has been a wild year to say the least! I started blogging again back in February and then … bam … Corona Virus hit in March and put a complete halt to everything! The new norm ~ lifestyle photography with older newborn babies is a thing!

All non-essential businesses were on lock down here in South Florida for a solid two months (between March & May) and sometime in between, I got really sick ~ Covid-19 maybe?! I still don’t know what I had but thankfully I am better than ever :-) I started back up with my photography at the end of May and have had a nice steady flow of newborn, family & maternity sessions ever since!

One of the things that somewhat changed through the photography process was photographing newborn sessions at a much later date! In the past, I typically photographed babies between 1-3 weeks; however, after Covid and because of precautions, some families were opting to wait until 2-3 months of age. I actually don’t mind waiting this long and discovered that the “older newborns” are much more fun to photograph!

*Here’s why?

-They are much more alert & awake and have wide open eyes that seem to stare right into the lens

-They have put on a few pounds so they have those adorable rosy & chunky cheeks :-)

-They are more interactive and react to Mama & Dada’s voice

-They are just starting to smile

Here is my most recent “older newborn” session. Handsome little guy, Nash, is two months old here. He was super alert, looked into the camera a ton with those beautiful pensive eyes & he just loved interacting with his parents. We met at a local park and enjoyed a little sunshine and lots of humidity before the rain came right after our photo shoot! It was great getting to meet and capture this adorable family for the first time <3 

Why You Should Select a Preferred Newborn Session

There are many benefits to choosing a two hour newborn session

I have decided to offer lifestyle newborn session options. This will allow clients to decide for themselves which photo shoot will work best for their family. I have a range of clients with completely different needs and I wanted to be able to offer various time frames, price points, prop options and digital collections.

Families have the choice of selecting between three different lifestyle newborn sessions:

• The Preferred Newborn Session

• The Petite Newborn Session

• The Miniature Newborn Session

* Why You Should Select a Preferred Newborn Session:

• If you would like extra time to allot for breaks to feed and change your baby because lets be real, newborns are unpredictable and might need a diaper change after that blowout or they might simply be wanting to eat every 30 minutes during that growth spurt.

• If you would like to include other family members (i.e. siblings, grandparents, pets) more time is needed to transition the baby into different situations; such as, being photographed with the whole family, with all of the siblings, with each sibling, with grandparents, etc. or incorporating a pet, the variations are endless and time flys by when you’re having fun.

• If you would like more prop and accessory options available you need time to change setups

• If you would like a more relaxed environment that doesn’t feel rushed, then more time is essential.

• If you would like to change up the scene and capture portraits in locations (i.e. the nursery, your older kids rooms, the living room, your backyard or local park) you definitely need more time.

• If you would like more digital images included in your session fee

• If you would like more digitals included in your session fee, more time means more opportunities to take a larger amount of photos

• If you would like ALL of the digital images included

This lovely family below opted for a preferred newborn session

It made sense because they are a family of six with four little ones seven and under! Little Baby Hope was a sweet little thing to capture but she did require a few feedings and diaper changes (don’t they all). We were able to capture their session in various rooms throughout their home (i.e. parents bedroom, nursery, family room and backyard! I was able to capture all four siblings together, the older kids holding the baby, the whole family, each parent holding the baby and the baby alone in various setups, I even captured each of the older children as well because they were all at different ages and stages so we wanted to capture them too <3

Finding the Best Location In Your Home for Your Newborn Session

When preparing for a newborn photo session at home, finding the best location is key to capturing beautiful and timeless images of your little one.

Look for a space with ample natural light, such as a room with large windows or a cozy corner bathed in sunlight.

Consider the nursery, your bedroom, or the living room as potential locations. Keep in mind that simplicity is often best, so choose a spot with minimal distractions in the background. A neutral-colored wall or a well-loved armchair can serve as the perfect backdrop for your baby's first portraits.

Take a few moments to observe how the light filters into different areas of your home at various times of the day. Early morning or late afternoon light tends to be softer and more flattering for photography. Positioning your baby near a window can create a beautifully lit setting for those precious moments you want to capture.

Ultimately, the best location for your newborn session is one where you and your baby feel comfortable and relaxed. Whether it's a sweet nursery nook or a cozy corner by the window, choose a space that reflects your style and allows your little one to shine. With a touch of natural light and a sprinkle of love, you'll create stunning images to cherish for years to come.

*Session Highlight: I first photographed this family at their Mini Maternity Session. During that session, the Mama happily exclaimed: “yes, I’m having another precious little guy!” So when she reached out a few months later inquiring about our “lifestyle newborn session,” I was excited to get to see and photograph them all again! The newborn session went very well. We captured the entire session in her bedroom utilizing the beautiful natural light that was coming from their window. The littlest “big brother” was a ham and stole the show on some of the photos. I loved the light that flooded into the room and the bright white blankets. These moments captured were such sweet memories for this family.

*Clink the link to check out their mini maternity session (they are 4th from the top):

https://athenaleilaphotography.com/athena-leila-photography-blog/fall-mini-sessions-day-2

Scroll down to check out some of my favorites from their newborn session below:

Photographing Multiples: Twins and Toddlers

Photographing multiples and toddlers can be both challenging and rewarding so when I received the inquiry for a newborn session with not only twins but also their two & three year old siblings I was up for the adventure of photographing four kiddos three and under!

Capturing the energy and spontaneity of toddlers requires patience and a flexible approach. When dealing with multiples, such as twins or siblings close in age, it's important to pay attention to their individual personalities while also aiming to create cohesive images that reflect their bond.

For toddlers, keep your sessions short and sweet, allowing them to explore and play while you capture genuine moments. Be prepared to move quickly and have a variety of props or toys on hand to keep their interest.

When photographing multiples, focus on creating compositions that highlight their connection and interactions. Encourage them to engage with each other naturally while also guiding them when needed to ensure you get the shots you envision.

Overall, photographing multiples and toddlers requires a balance of patience, creativity, and spontaneity. Embrace the chaos, enjoy the process, and let their personalities shine through your lens.

*Session Highlight: I arrived at this multiples session and it was probably one of the most peaceful settings, considering the fact that four little ones resided there. The twins were fast asleep so we swaddled them up with my soft cloth wraps and jumped right into it. The older two were as sweet as could be and did very well with cooperating for all of the photos :-) It was super smooth and we were able to get all of these shoots in about 2 hours. We ended our session with the twins swaddled together in a basket.

Check out a glimpse into the photo shoot below:

The Importance of Being In Your Newborn Session

Many times clients attempt to photograph their own newborn sessions but then quickly realize that they aren’t able to truly capture the beauty of this new season if they (or their partners) aren’t in the the photographs!

When I received the inquiry that this beautiful Mama was interested in a newborn photo session as soon as possible, I cleared space in my calendar to accommodate her family. She opted for an in-home lifestyle newborn session to capture the essence of her beautiful little girl and family. She had unsuccessfully attempted to photograph the baby by herself but ended up deciding to hire a professional at the last minute so that she and her husband could also be in the images.

The Importance of Parents Being Present in the Lifestyle Newborn Session

When it comes to capturing precious moments in a newborn session, having parents present plays a crucial role in not only creating beautiful images but also preserving memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Parents are an integral part of their baby's life from the very beginning. Including them in the newborn session allows for a natural and authentic representation of the family bond. The love, connection, and emotions shared between parents and their newborn can be beautifully captured in these sessions.

Moreover, parents bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to the newborn during the session. Their presence soothes the baby, making the environment more relaxed and conducive to capturing those tender moments. Parents can also provide valuable insights into their baby's routines, preferences, and personality, helping the photographer to tailor the session accordingly.

Being present in the newborn session enables parents to actively participate in creating timeless images that they will treasure as their child grows. It allows them to be part of the storytelling process and capture the essence of their family dynamics during this special time.

In essence, parents play a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and outcome of a lifestyle newborn session. Their presence adds depth, meaning, and authenticity to the photographs, making them more than just images but true reflections of love, connection, and family bonds.

This newborn session was so perfectly quaint and calm. We captured the majority of our photos in the nursery. I adored the natural colors and tones which consisted of white, cream/tan, and lots of greenery. We used all of the pretty blankets, sheets, headbands and all of the pretty items around the room to highlight the baby in the images. We captured the emotion and love that goes along with having a newborn, filled with lots of snuggles, kisses, hugs, and admiration of this tiny little person. The couple was so natural and the baby incredibly calm and sleepy. She woke up at the end so we were able to capture those bright eyed images as well. Check out the session below.

Seven Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Newborn Photographer

Seven Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Newborn Photographer

If you’re considering hiring a newborn photographer to capture those precious early moments of your little one’s life, here are seven important questions to ask before making your decision:

1. Experience and Style: How long have you been photographing newborns, and can you describe your photography style? Understanding the photographer’s experience and artistic approach will help you determine if their work aligns with your vision.

2. Safety Measures: What safety precautions do you take when posing and handling newborns during photo sessions? It’s crucial to ensure that the photographer prioritizes the safety and comfort of your baby throughout the entire process.

3. Portfolio and References: Can you provide examples of your previous newborn photography work, and do you have any client references I can contact? Reviewing the photographer’s portfolio and hearing from past clients can give you valuable insights into the quality of their work and customer satisfaction.

4. Session Details: What is included in the newborn photography session package, and how long does a typical session last? Clarifying the session details, including any props or outfits provided, can help you prepare for the day of the shoot and manage your expectations.

5. Availability and Scheduling: When should I schedule the newborn photo session, and how far in advance do I need to book your services? Newborn photography sessions are usually best done within the first two weeks of birth, so understanding the photographer’s availability and booking process is essential.

6. Editing Process: What is your editing process like, and how long does it take to receive the final edited images? Knowing how the photographer enhances and retouches the photos can give you an idea of the final look and timeline for receiving your precious memories.

7. Cost and Packages: What are your pricing options and packages, and are there any additional fees I should be aware of? Understanding the overall cost and what is included in each package will help you budget accordingly and avoid any unexpected expenses.

By asking these seven questions before hiring a newborn photographer, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you entrust your baby’s first moments to a skilled and professional photographer.

*Session Highlight: I first met and photographed this family at their prior “Mini Maternity Session” so when they contacted me to capture their newborn session I was excited to photograph them again. Since we worked together prior to the newborn session, they already had the opportunity to view my portfolio and pricing, experience my style, editing and workflow and were truly looking forward to working together again.

Its always great to capture the same family for multiple photo shoot needs (i.e. maternity, newborn, family, birthday parties, etc.) because we have the opportunity to get to know each other better with each session and we become more familiar with one another. It’s easier for families (especially the kids) to be themselves in front of the camera to someone who isn’t a stranger anymore ;-) I personally love being able to document families as they grow and change and it is such a joy to be in their lives, the kids recognize me and look forward to the fun they’ll have during the session and don’t want me to leave.

Click the link below to check out some favorites from their maternity session (they’re the third family from the top):

https://athenaleilaphotography.com/athena-leila-photography-blog/fall-mini-sessions-day-1

What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session

At Athena Leila Photography, we strive to capture the precious moments of your newborn's early days in the comfort of your own home and/or on-location.

Here is what you can expect during your in-home newborn photography session:

1. Preparation: Prior to the session, we will communicate with you to discuss the details and answer any questions you may have. We recommend selecting a room with good natural light for the session. We will scout out the rooms with the best light when we arrive.

2. Timing: Newborn sessions typically last between 1 to 2 hours to allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and capturing those intimate moments. We will schedule your session in the middle of the morning, around 10a for in-home lifestyle newborn sessions.

3. Comfort: Your baby's comfort and safety are our top priorities. We work at the baby's pace, taking breaks as needed for feeding, changing, or cuddling.

4. Props: We will bring a small selection of props and/or accessories to enhance the photos, but feel free to incorporate any special items you would like to include in the session.

5. Family Involvement: We encourage parents and siblings to participate in the photoshoot to capture the love and connection within the family.

6. Patience: Newborn photography requires patience as babies can be unpredictable. We are experienced in handling newborns and will work calmly to create beautiful images.

7. Artistic Vision: Our photography style is natural and timeless, focusing on the intimate bond between you and your baby. We aim to create portraits that you will cherish for years to come.

8. Post-Processing: After the session, we carefully select and edit the best images to ensure they meet our high standards of quality and aesthetics.

9. Delivery: Within a few weeks of the session, you will receive a gallery of edited images for you to view, download, and share with your loved ones.

We look forward to capturing the joy and tenderness of this special time in your family's life. If you have any further questions or specific requests, feel free to reach out to us.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

• Babies are unpredictable, you don’t know if they will be content or fussy

• They will require several feeding breaks, which also includes time for burping

• They will require one or more diaper changes, most likely even a diaper blowout

• There will be clothing changes (whether by choice or if he or she happens to spit up on their clothing or even on you or your husband resulting in your clothing change)

• Even if you opt for no clothing or just a diaper … time is needed for swaddling and re-swaddling

• Now that you’ve fed and changed the baby multiple times guess what … we still need more time to settle them and get them to sleep for those adorable sleepy shots everyone loves … this is usually the easy part but some babies out there decide that they do not want to sleep for the first 2 hours of the session

• Factor in extra time if you are wanting to use props and get them to sleep in cute accessories

• If you have other children (especially toddlers), add-on more time because the odds are they might not cooperate like you thought, especially if they somehow missed a nap that day

• If you’d like more than one look, as in …. not just in the nursery or not just at the park, but maybe you want to capture images indoors and outdoors as well, it will take a bit of time to pack up and maybe even drive to a different location

Check out this newborn session below. I captured a variety of images in the nursery & parent’s room, then we jumped in our cars and headed to the beach, which was 10-minutes away. I captured the family, the baby alone, the siblings, Mom with the baby, Dad with the baby and then did many of those same shots at the beach.

Newborn Photography with Multiple Siblings

Capturing the precious moments shared between a newborn and their older siblings is a heartwarming experience. As they gaze in wonder at the newest addition to the family, there is a bond that begins to form, one that will grow and strengthen over the years.

The innocence of a newborn, cradled in the arms of their protective older sibling, creates a touching tableau of familial love. The gentle touch of tiny fingers atop a soft blanket, the shared look of curiosity and affection – these are the moments that tug at the heartstrings and etch themselves into the family's memories forever.

In these photos, we see the contrast between the wide-eyed wonder of the older child and the serene tranquility of the newborn. The juxtaposition of youth and new life is a testament to the circle of life and the joy that each child brings to the family.

Through the lens of the camera, we freeze these fleeting moments in time, preserving the innocence, love, and connection that bind siblings together. The newborn photography session with older siblings is not just about capturing images; it is about capturing emotions, creating memories, and celebrating the beauty of family.

As the children grow older, these photographs will serve as a cherished reminder of the bonds that were formed in those early days. They will look back on these images and be transported back to a time of innocence, wonder, and unconditional love.

I absolutely love capturing newborn sessions when older siblings are involved! It is so sweet to get to witness their absolute awe and wonder as they see their beautiful new sibling, that’s been living in Mommy’s belly for the past nine months. The focus is still the baby, so we focus on those images that show the other children loving on the baby.

*My Must Have Sibling Shots are:

• Holding & snuggling the baby in various ways (if the older sibling is old enough & trust worthy enough of course!)

• Kissing the baby on the cheek

• Gently touching the baby’s face or tickling their toes

• Spending time with Mama who is holding the baby

Check out this sweet ALL outdoor newborn session that incorporates three older sibling below:

All Outdoor Newborn Photography

Outdoor newborn photography offers a unique and refreshing perspective on capturing those precious moments with your little one. The natural light, gentle breezes, and picturesque backgrounds of outdoor settings create a serene and organic backdrop for your baby's first portraits. From lush green parks to serene lakeside locations, outdoor newborn photography provides a beautiful canvas to showcase the pure and delicate essence of your newest family member. The soft lighting and natural elements add a touch of whimsy and tranquility to the photos, creating timeless memories that you and your child can cherish for years to come.

I aim to capture the entire family in a few different scenes, mama & baby, dad & baby, baby alone & the siblings! When there are big brothers or sisters I also love to sneak in some photos of them alone (during the breaks) because they need to be documented too :-)

I captured this sweet family in their community area. There wasn't one bit of sunshine, only clouds ... but thankfully it didn't rain until after the session!! Their love towards one another was enough to light up a room. Check out some of my favorites below.

A Little Bit of Grain: Indoor Newborn Photography

Photography grain refers to the visible texture or graininess in an image, often caused by the film or sensor sensitivity capturing the light. While some may view grain as a flaw, others appreciate it as an artistic element that adds character and emotion to a photograph.

The presence of grain can create a vintage or gritty aesthetic, enhancing the mood and style of the image. Whether intentional or unintentional, the use of grain in photography can evoke a sense of nostalgia or rawness, adding a unique dimension to the visual storytelling. Photographers may choose to embrace or reduce grain through various techniques during shooting or post-processing, ultimately shaping the final look and feel of their work.

One thing about photographing newborn sessions completely indoors, using only window light, is the fact that there may be some "grain" in the images. Since I am a natural light shooter the window light is sometimes not enough so I have to increase my camera's ISO to achieve that bright & colorful look that I so very much love. This added grain does not in anyway reduce the quality of these images, but rather it increases their character. 

This family decided to capture the entire session in their baby girl's nursery which was a little bit low in light but still beautiful. It worked out wonderfully! We were able to capture a nice variety or family shots, mama & baby, dada & baby, and lastly baby alone. All of the items in their room become natural props (i.e. the crib, rocking chair, changing table & guest bed).

Frequently Asked Questions: Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Lifestyle newborn photography is a unique niche that is up there among my favorites to capture!

What is lifestyle newborn photography: Lifestyle newborn photography captures the essence of newborns in a natural, candid way, focusing on portraying the authentic moments and emotions of those precious early days. Unlike traditional posed newborn sessions, lifestyle newborn photography aims to document the real-life interactions and connections between the baby, family members, and their environment.

Where does lifestyle newborn photography take place: This style of photography often takes place in the comfort of the family's home (or surrounding home environment) and aim to capture the organic dynamic and excitement that a brand new baby brings to a family. The nursery, living room, bedroom or any area that has good light, are all good spots to capture some of the love and all of those sweet little details.

When does a lifestyle newborn photography session happen: The best time of day to capture a session is in the mid to late morning (Starting around 10a) because babies are usually sleepy and content in the morning. It is also a great time of time day for using natural light and surroundings to create intimate and meaningful images that reflect the joy, love, and tenderness of welcoming a new member into the family.

What source of light is used for lifestyle newborn photography: Window light is a wonderful source of light when indoors because it's soft, even and bright when there's sunshine outside. On rainy days its harder to use window light, but still possible to achieve great photos with a little bit of grain & added character.

What does lifestyle newborn photography create: Lifestyle newborn photography seeks to create timeless and genuine images that tell a story and evoke emotions for years to come.

So why do I love this form of photography? Because it's natural, it conveys emotion & evokes feelings of pure love and joy. It is just beautiful. Babies have a way of making us happy, so being on the other end of the lens is sort of a magical place to be because you can almost feel what they are feeling and rejoice with them in their new blessing from God, all while aiming to capture the most flattering angles, maximizing the use of light, capturing the atmosphere but also getting in close to vicariously bask in their delight. 

I had the privilege of documenting this family below. We were able to capture a variety of shots in the nursery, living area and their neighborhood.  amazing time. Check out some of my favorites below.