How To Get Ready for Your IN-HOME Newborn Session – Boulder Newborn Photography

I’ve somehow been taking photographs of new babies in Boulder County for over 10 years now! Over that time, I’ve learned a few things, and thought it was time to share some answers to my most frequently asked questions about having an in-home newborn session.

What style of photographs will you take?

The style of photography you see on my website is called lifestyle photography. It’s unposed or lightly posed and I focus on the love surrounding baby’s arrival. For example, I won’t tell you how to snuggle your new baby on the couch, but I will suggest the couch as a spot to snuggle if I notice it has beautiful light.

Why won’t you tell me how to snuggle? What if we look awkward?

When my 2nd was born, we hired a newborn photographer who spent a great deal of time posing us. The photographs are lovely, but they don’t look like how I remember that time in my life. I feel no connection to those photographs now. I want to create photographs with you that look like you. I want you to see them later and be able to remember exactly how those moments felt. That said, if you do look awkward or uncomfortable I will suggest slight changes to make the photographs more visually appealing.

When should we have the session? How old is too old?

Timing with lifestyle photography is much more flexible than with posed. My ideal is to have the session in the first 2 weeks (before baby acne hits), but the babies on my website are anywhere from hours old to about 6 weeks old. The older the baby is the more awake/alert they typically are. If you are really hoping baby will sleep in the pictures, earlier is better.

What should we wear?

I recommend neutrals in soft colors. Have a few things on hand for baby because they have a tendency to go through a few things before I go. I always love a classic white onesie, but I also really enjoy a pop of color on baby (mustard is always my favorite). If you swaddle, have a few of those you love on hand. We’ll likely swaddle baby up for a few solo shots.

My house is a mess. It’s not cute like the ones I see online. We don’t have a nursery.

None of these matter. I’ve done sessions in beautifully decorated homes, in homes that are cluttered, in homes that are empty, and in homes everywhere in between. Many of the newborn sessions you see on my website had no nursery, or a nursery/office combo. We can create beautiful images in any space. I am not worried about what your space will look like. There are always comfy spots with beautiful light.

As for cleaning, a quick pick up is great. Whether you dusted or vacuumed though doesn’t show. Also, I am not shy about moving things out of the way if they will be distracting in the images.

What areas of my home will we use?

My go to spots are the living room, nursery, and parent’s room. Typically, I spent a few minutes at the beginning of our session walking around and checking out your cozy spots and the light in your home.

What time of day?

Morning is my favorite. The light is beautiful. Everyone is typically perkier, and this is especially true if baby has toddler/preschool aged older siblings.

Do you like working with older siblings?

Absolutely, yes. I adore toddlers, 2-year olds especially. I love that they are 100% genuine. I’ll often spend some time at the beginning focused on toddler and let them show me their toys/room/whatever. If kiddo is anxious, I will do this first without my camera. When I pull it out, I will show them what it is and let them push a few buttons. This usually makes them curious and then involved in making photographs. I’ll then let them lead for a while if they want to participate. Many are curious and excited to be in the images (especially when no one is telling them they must). If they aren’t interested at the beginning of our time together, I’ll focus on solo baby shots first and save family ones for a little later. By the time we are done we are usually good friends, and it is common for me to get goodbye hugs from my littlest clients.

Are you or someone you know looking for a newborn photographer in Boulder, Colorado? Red Mountain Studio specializes in lifestyle family photography sessions in Longmont, Loveland, Erie, Louisville, Fort Collins, Lafayette, Boulder, and the Denver Metro area. ‘Like’ the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/redmountainstudio) or follow along on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/redmountainstudio) to keep up to date on news and special offers.