Your newborn photoshoot:

at home or in the studio?

newborn photoshoot at home
If you are reading this, the chances are that your baby is about to arrive, or is already here – congratulations!

As a newborn photographer, my job is to help you capture and preserve the memories of this momentous time in your family’s story.

If this is your first time choosing a newborn photographer, you may be surprised at the variety of styles to choose from. 

 

We all work in different ways to create your beautiful newborn portraits. Your baby is only a newborn once, so it’s important to consider every option and choose the best fit for your family.

One of the first questions you are likely to consider, and one I am asked most often is…

 

newborn photoshoot at home

Should I choose a home or studio newborn photoshoot?

newborn baby sleeping on bed at home
While exploring your options, you will have come across two different set-ups for newborn sessions: at home or in the studio. Both of these session types are equally good for a newborn photoshoot and, with the right photographer, each will achieve unforgettable portraits of your baby’s first days of life. 
How we answer this question depends on a number of factors, which will be different from family to family.

The best fit for you will be based on your lifestyle, your favourite aesthetic, the emotional feel you’d like for your images, and the best practical solution for your family right now.

newborn photoshoot at home
I pride myself in being able to offer my clients both studio and in-home newborn photoshoot experiences, and with over 15 years of experience photographing babies, I’m ready to share my experience and advice on how to choose the right one for your family. In this article, we’ll explore the features and benefits of each session type, and the results you can expect from either.
newborn photoshoot at home
newborn photoshoot at home

Newborn Photoshoots at Home

A newborn photoshoot at home is super easy and convenient, as your photographer comes to you, bringing all equipment necessary for your baby photo session. At home, everyone is comfortable and happy (baby included!), and authentic moments are easy to come by. This allows us to create beautiful images that are completely unique to your family. Life at home just as it is right now, is something that will be well worth remembering in photos.

A newborn photoshoot at home is perfect when…

You want a completely personalised experience and a lot of variety from your gallery. Each newborn gallery from a home session has its own distinct character, colour palette and mood. We will take our time, exploring some of the more intimate aspects of your daily life with a newborn, and your genuine family interactions in your space. Of course, this is addition to the original close-up solo baby shots you would expect from a newborn photoshoot: we can easily set these up in a bedroom.

newborn photoshoot at home london
newborn photoshoot at home london
newborn photoshoot at home
newborn photoshoot at home

You have a unique or feature home, or simply want to weave in the backdrop of your cherished family home in your baby’s photographic record.  And when the weather allows, we may even be able to step outside for a few shots in the garden! One day, the images from your newborn photoshoot at home may even jog your memory and bring back the finer details of those early days.

newborn photoshoot at home
newborn photoshoot at home
There are other young children in the family. Younger children are often happiest when photographed at home in a familiar environment – even more so at a time of big change such as the arrival of a new baby. At home, siblings shots can happen more organically and strategically, slotted in your child’s existing routine. And after the sibling and family shots are done, they are able to return to their favourite activities at home (where we will gladly catch a few shots of them being the superstars they are!). 
newborn photoshoot at home
newborn photoshoot at home
family photoshoot with toddler
family photoshoot with toddler

You have practical reasons for not travelling, such as recovering from a difficult birth, your newborn adjusting to a new routine, or simply not living within an easy travelling distance of my studio.  Booking your newborn photoshoot at home means that you don’t have to give up on beautiful early baby photos, while still putting yourself and your baby’s wellbeing first.

newborn photoshoot at home
newborn photoshoot at home

Consider a studio photo session instead, when…

You are in the middle of a move or a home remodel. If home doesn’t feel quite “ready” right now, come to my studio for your session – and we will make it a home shoot next time, once things have settled down.

And don’t worry if…

You feel that your home doesn’t look perfect! Parents often worry about there not being enough light or space, or rooms not looking “picture perfect”. There will always be enough space and light for us to get great shots, and I am not shy about moving things around as necessary so we always have the best possible framing for your moments.

PS – Perfection is overrated. 🙂

newborn photo session at home
newborn photoshoot at home

Newborn Photoshoots

in the Studio

If you prefer a more minimalist look and a streamlined experience with no worries about prepping your home, visiting a fully equipped newborn photography studio is the perfect option for you. A studio newborn session can be time-effective and efficient, while still allowing those intimate family moments with your baby to unfold at a leisurely pace. 
When you come to my studio, you can expect a little home away from home.

It’s a quiet space, flooded with natural light at all times of the year, and set up so that we have everything we need in close proximity. Find out more about the studio.

newborn studio basingstoke

A newborn photoshoot in the studio is perfect when…

You love a clean, minimalistic photographic style. The studio colour palette is neutral, with wooden or white flooring and walls decorated in white to maximise the soft brightness of natural light. Photos from a studio shoot are simple and impactful, with maximum focus placed on capturing your newborn baby’s personality, and your loving interaction with them.

studio newborn shoot
studio newborn photoshoot
You’d like a home-from-home look. One of the set-ups that is most popular for newborn sessions is the bedroom look: a double bed covered in plenty of soft textured blankets and cushions, and subtle details all around you to create a simple and timeless home environment. Perfect for capturing the best, warmest, closest cuddles.
studio newborn photoshoot
studio newborn photoshoot
studio newborn photoshoot
studio newborn photoshoot

You’d like to try a few different styling options. In addition to a wide choice of textile props such as blankets, scarves and wraps, I offer my clients access to a capsule wardrobe with timeless, flattering pieces for mum and baby, from brands such as Zara, Next and other independent creators, in a variety of sizes and fabrics. 

studio wardrobe
studio wardrobe
You’d like a smaller selection of newborn portraits as a package. In this case, a Mini Session might be just the thing! My newborn mini sessions are only available in the studio, and they are a perfect way of experiencing bespoke newborn photography in an affordable way. Find out more about newborn mini sessions.

(Please note – for a longer experience and  a larger gallery, newborn Lifetime sessions are also available in the studio)

studio newborn photoshoot
studio newborn photoshoot
You are about to move, just moved or in the middle of remodelling your home. If things at home are in flux, simply come to me and leave the stress of getting the home unpacked and photo-ready for another time!
studio newborn photoshoot

Consider a newborn photo session at home instead, when…

You have other young children, or would like to include other family members in the session. While everyone is welcome, the studio is a cosy space, and full-length newborn sessions can last up to three hours – so it may be a squeeze to fit baby, mum and dad, siblings and grandparents comfortably for this long. Toddlers in particular may find the long wait a bit boring, and may rather be at home close to all their creature comforts once the family shots are done!

studio newborn photoshoot
Mum or baby may be recovering from a difficult birth, and may find travel impractical or uncomfortable. 

You’re based in London, or other locations a fair distance away from Basingstoke. Don’t let travel be a barrier to beautiful newborn photos. I am more than happy to organise a home visit to make the whole experience easier for you.

studio newborn photoshoot

And don’t worry if…

You need to feed or change yor baby during the session. We’re a no-rush zone! My studio sessions are designed around your baby’s needs just as much as home sessions. Those natural breaks in the session are absolutely essential to keep baby contented and comfortable, and you won’t be hurried at any point. With plenty of refreshments available for the grown-ups, you too can unwind and watch the magic happen in its own time.

studio newborn photoshoot

Would you like some help deciding?

If you are undecided and would like to explore pros and cons of each option in more detail, please get in touch! Every session includes a pre-shoot consultation where we discuss your family dynamic and style preferences, and arrive to the best solution to create the newborn portraits you always dreamed of.