in-home family photos with baby

One of the things I love about photographing families is all the different ways to personalize the photos. Some people are enamored with the fall leaves, some people prefer a studio setting, and sometimes people prefer their home. Every family is different and I love thinking up ways to make that uniqueness flourish in your photographs.

In-home photos are ideal for babies and newborns especially in the months where the weather in Idaho can be extreme. Obviously you don't want to bring your newborn out into the blazing 107 degree sun (hi, July we see you). And carrying them into January's chill to sit for photos outside is a no-go. So for comfort and practicality sake, choosing your home as the location for family photos with your sweet newborn can be truly ideal.

The most common question I hear about in-home photos is- "Will my house look okay?" My answer: "YES". Okay, let me explain because I can almost hear you telling me that it's messy or there are closets We Don't Open- the only true requirement for in-home newborn (or baby!) photo looking good is adequate lighting. I opt for a natural looking lifestyle vibe, and with that- I typically do not use my camera flash.

Typically I'll choose a bedroom (I have yet to find a bedroom without enough light for the photos) and then one other room as well. Typically it's the main family room but can also be a front sitting room or base of the stairs. Really I never worry about enough light, I just know there will be enough. Sometimes people opt to send me some pics of their rooms ahead of time so I can give them a heads up to which one to make the bed in. Often we go outside and hang out there for a few minutes in the front or backyard too.

So here's how this goes: I get to your home, wash my hands and say hello to your dog and then go looking for some rooms with big windows. I know that you just had a baby and believe me when I say that I DO NOT JUDGE about the state of your home/hair/dirty socks on the floor. After I find a room or two I'll move a soap dispenser or clear off a night stand and it's no big deal. What's great about in-home photos is when we need to pause to feed the baby or change his diaper, all your things are already there.

I love love love adding the extra layer of personalization by taking the photos in home you live in. I really believe newborn and baby photographs are best taken unhurried, candid, and go at the baby's pace- there's no better way to do it than in your own home if that's what you prefer!

My greatest hope is that one day you'll look back on these photos and say "Oh I remember that house" and "How was he so small?!" Lifestyle photos at their best are photos that represent how you live and who you love and these are perfect examples of that.