Imagine this: you’re at home on a quiet Saturday morning, sunlight streaming through the windows, your kids lounging in their favourite spots, and your partner sipping coffee on the couch. The beauty of everyday life happens right there in your home, and that’s exactly what we want to capture. In one unforgettable session last year, a family’s living room turned into a magical photo setting with sunlight creating playful shadows that brought each image to life. It’s sessions like this where I leave thinking to myself “I am so glad they get it – how do I get everyone else to get this?”  So here’s my petition (again) to get you to see why your home and neighbourhood is the ideal place for your next family photography session.

Why Your Home is the Ideal Backdrop

We all want our photos to capture authentically who we are, right? (I mean if you don’t, that’s fine, but I’m not the photographer for you – and that’s OK!) Authentic photos that capture your true family dynamic is easier to achieve at home where everyone feels at ease. Full stop. Your home isn’t just a space, it’s part of your story. It’s where your kids feel safest, where you can snuggle without feeling like you’re under a spotlight, and where everyday magic happens. Whether it’s dad in his favorite chair or kids grabbing a snack in-between shots, this relaxed environment allows true personalities to shine through.

Kids feel much more comfortable and safe at home, and getting them to open up and be themselves is much easier. If they need a break or a snack they can grab it. If dad wants to wander away, he can. If your kid is hyper-fixated on a certain toy or object, we don’t have to carry it through the park. Keeping the session at home, in your yard or neighbourhood provides a sense of control for your kids, and control means safety, and safety is what allows us to be ourselves.

Tips for Making Your Living Room Photo-Ready

Preparing for an at-home session doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few simple tips to ensure your space photographs beautifully:

1. Embrace the Natural Light

• Schedule your session when natural light is at its best, often in the morning or afternoon.
• Pull back curtains to let the sunshine in. Light and shadows can add character to your photos.

2. Keep It Simple

• Put away unnecessary items—clutter on tables or seasonal decorations can distract from the moment.
• Toys can be fun, but keep them organized. Pop them in decorative baskets or into one corner.

3. Relax and Be Yourselves

• Don’t worry about deep cleaning—just a quick tidy is enough. I will move anything that needs to be moved beyond a simple tidy.
• Arrange blankets and pillows if that’s how you usually have them. It’s about feeling at home, not perfect.

The Heart of Why This Matters

Photographs capture more than just faces—they capture memories. An at home session tells the true story of your family’s everyday life with all its quirks and warmth – while also providing you with the beautiful images you are craving. These images transport you back to fleeting yet priceless moments, like laughter through sunlight beams or quiet morning hugs.

I ask every family what they love to do together before each session. I hear a lot of sports and outdoor activities, but more than anything else, when I ask what an ideal day together looks like, I get something along the lines of “a slow morning at home playing games, snuggling, playing outside and baking/crafts/board games together”. Those are the moments when you look around your living room and think “wow, how lucky am I?”. Let’s grasp those moments and use them as inspiration for your documented memories.

Taking it Outside

The best part about choosing your home for a session, is that we still have access to the outdoors. Just like your living room, your backyard and neighbourhood are where your family is most comfortable. If you want to get outside, let’s do it! Chances are there is some great light, and some really fun (and meaningful) things to do! Don’t let the “in-home session” title scare you – we always have options to move around.

Think local playgrounds, a walk around the block, basketball in the driveway, playing in the sandbox. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it sure can be meaningful.

Ready to Book Your At-Home Session?

There’s unmatched value in photographs that reflect your real life, and I’m here to make the process fun and effortless. Let your home and neighbourhood be the backdrop for your family’s unique story. If you’re thinking about capturing these cherished moments, get in touch and let’s plan a session that reflects who you truly are. Want to learn more about what it feels like to work with me, check out this extended family session at a family cottage that was THE BEST!

When to schedule your Chatham-Kent newborn photoshoot is a hot topic, and can be a matter of opinion if you ask any photographer. If you’re planning an-home lifestyle newborn session, you have some flexibility. The truth is there really is no wrong answer! Having 10+ years experience photographing newborns and families, I have compiled a few pros and cons of photographing newborns at 2 weeks vs 2 months. Let’s have a look!

Booking your Newborn Lifestyle Session at 2 weeks

When scheduling your newborn session for around the 10-day to 3-week mark, there are a few things to consider. Typically babies at this age are very sleepy and will be happy to be swaddled. Photographing newborns in this time period can allow for more variety in terms of baby on their own, and light posing can be accomplished much easier. Their skin is often still wrinkly and sometimes dry (which is the cutest, IMO!). The don’t typically cry as much, and they are perfectly content to be snuggled the whole time.

Conversely, this may not be the best or most comfortable time for mom. Everyone handles that first few weeks of sleep deprivation and hormone crashes differently, and if you don’t feel physically or emotionally ready yet, you may want to consider taking a few extra weeks to get to know each other. There is absolutely no shame in wanting to wait a few extra weeks to bond with baby, or to feel more like yourself again.

Lastly, if you are introducing a new baby into your family and you have young children or toddlers, those first few weeks might be touchy. Big changes can come with big emotions for those toddlers, so if things are off to a shaky start, feel free to take your time. This can be hard to plan for, but keeping your expectations open will be helpful!

Booking your Newborn Lifestyle Session at 2 months

Most studio newborn photographers require babies as soon as possible, and after this 2 or 3 week window, posed newborn sessions become quite difficult. With lifestyle on the other hand, there is always flexibility.

At the 2 month mark, babies have grown into their personality a little bit. Although they may not be sleepy (or at all during the session), we are more likely to catch a little smile and some eye contact. They are usually eating and sleeping on a schedule, and can go longer stretches between meals, making scheduling your session a little easier. They can often hold their head up a little and can engage with parents or siblings with their gaze.

By this time, parents might be getting a little more quality sleep, toddlers/siblings will have warmed up to their sibling, and there may be more of a day to day routine at home.

Some things to consider when deciding on a date for your newborn photoshoot

Keep in mind the following when deciding what timeline is right for you and your family:

• Will your partner be taking any time off work to be home with you and baby?
• Baby acne often sets in around 3-4 weeks and can last a few weeks or months. If you’re planning to wait for your newborn session and your baby is experiencing acne, I recommend waiting until the inflammation has gone down
• How do you anticipate your toddler/child will react to a new sibling?
• Are sleepy baby photos a priority for you? If you prefer an awake and engaged baby, you may want to book a little later!
• How has your pregnancy progressed and what do you anticipate for the birth? I know “birth plans” don’t always go the way we expect them to, but consider how your pregnancy has been physically and emotionally for you, and how you expect to feel after giving birth.

In summary, there is no wrong time to book your Chatham-Kent newborn photoshoot. I have photographed 2 week old babies who refused to sleep, and 2 month old babies who slept the whole session away. I have even photographed babies at 4-6 months! The timeline is totally up to you and what you feel comfortable with. No matter what you decide, I can guarantee the photos will be something you treasure. Those baby years go by so fast, and they are worth documenting.

Ready to get your Chatham-Kent newborn photoshoot booked? Reach out today to get in my calendar and start planning!

Want to see more examples of my newborn work? You can check out a few more blog posts here or follow me on Instagram for the latest!

There are so many cute outfits available for babies, but they may not always be the best for family photos. Don’t get me wrong, I love how adorable matching baby sets are with the patterned puppy pants and a puppy shirt, but that may not have the timeless look you will be looking to display on your walls. See below for some tips for dressing baby for your next family session:

Keep it simple.

First and foremost: keep it simple. Simple textures and patterns (ie. a quiet plaid, small polka dots, stripes) are a great thing to incorporate into the outfit without it being over powering. Avoid loud patterns (like unicorns and trucks) and opt for something neutral and simple in order to ensure your photos are timeless. Often the simple outfits photograph the best, and allow the viewer to focus on the baby and family connection. They also generally make for the most comfortable outfits – putting your newborn in jeans and a cardigan may look absolutely adorable (I can confirm it does!!), but it may not be the most comfortable option for the session. I suggest a modern neutral onesie or two-piece outfit that you can pair with blankets or headbands.

Avoid tutus and choose simple accessories

Being a boy mom, I LOVE when I see little ones in tutus. No one in my house has ever owned or wanted a tutu and when I see one, I melt. They are so fun and whimsical, however they are also itchy and don’t “sit” well. Especially on babies who are laying down or being held the majority of the time. They may have a place for a toddler during a family session, but consider them a fun addition, not the base of the outfit.

Accessories like headbands are so fun to incorporate into the session. Keeping the bows small and simple allow for a feminine touch without the viewer being distracted.

Avoid bright colours

Bright colours are common in kids clothes, but they can cause reflections of that colour on baby’s skin, or onto the skin of those holding them. Keeping clothes neutral ensures that any reflection that does happen, doesn’t cause a colour cast. Side note, this is why I always wear white or gray to sessions 🙂

Coordinate with mom & dad

One of my top tips for dressing baby for family photos is for mom to choose her outfit first. After having a baby, your clothing options may be limited, and you don’t want to go investing in an new outfit that you don’t need. Choose your outfit, then make sure everyone else’s compliments yours. During a newborn session, your baby is being held for the majority of the time, so making sure your outfits are cohesive is important.

Match the room/blankets

If you have just spent time and money decorating a nursery of course I will incorporate it into the session. Finding outfits that look good in that space is important. Be sure that whatever baby is wearing compliments those settings well. If you have patterned blankets, I suggest a solid neutral coloured outfit.

If you are shopping online for neutral and inexpensive outfits for the whole family, I recommend Zara, Old Navy or Shop 61 for a local (Blenheim) option! I love what Shop 61 has to offer for the little ones in your life and highly recommend them!

When you book a family session with me I always share my session prep guide which also outlines other tips for preparing for your session. Reach out today to book your session and we can start planning together!

Brittany VanRuymbeke is a Chatham-Kent and Sarnia area lifestyle newborn and family photographer specializing in at-home sessions with families with young children

There are three things to consider when determining the best time of day for family photos for your crew. I have been photographing families for over a decade now, and taking these three things into consideration can help you decide not only the timing of your session, but also the location and time of year that is best for your family. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines and suggestions, but ultimately you know your family best! Let’s dive in!

1. Location

If you have a specific location you would like to use, take note of the lighting there throughout the day. If you are hoping to take photos at home, watch the light for a few days to see when your home is brightest. Is there harsh sunlight coming in? Which rooms are best lit during the morning? If you want to focus your time in your living room, what time of day is that room well lit?

Similarly, if you are hoping for the beach, there is typically little shade so you will want to shoot at the times where the sun is least harsh: golden hour and sunrise. Golden hour is always hailed as being the best time of day for outdoor photography, and when shade is sparse that is certainly true, but certain locations get dark quickly in the evening and earlier in the evening might be better.

2. Your family schedule (Naps/Bed time)

The majority of my families have little ones that are still napping, and we all know toddlers can be awful when it comes to skipping or cutting naps short. Every family has their own schedule, and some families are less flexible than others with bed times. Each parent has different opinions on this, and I totally understand that many people’s sanity is reliant on a schedule. If that is the case for you and your family, what time of day is best for everyones mood and engagement? If your toddler is happiest first thing in the morning, maybe we choose a morning in-home session. Or maybe your kids love the option to stay up late and play at the beach, then maybe a summer golden hour session will work for you.

3. Season

Have your heart set on a fall outdoor session? Keep in mind that here in Ontario fall is generally damp and cloudy, so even though sunset is not until 6-7pm, it is often too dark to shoot at the typical golden hour times. In the summer we are looking at harsh sun from 9am-5pm, which means a mid day session might be best indoors. Taking the season and weather into consideration is an important step in determining the best time of day for family photos.

Like I said off the hop: you know your family best! The best session is one that is low stress and high energy, so choose the best time of day for your family, and choose one that will allow you to be present in the moment with them. Still curious when you should book? Reach out today and we can discuss!

I have at the utmost privilege of documenting this family from the beginning. Ian and Stephanie asked me to photograph their engagement session and wedding in 2019, their son’s newborn session in 2020, family sessions with extended families, and now their daughter’s newborn session in 2022 (yes, I am a year behind in blogging sessions!)

As always when you are welcoming a newborn to a home with a toddler, there are lots of breaks and snacks, but there are also lots of snuggles and giggles. This sweet little family does not disappoint when it comes to showing affection, and it makes for a smooth and fun gallery of images.

Dresden Newborn Photographer in home session checklist

If you are looking to book an in-home newborn session with me in the Chatham-Kent/Sarnia area, here is what you need:

1. A newborn baby. Although I am just as happy to do any type of family session in your home
2. At least one room in your home with a bright window and neutral colours. Most homes these days are painted in neutrals which is great for an in-home session. Variety is great, but don’t worry too much if there is only one bright spot in your home. 90% of this session was shot in the dining nook of their kitchen because the light was prettiest there.

If you are looking for a Dresden Newborn Photographer who specializes in at home sessions, please reach out today! I can’t wait to meet you!

Newborn session at home in Chatham, Ontario

I met this lovely family during an extended family session while mom was pregnant, and I was thrilled them they reached out for a newborn session at home. They welcomed their daughter home last fall, and we had a lovely morning together.

What to expect in your newborn gallery

What can you expect from me at your in home newborn session? I am always sure to get the following images in every session:

1. Full family photo
2. Mom with baby
3. Dad with baby
4. Sibling(s) with baby
5. Details of nursery/setting
6. Just baby.
7. Details (ie. toes, belly button, hair, hands etc)

Every family looks different, as does every home. But these 7 images are sure to be a part of your gallery if you book a newborn session with me!

How cute are those two? Becoming a big brother is hard, but this guy did so great! Like most toddlers, he was a little apprehensive of having a stranger in his home, but don’t worry! I’ve got lots of tips and tricks to be sure we get some good smiles and authentic moments out of each family member.

If you’re interested in an in home session, please reach out! I would love to meet you and your beautiful family. If you’re expecting, check out this maternity and newborn combo session!

Did you know I offer a discount if you purchase a Maternity and Newborn Bundle? Not only do you get two full sessions at a discounted price, but you also get all of your photos conveniently stored in the same online gallery that will never expire!

When to book your Maternity and Newborn Bundle

Typically I book sessions approximately 2 months in advance. If you are pregnant and looking for maternity photos, you can reach out any time to get your name on my list. I usually recommend your maternity photos to take place at around 7-8 months, for a few reasons:

1. Your last month of pregnancy is often uncomfortable, and walking a trail or sitting on the ground may not be very accessible to you at that point
2. Although pregnancy is incredibly beautiful at all stages, many women do not feel their best near the end. The 7-8 month mark usually would offer us a big belly without swelling or discomfort

Once baby arrives, I recommend booking your in-home newborn session within the first 4 weeks, with 2-3 weeks being the sweet spot. At this time, I keep Saturday and Monday mornings available for newborns and once everyone is ready to have me in your home as solidify the date!

Booking a bundle allows us to meet before baby arrives

Inviting someone new into your home can be stressful at any time, but especially after welcoming a new baby. Having the opportunity for us to meet in person before and get to know each other may alleviate some of that stress for you. An additional bonus is if this is not your first baby, it gives me an opportunity to build a rapport with any toddlers or older children who might be present at the newborn session

Looking for more information on a Maternity and Newborn bundle? Reach out here today!