Photographing newborns is something so special to me. With two babies of my own, I hazily remember those first few months with each boy – it is no joke that the sleep deprivation and general chaos makes for foggy memories. Babies change so much in their first few months of life, and those little newborn characteristics don’t stick around for very long. It is so important to make the effort to document them (and you!) in this phase of life, because if you’re anything like me, there isn’t enough coffee in the world to make you functional enough to remember every detail.

I am asked often about my approach to photographing newborns and what a session might look like with a first born, second, or a large family. Today I am going to talk a little about how I photograph newborns and families with newborns so you know exactly what to expect from your session with me.

I always document newborns in your home

The last thing I wanted to do the first few weeks after having my boys was to get all dressed up and out of the house at a scheduled time. Having our photographer come right to us was such a blessing, and that stress relief is exactly why I do the same for all of my clients.  Coming into your home to photograph your new family brings your session to a new level of comfort and adds a personal touch. It allows everyone to feel comfortable.  You know where everything is and you don’t have to pack a bag. And my personal favourite reason for photographing newborns at home:  you are in the environment you know and love, and where your relationship with your new baby is developing everyday.

I take things slow and steady

To build on my last point, being at home allows us to go slow and take as many breaks as you or baby needs. I generally schedule myself out for 2 hours to do a newborn session. I am not usually in your home that long, but it allows us lots of wiggle room in case baby has a blow out or is cluster feeding. Giving ourselves lots of time reduces the stress of a strict timeline. I encourage everyone to take lots of breaks if needed (especially when older siblings are involved), and I work slowly between rooms and activities to create a relaxed experience for everyone. The bonus of taking things slow is I get more opportunity to chat with my clients and to get to know you!

My newborn sessions are family focused

Yes I am there to document your baby, but my clients hire me because I have a family-focused approach. Your baby is surrounded by so much love and support that it is important to include that in the session. I always take images of your baby on their own, but the majority of my sessions are focused on you and your baby, your family as a whole, or the relationship between the new baby and their older siblings. Adding a new baby to any family is an exciting time for everyone and I want your images to reflect that.

I don’t pose newborns

I pride myself in keeping my newborns session as natural and comfortable as possible for everyone involved. We will always get shots of your baby on their own, but I usually get those shots as baby is put down by you in whatever position is comfortable for them. Usually these shots are on your bed, in the crib, or on a blanket you all love. I almost always have you lay them down in the position you normally would, and then I can move them slightly if needed. From here I can make sure to record all of the details that are so quickly gone from a newborn like spiky baby hair, dry skin or wrinkly baby feet (my personal favourite).

Newborn sessions are something I absolutely love to do and I can be sure you will not regret documenting this special time for your family. Whether it is baby number 1 or 5, they always bring a new dynamic and each new relationship that is developing is worth highlighting. Contact me here today to ask me anything and to schedule your in-home newborn session!

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Brittany VanRuymbeke is a Chatham Sarnia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer who specializes in in-home newborn and family photography. You can see her work with other newborns here.

This sweet girl was born into one amazing family. Josh and Tawna are a great parenting team, and they are backed up by a full support system of family. I have had the pleasure of working with them in the past, and I am continually blown away by their love for one another. They laugh easily and know the true meaning of the little moments – my kind of people!

When they invited me into their home to photograph their new baby girl, I knew my job would be easy. And although Kaia’s two big brothers weren’t there for this session, I have seen some pretty amazing moments captured by Tawna of their relationship, and you know that kind of thing makes my heart sing!

Here are a few of my favourites from Kaia’s lifestyle newborn session. If you are pregnant or looking for a Chatham ON Lifestyle Newborn Photographer, contact me here today!

In-hospital fresh 48 sessions hold a special place in my heart. Everyone is so high on the thrill of new life, and it’s not every day your family grows by one! New roles for everyone, new dynamics – it’s all so beautiful to witness. This little family added the sweetest little chunk of a brother, and everyone was taking their promotions very well.

A lot of people are worried about fresh 48 sessions. Moms worry they will look awful or not feel up to it. And maybe you won’t be feeling up to it, but trust me when I say that the newborn glow is a real thing and every new mom is shining with love and pride. And these moments are FLEETING. I do not remember anything from that first day in the hospital after delivering Archer, but I am so thankful for the fresh 48 session we did to capture it. Hospital lighting can be harsh and unflattering, but we always make the best of the situation. And no matter how small your delivery or recovery room is, there are endless options for every shot. If you’re worried about what to wear or what to bring to prepare, just ask! I am so happy to help you plan any session.

Now, without any further ado, I would like to introduce you to Dawson and his beautiful family who invited me to do their Sarnia fresh 48 session.

If you are expecting a new addition to your family are are interested in a Chatham-Kent or Sarnia Fresh 48 session, email me at brittanyelizabethphoto@gmail.com or contact me here today! I only take a few of these sessions each month due to their unpredictable nature, so get in touch early!

Bringing your first baby home is an experience like nothing else. You’ve spent months preparing, decorating and reading all the parenting books you can get your hands on, but nothing can prepare you for your new life. It is exhausting, confusing and much harder than you imaged. But it comes with the truest form of fulfillment. There is no greater joy than becoming a parent.

Hillary and Ryan asked me to come to their home and document their new family of three and it was fun, relaxing and easy – everything a newborn session should be. There was no worry of forgetting anything, no need to find a spot to nurse discretely, no interruptions. Just quiet, and comfortable family time at home. Sounds lovely, right?

If you are pregnant and are looking for a Chatham-Kent newborn photographer, I would love to document your perfect little addition in the comfort of your own home. You can contact me below for available dates!

If you would like to see more of my newborn work, check out the gallery!

Jen & Phil’s beautiful rustic farm wedding was by far one of the best experiences of my photography career, and if I’m being honest it was a turning point for my confidence as an artist. I left that night knowing (not hoping) I had captured so much genuine beauty and emotion. I will forever be grateful for them trusting me with they wedding day. When they asked me to do a Fresh 48 newborn photography session for their new baby I was so excited! Building relationships with my clients is the best part of this job, and being able to witness some of the best days of their lives is priceless!

On Gryffin’s first birthday we were winding down and cleaning up after the party guests when Jen texted me saying their baby boy had been born that afternoon, and that they had yet to give him a name. We happily made plans for me to come to the hospital in the morning for the fresh 48 session before they were discharged. I joked that night with Eric that maybe they would name him Gryffin since they shared a birthday.

I arrived the next morning, we started the session and Phil & Jen were still discussing a few names when I mentioned that he shared a birthday with our Gryff, and hilariously, Jen said that Griffin was her #1 choice and she was just trying to get Phil on board! I had to laugh. Phil wanted to know what sorts of nick names we had for Gryff to make sure it was a good fit for them. I didn’t mention it any more because I didn’t want to put any extra pressure on anyone or give too many opinions, but I was so excited later that day when Jen texted me saying they had settled on Griffin for him. I’m pretty sure it was the nickname “Baby G” that pushed Phil over the edge! Ha ha!

Thank you Jen & Phil for trusting  me with 2 of your most memorable days. You two share so much love, and your Griffin is one lucky guy.