My approach to newborn photography | Chatham Sarnia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

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.