Hey friends! I realized recently that I hadn’t blogged an at-home session in quite a while, despite the fact that these are pretty much the only way we do our newborn, baby, and even many family sessions now! I just find everyone is so much more relaxed and I love the sentimental context that only “home” can provide.
My session with the Kurtz family was a perfect example of why I advocate for easygoing lifestyle sessions, especially for newborns! Amelia and Will have been our great friends for a while (in fact, Ganer grew up going to school with them and got to witness the start of their high school sweetheart status!). Now that we all live in BG, it’s super nice to get to hang with them as they are such genuine, brilliant, and kind people.
I was beyond excited when Amelia privately reached out to me to share the good news of their pregnancy and to inquire about maternity and newborn photos. They too wanted to keep these sessions natural and unposed as possible. I love when my families share those same expectations and values when it comes to documenting these milestones. There is so much variety in style out there. I have all the respect for studio newborn photographers (those that patiently wait for the baby to get drowsy enough to be expertly positioned into various adorable shapes). That approach just never spoke to me.
I am a firm believer that your lifestyle session is not a photoshoot, it’s an opportunity for quality time and bonding. I don’t have specific rules about timing, how many weeks the baby is, what to wear, or where to shoot. Honestly I feel like as like as I am welcomed into a home, I can see the photographs right away. Not in a “how do I make turn this space into a studio” sort of way, but in the moments, detail around the home, and the all the signs that the space is being lived in. I love seeing how a home can become filled with that welcoming energy for the newest member of the family.
The weeks after bringing a baby home look different for each and every family that I work with. There is excitement, new challenges, and often a lack of sleep. I approach every session with patience, empathy, and a focus on the family unit as a whole. I love those interactions between the parents, the baby, their pets, and the space that they’ve built together. Those interactions were already happening before I arrive, so I don’t feel the need to change anything or overly direct. And I encourage my families to simply get cozy, comfy, and let me cover the moments authentically.
This session was amazingly chill. I loved watching our friends snuggle up on their new little love. And with the time that was left, Will spoiled us with delicious tacos. I am so thankful for clients and friends who embrace my approach and invite me into their homes. This afternoon of quality time is one I’ll always cherish!
