The beautiful simplicity of in-home newborn photo sessions
“I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.” – Vincent Van Gogh
When a baby is born, an amazing transformation happens. A woman becomes a mother, a man becomes a father, the idea of a baby becomes overwhelmingly real. Everything changes, and it all becomes new and beautiful and also hard.
Even the simplest things become complicated. Things like…
LEAVING THE HOUSE
Life before baby: bag, coat, keys.
DONE
LIFE NOW:
get dressed (this is a whole thing by itself)
get baby bag
double check you have everything
find shoes
change baby
feed baby
change your shirt
put buggy in the car
change baby
change baby’s clothes
forget your coat
Yes, of course you are loving (almost) every minute of it.
But, you know, it’s a lot!
That’s where the beauty of in-home newborn sessions begins to make complete sense. Because once baby is born, it is all about his schedule, her needs, their mood, and there is no point in trying to take photos according to your own agenda - it’s all up to that tiny bundle.
Enter - documentary newborn photography, the most relaxed, pressure-free session ever, one that gives you images that are beautiful, but also honest & authentic - images that help you remember, honour, and celebrate the truth of these early days.
I have two goals when I join families in their homes for a newborn session.
ONE: To capture all the precious new perfection of this little human, from the tiny toes to the sleepy stretches, the curled up legs and the remarkably strong grip, everything that you are falling in love with.
TWO: And to document your life as it looks right now. All of it. The intense love, and the extra laundry. The sweet snuggles and the many, many, many cups of tea.
What to expect and how to prepare for your newborn photo session:
BEFORE THE SESSION
Think about the photos that are most important to you. Are there any meaningful heirlooms or special gifts you want included? Set them aside.
That’s it. There’s no need to clean or do anything special, just go about your day, and when I arrive, I just join in.
About an hour before the session, turn on the heat. The warmer baby is, the more sleepy and relaxed he will be.
WHAT TO WEAR
Choose clothes that are comfortable and simple. Avoid shirts with logos or pictures, small plaids or thin stripes. Florals and simple prints can be lovely for mama. Same for baby - avoid fussy clothes that might bother him or her, like dresses with ruffles, or dungarees with hard metal buttons. Think soft, cozy and comfy. Even a simple white baby gro is perfect.
DURING THE SESSION
My sessions in your home will include mostly documentary style photographs of your newborn in his or her surroundings, so that your family’s story can be told in these pictures.
Examples of these scenes might be snuggles on the couch, bath time, a sister or brother fetching a toy, changing clothes, a walk outside. You can also expect pictures of details you might not notice or think are worth photographing - things like tiny nappies, dirty tea-mugs, your bathrobe hung over the door. These are important too!
RIGHT NOW ALL YOU MIGHT NOTICE IS THE MESS, BUT ONE DAY, ALL YOU’LL REMEMBER IS THE LOVE.
It’s these details that will bring it all back, how hard it was, how overwhelming, and how utterly wonderful.
I will bring a few small blankets and scarves, and we will take photos of just your newborn, capturing all the details from wrinkled toes to curly lashes.
And if you have anything special like a handmade blanket or heirloom rattle, make sure to set them out.
So what does it look like?
SOMETHING LIKE THIS:
Marie O’Mahony is an award winning family documentary photographer who loves to tell the stories of families in Limerick, Clare, Galway, and the rest of Ireland.
