At Home Baby Photoshoots - How to Prepare
At home baby photoshoots mean we can keep your little bundle cosy and warm while still getting sweet, natural images of their early days for you to remember as they grow.
At home photoshoots are a lovely option to capture baby’s early days in a cosy atmosphere where you have everything you need to hand. To make the shoot run as smoothly as possible, and to ensure you love the results, here are a few tips to consider before we take your photographs.
Natural Light is essential
When taking your photographs, we’ll need a room with the most natural light, ideally one with large windows. Soft daylight creates gentle shadows and gives photos that dreamy glow. If your home is naturally a bit dim, let me know so I can bring extra lighting equipment if needed (this may include needing to use flash).
Plan for Baby’s Best Time
Babies are usually happiest or sleepiest right after a feed or nap, so where possible, lets plan the shoot timing around your baby’s natural rhythms. A content or sleepy baby will be much easier to photograph, and the session will feel smoother and more relaxed for everybody.
Clear and Cosy Spaces
The best place for us to photograph is a reasonably spacious area that allows me to move around freely. I know its not always easy with a new baby, but if the area can be clear and tidy this will make things easier. A few thoughtful touches can make the space feel inviting, like tidying up a few key areas, adjusting lighting, or bringing in a plant or two. Adding a personal touch, like a family heirloom or keepsake, can also make photos more meaningful.
Outfit options
Have a few outfits laid out to switch things up during the shoot. Go for soft, neutral colours and timeless styles that will keep the focus on your baby. Avoid clothing with big logos, as they can be distracting. If you are planning to get into the photos too (which I promise you will be so glad you did in years to come!) then this extends to your wardrobe decisions too - think complementary colours and textures for the best results.
Have backup outfits ready
As you’ll know, babies are unpredictable! It’s a good idea to have one or two spare outfits handy for both baby and yourselves, just in case of spills or any other little surprises.
Comfort is more important than perfection so aim for comfortable, breathable fabrics that allow you and baby to move freely and feel at ease. If Mum and Dad are relaxed, it will show in the photos!
Pillows and props
If baby has a favourite cosy blanket, cushion or toy then we can incorporate these into the shoot - particularly where babies can’t yet sit these items can really help with posing and positioning.
I know time and order can be in short supply when you have a baby so remember, this is just a general guide :) The main elements for success are that we have a clear bit of space to work in and good natural light. There is no pressure for things to be ‘perfect’ so calm and patient wins the race!
