Why I Love In-Home Newborn Sessions

As a newborn photographer in the DC and Northern VA area, I have always adored in-home lifestyle sessions. I enjoy posed studio sessions, too, but nothing replaces documenting the connection between baby and parents in those first few days.

There is so much to love about having your newborn session at home. I list my favorite reasons below:

1. Natural, organic connection.

As I mentioned above, photographing the organic bond between mother and baby is so special. Posed newborn sessions are adorable, but the emotive response to lifestyle newborn sessions is stronger. Why? These photographs take you back to the tender time when you welcomed a new baby into your home. You’ll remember the way you stared down at your baby, admiring every little feature from their nose to their toes.

I photograph mothers in a natural, emotive approach. I find mothers are more comfortable and relaxed in their own homes, thus creating a deeper connection to their baby in the photographs. Essentially, lifestyle newborn photography can evoke more genuine emotion.

2. You’ll always have photographs to remember the place you bring your baby home to.

The place you bring your baby home to will always hold a special place in your heart. Seeing your home in your newborn photographs can bring you back to those days and the feelings you associate with it. Everything from how your home was decorated to items that hold importance in your home can add meaning to your photographs.

3. You don’t need to leave the house.

All parents know that leaving the house with a baby is quite a feat. Not only do you have a foggy brain from all of the lack of sleep, but the feeding, burping, changing routine that takes place before leaving can be a circus. Throw in a toddler running around or a baby prone to spit-up and you have a recipe for stress while trying to get out the door.

Having a photographer come to you makes all the difference. If hiccups arise (and they will), you don’t need to fret about being late. As a Bethesda Newborn Photographer, I completely understand the slower pace that is needed for newborn sessions. We follow baby’s lead and take breaks as necessary (for both mama and baby).

4. You are in a familiar place to comfort your baby (or toddler).

As I mentioned above, there will most likely be periods of rest during your session. Newborns are prone to cluster feeding and/or frequent diaper changes, and doing both of these in the comfort of your own home makes all the difference. Newborns can sense an unfamiliar place, so having the session in your home is something that will actually help your baby.

The last thing I want you stressing about is finding a relaxing, familiar place to feed or change your baby during your session. When we’re in your home, both you and your baby can take tranquil breaks with ease.

If you have another child, particularly a toddler, he or she will probably not be in every single photograph. Being able to take your child to another location within the house to play, eat, etc. is practically essential – especially if a meltdown were to occur…

5. As your newborn photographer, I will bring my client wardrobe and hair and make-up artist to you.

Yes. I bring dresses from my client wardrobe to your home so you don’t need to make any extra trips from the house. If my mothers prefer, we do schedule an in-person styling session. If not, you don’t need to leave the house to feel elegant and glam.

Lori Nansi, my preferred hair and make-up artist, will come to your home to pamper you with hair and make-up so you don’t need to lift a finger. I remember setting aside FOUR hours before my own newborn session to prepare. I had a colicky baby, I wasn’t sure how many times I would need to stop and comfort him, I didn’t know what to wear, I didn’t know how to do my make-up, and I was too tired for all of those things.

You don’t need to worry about any of those steps. By bringing my wardrobe and hair and make-up artist to you, you can relax and enjoy this special time with your little one.

Marie Elizabeth Photography | Northern Virginia Newborn Photography

I hope I convinced you to opt for a lifestyle newborn session. You won’t regret it.

Marie Elizabeth Photography specializes in fine art Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photography based out of Washington, D.C. She also serves the areas of Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, College Park, and Riverdale Park. 

It is always an honor to serve as your DC and Northern VA Fine Art Newborn Photographer. I provide a custom, luxurious experience to lead you every step of the way, beginning with a planning guide to make you feel confident and prepared, a consultation to achieve your portrait goals, a client wardrobe, hair and make-up artists, and finally, artwork to adorn your walls and preserve your memories forever. Let me be a part of your story today.