Is my home suitable for an in-home shoot? What are some things to consider when booking an in-home newborn session? I'm worried about how my home will photograph.
These are questions & concerns I hear often from clients before booking in their newborn sessions with me. So I thought I would write about the most common concerns I hear clients have and how I address them and work around them.
There's something truly magical about capturing those early days of parenthood in the comfort of one's own space. But understandably, questions and concerns can arise, particularly when it comes to lighting and home styling. So let's dive into some of these concerns now.
Let There Be Light
One of the first things clients tend to wonder about is whether the light in their home is suitable for capturing those dreamy newborn portraits. And it's a valid concern! Natural light plays a crucial role in achieving that authentic and natural feel to your images that you've fallen in love with on my portfolio. Rest assured, I'm here to navigate through any lighting challenges your home may present. Fun fact: Most of the images you see of my clients are done using only ONE window for the whole session! So I am very skilled at using strategic angles and cropping as needed :) I encourage my clients to send through videos of the light in their home, and I provide my feedback on how it will photograph.
Here are some examples where a shoot was completed using just one window:
Embracing Your Home's Charm
Now, let's talk about home styling. You may worry that your humble abode doesn't resemble the pages of a home decor magazine – and that's perfectly okay! Remember what I said earlier? Some of the most breathtaking images I have taken are with the simplicity of one well-placed window. So, rest assured, whether your decor leans towards cozy clutter or minimalist chic, we'll work together to capture the essence of your family's love and warmth.
Window Tinting
Dark tinting not only impacts the amount of light filtering through but can also cast unwanted hues on the skin and white fabrics (such as adding lots of blue tones). If your home has dark tinting that might affect the quality of our photos, we have options to ensure stunning images. We can explore shooting in a different room with more favourable lighting, venture outdoors to your yard for some delightful outdoor shots, or I may even suggest we consider scheduling an outdoor session instead.
Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight streaming through windows can be a blessing and a curse. While it brings warmth, brightness and can make for some artistic shots usiliting shadows and light... it can also be a tad too intense for those delicate newborn features. But fear not, for I come equipped with my trusty white sheer sheets that I hang on your existing curain rod, ready to diffuse those harsh rays and create the perfect ambience for your shoot.
Weather Still Matters:
Even though we are indoors, we are still at the whim of Mother Nature. It's natural to worry about how weather conditions might impact your in-home shoot. A gentle overcast sky can create a soft, diffused light ideal for those really bright windows. However, we may need to reschedule if the heavens decide to unleash their full force with a really dark and gloomy sky. On these gloomy days, we will reschedule. I aim to keep the rebooking within the week of your shoot, so we don't let that newborn goodness slip by!
If you still find yourself fretting over the light in your home or the state of your decor, don't hesitate to reach out. Send me an email, perhaps even a video tour of your space, and together we'll ensure that your newborn shoot is the very best it can be!
In the end, it's not about having the biggest home or the most impeccable decor; it's about embracing the beauty of your unique family story, right here, right now. So, let's embark on this journey together, capturing the fleeting newborn moments and creating memories to last a lifetime.
