Behind the scenes of an in-home newborn photography session | Truro, Cornwall
Cornish at-home newborn photoshoots… is it the best option for you?
My heart will always be full when I’m able to capture something deeply meaningful and real, and nothing beats an at-home newborn session for opportunities to get some wonderfully juicy, emotive images.
What could be more lovely than looking back on the memories of those first hazy days - having photos that will always be able to take you right back to when everything was so visceral and new, in the home that will keep filling up with your family memories.
There is something about having documentary-style professional photos that will always pull your heart strings.
I really love a good in-home newborn session for many reasons, but they also have their own challenges.
If you’re considering having your first few weeks captured with an in-home newborn session in Cornwall, I’m going to run through one I did recently, which might give you food for thought about what to weigh up before you book yours.
Welcome to the world, sariah!
Sariah was almost 5 weeks old by the time we managed to do her newborn photoshoot at her home near Truro, Cornwall. The ideal time is within 3 weeks from birth but because it’s a lifestyle session this doesn’t matter too much.
The Look
If you’ve followed my studio work you’ll know that when it comes to newborns, most of my photos are soft and light and simple. I try to bring this into my in-home sessions too, because I think when it comes to newborns it works best. The advice on what to wear I give to parents is always the same - stick to neutral colours, and earth tones. I don’t necessarily say white, but this is what most people who have seen my work come in, which is fine - it’s natural and classic (but white is not a rule! Colour is allowed!).
Easy start
Just as with a studio session, I started off taking a few photos of the baby when I arrived without changing her. I always do this if baby is content and am generally going for some really candid, unposed photos and seeing how we get on. I tell parents to have their babies dressed in a plain onesie or vest so that I can take these shots without needing to disturb them.
Sariah was pretty content at this point, so I invited her dad to hop onto the bed with her for some sweet photos playing and cuddling together.
The bed was next to a window and I’d taped up a sheer curtain to slightly soften the light.
Capturing it all
Sariah began to grow restless and it was time for her mum to give her a feed, which was lovely to capture. I always ask nursing mums if they’d like to include breastfeeding photos - often at the time it’s not something they’re especially wanting but are always so grateful to have later on.
Simple and sweet
Once Sariah was fed, I wrapped her up (I always bring a few of my staples along such as wraps and blankets). I took a few more pictures on the bed of her, then with her mum, and both parents together. It was such a beautiful and loving atmosphere.
Change of scene
When I initially met Becky & Chris here for the pre-session consultation at their home near Truro, Cornwall, we’d walked around and discussed areas where the photos could be taken. They’d really wanted to have photos taken at the front windows by the entrance, so we headed down there next.
Fortunately it was a partly cloudy day and the sun was behind a cloud - direct sunlight wouldn’t have been very good for the photos.
Sibling shots
Their 8 year old son, Joel, joined us at this point. He was curious, if not overly enthusiastic to begin with, but he did join in for some family photos.
These parents were the most calm, kind hearted people ever - there was no pressure on Joel to do anything, but of course I knew they’d love some photos of him and his baby sister. He was open to ideas so we decided to go back upstairs and take some photos with him and his sister on the bed.
But first, another top-up feed, and a few more photos downstairs…
We headed upstairs and me and Joel chatted while Sariah got changed, and he got comfortable and in position on the bed. When she was ready, we popped Sariah down and I took some photos of the two together. I then asked Becky to join them, and then eventually Chris came in for some family photos on the bed.
Before finishing up Becky wanted a photo of everyone outside. But before we all went out I asked Joel to sit with Sariah quickly in the little skylit alcove that was on the landing.
I just wanted to capture that sweet brother-sister bond in that space.
Popping outside
This is the beauty of a Cornish at-home newborn session: if the weather is nice and you have a garden we can include some outdoor shots.
This was during Summer in Cornwall 2022 and we’d had some serious heatwaves and resulting drought. Everything was quite brown and dry, especially compared to when I’d seen it on my first visit and said how lovely it would be to have photos under the rambling roses. The time of day wasn’t ideal for outside but we found some shade which worked and made some last photos before calling it a day, and ending a very successful session!
My thoughts on in-home sessions…
More relaxed at home?
Some folks assume that a Cornish at-home newborn shoot will feel more relaxed than at the studio.
It’s not always so.
A Cornish at-home photoshoot may mean you don’t have to get yourself into the car to go to the studio, but you do still have to get dressed, be ready on time, and have your home reasonably tidy.
If you’re a first-time parent in Cornwall adjusting to life with a newborn, it can end up being more stressful than anticipated.
Having someone come into your home, even though they’re invited, might feel like an intrusion, depending on how those post-natal hormones and sleep deprivation are affecting you.
The studio is set up so that the experience of putting on some make up and leaving the house is a positive one. For some mums especially, sitting on my sofa drinking hot tea and getting to watch me work with their beautiful baby is the exact type of rest they need, and it’s really therapeutic and lovely for them.
With the studio option, you get to leave all the mess and stress of home behind, and take a break for an hour or two in a calm space which for some people is heavenly.
BUT, if you are someone who really loves being home, and loves embracing wholeheartedly the tenderness and intimacy of everything that is real and raw, and can allow someone into that personal space with a camera, then a Cornish at-home newborn session is for you.
Older children/toddlers
If you’re thinking of doing a Cornish at-home newborn shoot because you have other children and you think it will be easier to get them to co-operate, again, I’ve experienced this being the opposite. Being home can make it harder to pull little ones away from their favourite toys/tv shows etc and come and be in a photo. The neutral studio setting might make them more willing to take part.
This depends entirely on the age and temperament of your little one(s) of course and as a parent, you know them best. Sometimes being at the studio where distractions are more easily controlled and can be saved for after their pictures makes it easier.
If older siblings are on board though, photos of them together at home can really be very special. Sometimes it may take a few attempts to find the right place for them, but I love getting creative and embracing the craziness of real life with little ones.
The Light
For me the most important consideration when my camera is in my hand is … you guess it… the light.
In my studio, I know the light intimately and have designed the space to harness the available natural light.
It’s not just a matter of having enough light. I look for a certain quality of light - it’s not too much or too little and it is diffused and softened. Sometimes there’s too much (like in a conservatory).
Finding the pockets of light that I can work magic in can be a challenge.
If your home is limited on space or light then its important to schedule your in-home session for a time of day when the available light is optimal. This would be discussed and I always ask clients to take some photos of the best rooms and send them to me at the time we have scheduled, to check it will work.
At the end of the day…
The reason for booking an in-home newborn session should really be because you genuinely want the memories of your real life in your home with your newborn to be captured.
They are very fluid and creative sessions - I never know what we’re going to get and it’s divine to be immersed in life with a newborn and being able to capture that.
Whether you’re interested in finding out if an in-home newborn session in Cornwall would be right for you, or to enquire about a studio session, get in touch - I’d love to hear from you.