Congratulations on your new baby! As a photographer in the Annapolis area, I understand how important it is to capture the special moments of your little one’s early days. One question many new mothers have is whether they should choose a studio newborn photography session or an in-home session. In this blog post, I will explain the benefits of a studio session and why it may be the best choice for you and your new baby.
The Benefits of a Studio Session for your New Baby
1. Professional Equipment and Ample Space
One of the biggest advantages of a studio newborn photography session is the professional equipment available to capture stunning, high-quality images of your new baby. Professional cameras, lighting, and props are all readily available. Your photographer will know exactly where to put their light when it is in their studio. One of the general rules of beautifully lit photography is the larger the light source the more forgiving and aesthetically pleasing the light. My large umbrella is about 86 inches sitting on a robust lighting stand. There are many homes that simply don’t have ceilings high enough or areas wide enough to accommodate such a large light source. While I do have other options to photography your new baby in beautiful studio light, this large umbrella is my favorite. in a studio environment, your photographer does not have to adapt to all the varying styles of homes. They are simply able to create beautiful, timeless images that you will treasure forever.
In-home sessions are often limited by the amount of available space, which can be a challenge when trying to create beautiful and varied poses and setups. A studio provides ample space and a variety of props and backdrops to choose from, allowing for more creativity and personalized images.
2.Controlled Environment
Another benefit of a studio session is the controlled environment. Lighting can be unpredictable in an in-home session newborn session, depending on the time of day and the available natural light. A studio session provides consistent lighting, ensuring that your images are always bright and beautiful. A studio is specifically designed to create a safe and comfortable environment for your baby, with controlled lighting and temperature. This allows for consistent and high-quality images, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions outside. When photographing your new baby, photographers will often keep the temperature of the studio a warm 78 degrees plus. They may also use a space heater for helping keep your new baby feel comfortable. While not every studio has large windows and offer the best light, the photographer will have their artificial lighting available and know how to use it to photographer your beautiful little one for their photo session.
3. Variety of Props and Setups for your New Baby
A studio session also offers a variety of props and setups to choose from, which can add a personalized and unique touch to your ne baby’s photos. From soft blankets and wraps to baskets and chairs, there are countless options to create a beautiful and memorable experience for you and your family. Newborn photographers have countless wraps, bowls, baskets, backgrounds, hair ties, bonnets, and other props. Being at the studio gives you access to all the props your new baby will need for their session. Most studio photographers will send out a questionnaire before your session. If is very helpful to know who besides your new baby is in the photos, the sex of your new baby, and and color preferences, prop preferences, and posed preferences you may have for your new baby’s photo session. Your photographer will then have a variety of sets already created for you upon your arrival. This will help make your session a little shorter. Newborn photography sessions are usually 2 to 4 hours long. The biggest factor in the time difference is how sleepy your little one is, and how important certain poses may be to you of your new baby. By having the session at the studio, your photographer can change things up if a certain prop is not working for your new baby. Some newborns don’t like being on their stomach. A good photographer will be able to change the set to a different one that will hopefully help your newborn be more comfortable.
4. Timeless and Classic Look for your New Baby’s Photos
Studio sessions are known for their timeless and classic look, which will never go out of style. These images will become treasured family heirlooms that you can pass down to future generations. Studio sessions are often done on backdrops for a classic newborn photo session. Your photographer may also have an area of their studio that has a more lifestyle feel to it. This area is set up for good lighting, and styled beautifully for you to interreact with your new baby and your other family members. You don’t need to clean your house, or buy a new bed spread to create a beautiful space. Your photographer has already done this for you. In a studio, you are able to get a variety of set ups for your new baby’s photos. Talking to your photographer about your vision is very helpful in letting them meet your needs, and creating the best experience for both parties.
5. Peace of Mind and Convenience
Lastly, a studio session can offer peace of mind and convenience for new mothers who may be overwhelmed with adjusting to life with a new baby. By having a professional handle the photography, you can relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that your baby is in good hands. One of the nicest benefits of doing a studio newborn session, is you do not have to worry about the cleanliness of your home. The studio will be cleaned and sanitized for your new baby’s photography session. It will also be styled appropriately with many of the conveniences your home offers. There are fewer distractions at a studio session for little ones. Instead they are more inclined to stay in the general studio area for photos. Many younger children are interested in new locations, so the location itself can be an incentive for the younger children to interact. Many photography studios have an area where the parents and siblings are just able to relax. The studio may be equipped with toys for your other children to play. It may also have a comfy couch, and tv viewing area. You are more than welcome to watch the process of photographing your new baby. Or you may simply like to rest on the couch and decompress a little while.
Preparing for Your Studio Session
Before your studio newborn photography session, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your newborn photography session. Here are some tips:
1. Schedule your session early
It is important to schedule your new baby’s session as early as possible, ideally within the first two to three weeks of your new baby’s life. This is when they are still sleepy and easier to pose, which makes for the best photos.
2. Dress comfortably
Make sure to dress in comfortable clothing, as the studio will be warm and cozy to keep your baby comfortable during the session.
3. Feed your new baby beforehand
It’s important to feed your baby before the session so that they are full and sleepy. This will help ensure that they are comfortable and cooperative during the session.
4. Bring extra clothing
Accidents happen, so it’s always a good idea to bring extra clothing for your baby in case they need to be changed during the session. Often studios will have a client closet if the dress or newborn outfit is soiled for any reason.
5. Relax and enjoy the experience
Lastly, remember to relax and enjoy the experience. Your photographer will take care of everything, so you can sit back and watch as they capture beautiful images of your new baby.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a studio newborn photography session offers several advantages over an in-home session, including professional equipment, a controlled environment, a variety of props and setups, a timeless and classic look, and peace of mind for new mothers. With careful preparation, a studio session can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience that results in beautiful images that you will treasure for a lifetime. So, if you’re considering a newborn photography session for your new baby, consider choosing a studio session for the best results.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope that I have provided you with valuable information on the benefits of a studio newborn photography session for your new baby. As a photographer, I am passionate about capturing the special moments of your baby’s early days and creating beautiful, timeless images that you will cherish for a lifetime.
If you are interested in scheduling a studio newborn photography session or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to discuss your options and help you plan the perfect session for you and your new baby. In the end, the choice between a studio and an in-home session is a personal one. However, I believe that a studio session provides several advantages that make it the best choice for many new mothers. From the professional equipment and controlled environment to the variety of props and setups and the timeless and classic look, a studio session can result in images that you will treasure forever. Thank you again for considering a studio newborn photography session for your new baby. I wish you all the best as you embark on this exciting new chapter of your life.