You’ve Decided to Book Newborn Photos… Now Comes the Next Question
One of the most common questions I get asked is whether I photograph newborns in a studio.
The answer is no.
I specialise exclusively in in-home newborn photography, and that’s a very intentional decision.
The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong choice. Both studio newborn photography and in-home newborn photography create beautiful images.
The biggest difference isn’t the photographs. It’s the experience.
After photographing Perth families for almost 20 years, and after experiencing both types of newborn sessions with my own children, I know which experience I’d choose every single time.
What Is Studio Newborn Photography?
Studio newborn photography usually takes place in a dedicated photography studio with controlled lighting, props, wraps and backdrops.
For families who love posed newborn portraits and carefully styled images, a studio can be a wonderful choice.
The environment is designed specifically for photography, with everything set up and ready to go.
What Is In-Home Newborn Photography?
In-home newborn photography takes place in the comfort of your own home, there’s no packing the car., no worrying about arriving on time and no taking your baby somewhere unfamiliar just days after giving birth.
Instead, I come to you.
Using the beautiful natural light already in your home, I capture your family just as you are during those first precious weeks together.
1. You’re Still Recovering From Birth
Whether you’ve had a straightforward birth or an unexpected caesarean, your body is still healing, those first few weeks are a huge adjustment.
The thought of packing the nappy bag, feeding the baby, dressing everyone and getting out the door at a certain time can feel overwhelming.
I remember how exhausting those first couple of weeks were. That’s exactly why I love photographing families at home. You don’t have to go anywhere. You can simply stay where you’re most comfortable while I come to you and I work around whatever your baby needs that day.
2. You Get to Stay Inside Your Newborn Love Bubble
Those first few weeks with your baby are unlike anything else, the days blur together, you’re learning each other. and you’re soaking in every tiny yawn, stretch and cuddle.
I never want families to feel like they have to leave that little newborn bubble just because they’re having photographs taken. Instead, I come to you and document this season exactly as it feels.
3. Toddlers Can Simply Be Toddlers
If this isn’t your first baby, you’ll already know toddlers rarely perform on cue, at home, they don’t have to! They can play with their toys, have a snack, watch a little Bluey and have a nap.
Then wander back in when they’re ready for another cuddle, because they’re relaxed, the photographs feel far more natural and unforced which means every family member relaxes.
4. Your Home Doesn’t Need to Look Perfect
This is probably the biggest misconception I hear.
“My house isn’t nice enough.”
Can I tell you a little secret? I don’t need a display home.
Most of the time I only need:
- A bed.
- A beautiful window.
- A lounge room.
- The nursery, if you’d like.
Families are always amazed by how little of their home actually appears in their photographs.
5. Your Pets Can Be Part of the Story
Our pets are family too, one of the best advantages of photographing your newborn at home is that your dog or cat can naturally become part of the session.
Some of my favourite newborn photographs include curious dogs gently sniffing the new baby or proudly sitting beside the family.
Those moments simply can’t happen if your pet stays home.
6. There’s No Rushing
Newborns don’t work to a timetable, they need feeding, they need cuddles and sometimes they simply need a little extra time.
During an in-home session there’s nowhere else you need to be, if we need to stop, we stop.
The session moves at your baby’s pace, not the clock.
7. I Can Help You Choose What to Wear
One of the unexpected benefits of photographing families at home is that I can help if you’re unsure what to wear, if you’re deciding between two outfits, we can simply look at them together on the day.
There’s no need to stress if you change your mind, everything you need is already there.
8. Take It From Me… I’ve Experienced Both
This is probably the only part of this article that isn’t based on almost 20 years of photographing newborns.
It’s based on me being a mum too.
When my first son was born, we had our newborn photos taken at home. A couple of years later, after my second son arrived, we chose a studio session, so I’ve genuinely experienced both.
Looking back, I would choose an in-home newborn session every single time.
Not because the photographs were better, but because the experience was.
At home, everything felt calm. I could change outfits without worrying about what I’d packed, include our dog and even have my extended family pop in for a few photographs. We weren’t watching the clock or trying to get everyone out the door on time. We could simply enjoy those first few weeks together.
By contrast, our studio session felt much harder. By then I had a busy toddler and, like most toddlers, he wanted to explore every corner of the studio. Getting everyone dressed, packed and there on time felt stressful before we’d even arrived, and once we were there it felt like I was trying to juggle a newborn, a curious toddler and a photoshoot all at once.
When I look back now, I don’t remember where the photos were taken.
I remember how the experience made me feel.
And that’s exactly why I chose to specialise in in-home newborn photography.
My Approach to Newborn Photography
My newborn sessions are never about rushing through a checklist of poses., they’re about documenting the connection between your family during one of the biggest chapters of your life. The tiny fingers, the sleepy cuddles.
Your toddler proudly introducing their new baby brother or sister, the quiet moments you’ll barely remember until you see them again in your photographs.
Those are the memories I want to preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About In-Home Newborn Photography
Is my home tidy enough?
Almost every family asks me this, and my answer is always the same… yes! I don’t need a perfect home. A few beautiful pockets of natural light are all we need.
What if my baby won’t settle?
That’s completely normal. Newborn sessions are relaxed and baby-led, with plenty of time for feeding, cuddles and settling.
Can grandparents be included?
Absolutely. One of the wonderful things about photographing at home is how easy it is for grandparents to join us for a few photographs.
Can we include our dog?
Yes! I love including pets. They’re such an important part of your family’s story.
When should I book my newborn session?
I recommend booking your newborn session during your second trimester so I can reserve space around your due date. That said, if your baby has already arrived, please still get in touch as I’ll always do my best to fit you in.
If you’d like to learn more about timing, you can also read my guide on when to book your newborn photographer in Perth.
Planning Ahead
One of my favourite parts of my job is watching families grow.
Many of the parents I photograph first meet me during their maternity photography session, then invite me back a few weeks later to photograph their newborn, before returning again for family photos as their children grow.
It’s such a privilege to document these different chapters and create photographs that tell the story of your family’s journey from pregnancy through to those precious newborn days.
If you’re still expecting, you can learn more about my maternity photography sessions in Perth.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re looking for a relaxed, natural newborn photography experience in the comfort of your own home, I’d love to hear from you.
Whether you have questions about the experience, when to book, what to wear or simply want to chat through your options, I’m always happy to help.
Get in touch here, and together we’ll create a relaxed newborn photography experience that feels just as special as the memories we’ll capture.
