Don’t stress about your kids misbehaving.
I have kids, I get it. Sometimes they are angels, sometimes life happens. I’m more than happy to go with the flow and let them run the show. I might make suggestions on where to go or what to do next, but if they aren’t keen we can change it up, whatever you would do in your regular day. Otherwise negotiations, tears and tantrums are part of the everyday, so I might photograph that too!
Your mood effects your photos.
I know it’s hard, trying to get your kids, your partner, your house, your SELF ready. But once we get started it’s time to leave all that behind. This time and space is for you to connect with your family. Have fun with them, laugh with them, ask them questions, play. If you’re having fun, so are they and it will come through in your photos.
Don't forget to show affection to your partner.
Don't force it, but don't be shy because I'm there. I won't ask you to kiss or do anything cheesey, but if you might normally hold hands or put your arm around them, any kind of physical affection makes for a much nicer photo than standing 1.5m apart. Remember, you might just be in the background of photos of your kids too, so the less filthy looks you give each other the better!
Some other stuff...
I also have a questionnaire you will receive, if you can please answer as much of this as you can (any time before our session), it really helps me to create the best photos of you, that truly show you and your family as you really are.
If you have any more questions at all check my FAQ's or welcome to email, DM or call to chat!
Heidi x
HOW TO PREP
For your In Home Newborn Session
How does it work?
My newborn sessions are a mix of fun, casual family shots with a few naturally styled shots of bub at the end. I usually try to do some shots in your living area and your main bedroom or babies nursery, depending which areas you prefer and what the light is like in those rooms. If you have older kids and want photos of them playing in their bedrooms or outside, I’m happy to get a little bit of whatever is happening. Life tends to go on around the baby especially if we need to stop for a feed. I’m happy to check out their dolls house or jump on the trampoline if we need some mid-feed entertainment.
How long will our session take?
Depending on the light, and what sort of mood everyone is in, we can usually get all our shots in 60-90 minutes. If you have a newborn and they require feeds or are a bit unsettled, that is totally fine! I allow up to three hours for our session. If you have an older child needing a nap, I’m happy to start the session earlier if we can, otherwise I usually do all the family/sibling shots first and then they can head off for a nap whilst I do the bub only shots. If you are able to give your bub a good feed before I arrive, that usually helps them to feel happy, full and sleepy, but no drama if we stop for feeds as we go.
What to wear
You’ve just had a baby, the most important thing is that you’re wearing something comfortable that you can easily feed in if you need to. If you’re worried about your post-baby bump, a loose fitting t-shirt or dress usually works well.
Welcome to dress bub in any special outfit you love, if you aren’t sure then go for something neutral or plain that has their hands and feet out, so we can capture all those tiny features in the photos. I have a few outfits you are welcome to borrow, but if they are asleep when I arrive, it’s usually better to start the session without waking them and we can change into a different outfit later on if they wake up.
I’ve put together a handy guide with a few things to avoid and pointers if you feel you need it - click here for more information.
Eeeek… my house doesn’t look like it belongs in a magazine, it’s a bit of a mess.
The whole idea of a newborn session at home is to capture this crazy whirlwind of a time as you all get to know your newest family member. I don’t expect your home to be spotless, so don’t feel like you need to clean it from top to bottom before I come, you just had a baby! I have kids, I know what life is like, crumbs happen, boys miss the toilet. If you feel better doing a quick vaccum and a wipe of the benches then go for it. I won’t be checking the inside of the microwave or the leaves in your gutters. The main thing is just to remove/tidy any objects on floors and furniture that you don’t want photographed. If you would like some shots on the bed, plain white or soft/muted coloured sheets/covers tend to work best so that your family is the main focus of the images rather than the bedding.
