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Brace yourselves, new parents!
Life with a newborn is a beautiful whirlwind of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and a newfound appreciation for caffeine. Amidst the chaos, you might be thinking, "Who has time to clean the entire house for a photo session?" Well, fear not! I'm here to promise you that all you need is one great window and a little bit of willingness to embrace real life. So, grab your latte of choice and let's dive into how to prepare your home for an in-home newborn lifestyle photo session!
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One Great Window:
Forget about finding the perfect backdrop or staging a Pinterest-worthy scene. Your secret weapon for capturing beautiful photos is none other than a fantastic window. Natural light is the hero of any photo session, and a well-lit window is your best friend. So, locate the window with the best light in your house, and let the sun work its magic! I do have excellent lighting equipment that I always bring to in-home sessions in case they are needed, but it's nice to leave the extra gear behind to help everyone stay in the moment.
a soft surface:
Next up, we need somewhere soft to snuggle up. My favourite is usually the parent's bedroom—a sanctuary of sleep (or lack thereof) and a treasure trove of candid moments. Snuggled up with your newborn, surrounded by the comfort of your bed, you'll find the perfect setting for tender family portraits. Who knew your bedroom could be a photoshoot hotspot? Next best - a cozy living room couch that can hold the whole family for a group hug!
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Embrace the Beautiful Chaos:
Here's a secret: newborns are messy. Diapers, burp cloths, and adorable baby paraphernalia will quickly take over your living space. But fear not! Instead of worrying about tidying up every nook and cranny, embrace the beautiful chaos. After all, these photos are about capturing the genuine moments, and that includes a little real life stuff. So, let the laundry pile up and the toys scatter, and let's create memories amidst the chaos of parenthood.
A Little Help Goes a Long Way:
If you're worried about distracting elements in your photos, don't stress! I'm here to save the day. I'll be your personal clutter-buster, helping you remove any things that might steal the spotlight from your newborn star. From misplaced socks to rogue coffee mugs, I'll work some magic, so you don't have to worry about a thing. You focus on cuddling your little one, and I'll handle the rest!
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Preparing your home for an in-home newborn lifestyle photo session doesn't have to be a daunting task. Remember, all you need is one great window, a cozy space to gather, and a willingness to embrace the chaos. Let go of the pressure to have a spotless home and instead focus on cherishing the precious moments with your newborn. So, take a deep breath, sip your coffee, and get ready for a memorable photo session that perfectly captures this chapter in your lives. Cheers to the messy, funny, and heartwarming journey of parenthood!
Kate Steele is a professional photographer based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Specializing in documenting the un-posed love, the genuine joy, and all the other real life stuff happening around us. Offering lifestyle newborn, family and couple photography in Ottawa. For behind the scenes and current work please follow along on Instagram!