A Cozy Indianapolis Newborn Portrait Session
Welcoming Micah | In-home Newborn Photos
The Gjertson family recently welcomed little Micah, and he is the perfect addition! You can see a glimpse into their maternity session with me here. Each time I work with an Indianapolis family to preserve this season for them through in-home newborn photos, our time together is all about capturing heartfelt, tender images. I wrap up the sweetness of this new little person that has entered their lives, while they get to be fully present in the moment with their people.
Nicole wore a dress from my Motherhood Client Wardrobe. This is complementary service for each of my newborn mamas, and it makes preparing outfits for your newborn photos breeze! I mean, who wants to go shopping for a new dress while newly postpartum? Ummm..no one!
You can find this dress here. It’s a favorite of mine for sure because of the delicate Swiss dot details. It is super flowy, flattering, and comfortable, fitting a range of sizes. I loved how she paired the blue of Ian’s shirt with a sweet little white dress for their toddler daughter. The white and blue together in the nursery was timeless and classic.
I always bring a few cozy white blankets to my newborn sessions. Near the beginning of your session I’ll bundle you baby up and we grab a few sweet detail photos of your newborn by themselves. These muslin blankets are a favorite of mine because of how soft they are and the texture they add to the photos.
Sometimes baby wants to sleep the entire time and other times they are wide awake (and you’ll see below we captured of few of those of Micah)! My main goal is to do whatever we can to keep baby happy, so I always go with the flow and follow your newborn’s lead. With four children of my own I’ve learned that laid back sessions are best for everyone.
Why choose an Indianapolis In-Home Newborn Photo Session?
This is a huge reason why, as an Indianapolis newborn photographer, I’m a big proponent of in-home newborn photos. When you are in your own home, you are in your most organic space as family. You sleep here, play here, and dream together here. You can take breaks, grab a snack. And, if you have older siblings, they naturally feel most secure in their own space.
Preparing Older Siblings for Your Newborn Photo Session
Little Rosie did so well during her new little brother’s newborn photos. So I thought I’d share a few tips and tricks as you prepare your older child to participate in newborn photos.
Some couples wonder how their older child with do during their in-home newborn photos. I totally understand this concern as a mother myself! You never quite know how a toddler might be doing emotionally that afternoon, but I can honestly say that there is probably nothing your child can do that would surprise me.
Here are some ways you can set your child up for success during your newborn session.
1. Choose a photographer who specializes in working with little ones.
While there are a host of incredible photographers in Indianapolis, I highly recommend choosing a photographer that is very very familiar with working with children and littles specifically. This takes a major pressure off of your shoulders and they are skilled at pivoting with what a child might bring to the session. This leads to my next suggestion…
2. Follow your photographer’s lead.
This is an easy one but often gets forgotten. Too many voices speaking to your child can overwhelm them and cause them to retreat. Your toddler or preschooler (or even school aged child!) will NOT be involved in the entirety of your in-home newborn photos. We can all agree that the baby is the star here, and though we definitely want those incredibly cute photos of baby with their big brother or sister, it’s just not fair to them to have the expectation of being contained in a pose for that long.
3. Take the pressure off (of both you and them!).
Instead of forcing a child to smile again and again, remain present in the moment. This is a big shift for your first baby and more pressure will not help. Your child will be able to sense the joy you have as you delight in their presence during your family’s newborn photo session. Look them in the eyes, delight in being with them. Slow down be fully present in the moment as they read a book with you and baby, count baby’s fingers, or tickle baby’s toes. While we all love grabbing that everyone looking at the camera pose, the candid moment’s will be the ones melting your heart for years to come.
4. Naps and Snacks.
Inform your photographer of when your toddler typically naps, and try to keep that same schedule. Sometimes that means they are involved right at the beginning of a session before going straight to nap time. Try to keep things as stats-quo as possible for them…there are enough big changes happening already.
Having neutral colored snacks on hand is key. Do not give your child anything with dyes right before the newborn session or during the session. As fun as dyes and icing are, they can stain skin BADLY (blue lips anyone?). Opt instead for snacks that are low mess, neutral in color, and easy to pass out to your child. While they are off grabbing a snack with daddy, I can take photos of mama and baby.
Your Indianapolis in-home newborn photos can be a relaxed, low-key, and memorable experience for each member of your family.
Want to find out more about booking an Indianapolis In-Home Newborn Photo Session?
From complementary access to the Motherhood Client Wardrobe, to holding your heirloom images in your hands you can expect a smooth, seamless experience. Find out more about what it is like to work with me here. Or, you can easily send me a message here. I cannot wait to walk alongside you in this journey of motherhood.
Meet the Photographer
Katelyn Ng is an Indianapolis in-home newborn photographer, a believer, grateful wife and mama to four. When she’s not photographing families, she is homeschooling her wild and wonderful children. She serves growing families in the greater Indianapolis area and surrounding suburbs with tender photography that captures organic moments.
+ COMMENTS
add a comment