Whenever we get a call about a newborn photography session, I always ask why they chose to contact us over the hundreds of other newborn photographers out there. And the response I hear over and over again is:
"Your newborn photography portfolio didn't look like everyone else's. Each one of your newborn photography sessions seemed different from the others."
And so I thought I'd share with you 5 ways to personalize YOUR newborn photography session and make it truly your own.
First off, the possibilities are absolutely endless. Before our photography sessions, we have an in-person design meeting with our clients to brainstorm about creative ideas, themes, props, colors, and more. So this guide is just to get you thinking. Don't worry - you don't have to do it all on your own! If we're your newborn photographer, we'll help you through the process, and we'll work together to find the best ways to make your newborn photography session completely you!
1. THINK TOOLS OF THE TRADE
What did you and your partner study in school? What are your professions? Do you use "tools" in your work that could serve as props in your baby's newborn photography session? In the top two images below, dad was in the military and studying to be an anesthesiologist. We incorporated his stethoscope, anesthesiology textbook, and military cap into this set of newborn portraits. And in the bottom two images, this baby's dad is an architect, and his mom studied architecture and works in construction. We made a collage from dad's architectural drawings to serve as a backdrop, and then used mom's construction hard hat and dad's drawing tools as props.
2. REMEMBER THE "I DO"
Make sure those engagement & wedding rings aren't at the jeweler's for resizing or cleaning! There's no better way to remember and cherish your wedding day than to incorporate the greatest symbols of that special day and the love that you share into your newborn photography.
3. TRANSFORM YOUR NEWBORN PORTRAITS INTO INSTANT CLASSICS
Is there a movie you absolutely love? A specific scene within it? A particular character or set of characters? For the newborn photos below, this little one's mom and dad loved the newest Star Wars movie, Rogue One, and I had the perfect blanket to replicate the deserts and sand dunes of the planet, Jedha.
4. THERE'S NOTHING MORE "YOU" THAN YOUR HOME
If your newborn photographer offers in-home newborn photography, as we do, in addition to studio newborn sessions, you might consider having your session take place at your home. Most of our newborn clients opt for a studio session, either because they don't have the space needed for photography, or have unruly pets or simply don't want to have to clean up (!). However, some of our clients do choose an in-home newborn photography session, sometimes for convenience, but more often so that their newborn portraits can be more personal or so pets can be included.
In the first set of newborn pictures above, the baby's nursery was decorated with a cute owl, bird & tree decal, and we added a stuffed bunny for dimension. For the second set of newborn photos below, the chevron rug graced the floor of the nursery, the big bear and chest sat against one wall of the nursery, and big block letters with the baby's name decorated the opposite wall. We made good use of everything in that small, but special room!
What about other areas of your house? The families pictured below had bedrooms with a photogenic bed and blankets that made for nice and very personalized settings for their newborn photography.
While we do our best to brainstorm and plan during the pre-session design meeting, sometimes we discover the unexpected, and that's a good thing. When we arrive at your house for an in-home newborn photography session, the first thing I like to do is take a walk around in case I see anything else that we might like to use as a prop. And in the two cases below, our clients had artwork hanging on the walls. The red painting made for a bright and vibrant backdrop, and the flower canvas gave a sweet spring feel. Each time these parents look at their newborn photos, they'll remember not only the precious newborn moments, but also the wonderful memories associated with how those pieces of art came to hang in their home.
And finally, sometimes it's not about what's IN your home, but what's OUTSIDE of it, and the meaning that holds. The family at right was lucky enough to live within a block of a wooded trail. It was a trail they enjoyed walking together with their dogs, time and time again. So after photographing inside their home, we went out to create some new memories of them walking the trail with their newborn son. That's what photography is all about, right? Memories...
5. PEEK INTO YOUR CLOSET
And finally, sometimes the perfect accessory is staring you in the face each morning as you get dressed. How about a favorite tie for a baby boy and a favorite scarf for a baby girl?
Are you starting to see how boundless the possibilities are for personalizing your newborn photography session and making it truly your own? Has this guide inspired you with ideas unique to YOU? If so, I've done my job. Drop us a line in the comments below - we'd love to hear YOUR ideas!
"On the day you were born, the angels clapped their hands & the moon danced with the stars."
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