Benefits of a San Francisco Bay Area Newborn Photo Session At-Home

Curious about the benefits of a San Francisco Bay Area Newborn photo session at home? That’s my specialty. When you are looking for newborn baby photography ideas in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, or beyond, I’d love to help. You will either see photo sessions from studios or portraits taken at the family’s home. As a lifestyle photographer, I am a big proponent of home-baby photography. Real moments that take place at home are emotional and meaningful.

At-home newborn sessions, or documentary portrait sessions, have become one of my favorite types of photoshoots in the Bay Area. Not only are the houses beautiful and unique, but it’s the first place your baby will call home. The authenticity, the comfort of the home setting, the intimacy– all so different from having a newborn session in a studio.

Take a look at some of the benefits of in-home newborn photography in the San Francisco Bay Area area and I hope to be able to meet your family soon!

I will travel to your home for a custom portrait session of your family with the newborn

Although this can seem like an obvious difference, it really is a huge relief for new parents. The amount of equipment a newborn needs when leaving the house can be truly overwhelming. Having a photographer at your home is a real convenience! Need a diaper, burp cloth, pacifier? They are at your fingertips. Who needs more stress? No need to pack up the family in the car to drive to the studio, worrying about the trip, and what you might have forgotten at home just builds tension. So, having me come to your house for an at-home newborn photo session is a no-brainer. And please don’t clean up. I understand.

Hair and makeup artists can come to you for your newborn photos

Considering professional hair and make-up for your photos? These artists will happily visit you in your home to create a polished, refreshed look. Listen, you just had a baby so it’s time to pamper yourself! These photos will be treasured for decades, so it’s a great time to splurge. I always recommend make-up artists who work in the morning, and you might want to keep them in your phonebook for your future family sessions, as well.

A candid approach to intimate portraits with your newborn baby

A newborn photo session at home allows for a candid, natural experience. We can change locations, find the best light and capture moments of your family interacting in your own space. If a baby falls asleep while nursing, that’s a great photo. If a sibling wants to tumble on the floor while parents and newborn are on the couch, that’s a sweet picture. If you enjoy authentic, lifestyle photography, you will love an at-home session.

Every newborn portrait session at home is unique

I’m not sure about you, but studio photos feel repetitive. Newborn photography in San Francisco Bay Area can take place in the comfort of your home. Your home is part of your story and your photos should be just as special.  Home photography is timeless because it’s about family and connection. At your home, we celebrate the nest you have created for your family. Did you create an adorable nursery? Well, we have to get a photo of that, for sure! The crib, the mobile, the rocking chair. Newborn baby picture ideas can be unique by adding your own touches on the photos with your home’s style and flair. I offer lifestyle documentaries and I want to show the uniqueness of the home you are raising your family in. Do you snuggle as a family in the master bedroom? These are precious moments you will always want to remember.

Siblings are relaxed and excited about the new baby in the comfort of home

When looking for San Francisco Bay Area newborn photography or newborn photography in Oakland, Berkeley, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, or San Jose, check to make sure the style is your preference. Often included in my newborn sessions are excited siblings! Children take time to warm up to new environments, like portrait studios. The big lights, the cold walls, and the unfamiliar spaces can feel intimidating. On the other hand, photos taken at home allow kids to feel confident. They often want to show me around and demonstrate what a caring big brother/sister she is. Is Grandma there to help during the photo session? Perfect! Let’s include her in the portraits as well. There could be nothing more special for a grandparent than special photos she can share with friends and family.

What is the best age for a newborn photo session?

That 7-14 day window for newborn pictures is great if you feel ready. Can you do a newborn photoshoot of a newborn over 14 days? Absolutely. My priority is always having Mom feel her best and be ready to be part of the portrait session. Oftentimes, the first 14 days are a challenge and the last thing we are thinking of is being in front of a camera. I encourage my clients to book a portrait session with me when they feel the time is right. As we know babies just get cuter with age as you can see with these beautiful chubby cheeks and gummy grins. 

Start your family portrait journey with a maternity session

With most clients, I begin with their maternity session. I then follow them through the early growing years as a family. Most families will move a few times and documenting the house where they brought home their infant is a beautiful memory. Whenever I think of my childhood home a flood of emotions comes up. A home is where we build bonds and grow as a family. It is quite a special place to document for ourselves and our children.

I always hunt for the best light in your home. I love simple backgrounds where I can celebrate the connection between people. We might also have fun by playing I am the master bedroom, visiting the nursery, snuggling with a dog or cat, or stepping outside on a beautiful day. Let’s keep it real and capture your personality. And don’t worry about having the perfect newborn outfit. Finding a simple white onesie or diaper cover can be all you need. I am a San Francisco Bay Area newborn photographer and would love to hear about your ideas.

If you are pregnant and considering newborn photos, give me a ring! We can also plan a great maternity session in one of the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area locations whether in San Francisco, hills of Mt. Diablo, Marin Headlands, the redwoods, or Baker Beach. And as your baby grows through her first year, let’s schedule some milestone photoshoots to capture one of my favorite stages of babyhood.

You can now see all the benefits of a San Francisco Bay Area Newborn photo session at home. My goal when photographing families is to create timeless, emotive, and joyous images. I love incorporating our beautiful San Francisco Bay Area scenery and golden sunsets to help capture authentic moments.  Sessions take place an hour or so before sunset for the most beautiful light. If you are interested in more information on maternity, newborn or family photography click here!  Or email me directly at christina@nightingalephotos.com. Please allow 48 hours for me to respond.  Can’t wait to connect!