As you prepare for your new baby, chances are you have been gathering and selecting the colors, bedding, and art to adorn your baby’s nursery. A lot of love goes into that room before the baby arrives. And even if it’s not completely finished before your due date, it’s the perfect backdrop for your baby’s first professional photos. What a great way to reflect your daily life and all the love you pour into your growing family.

Not convinced yet? I’m going to cover 5 Reasons to Book an In Home New Orleans Lifestyle Newborn Session and hopefully win you over today. 

Enjoy the Ease and Comfort of your Home with New Orleans Lifestyle Newborn Photos

Whether this is your first baby or your third, getting out the door those first few weeks can be tough. Lifestyle newborn photos in the place you are most comfortable, your home, can offer a more relaxed and carefree session. Plus your husband and other kids are going to be much happier at home too. We have all those safe and cozy places to place your newborn down and have older siblings hold their new sister or brother. And we have time to change outfits if needed.

It’s a chance for you to focus on your new family for an hour and leave everything else behind! And when older siblings need a break, they can go play while we focus on the baby while we focus on candid newborn photos. 

In Home New Orleans Lifestyle Newborn Sessions that Fit into Your Family Routine

Isn’t it lovely to not have to worry about leaving your home after having a baby? No packing the diaper bag and forgetting the second outfit you had planned. Hands down, having your newborn session at home is so much more convenient for my clients. And the best part is you don’t have to clean your house. I totally understand and actually am relieved when there is a pile of diaper boxes in the corner or a pile of laundry. You just had a baby, I don’t judge. 

When I arrive, I’m going to look for beautiful light, comfy chairs and beds and your nursery to use for candid newborn photos. If you make your beds and clean up side tables we are good to go. But feel free to leave that pile of dishes in the sink “to soak” as I like to say.

When working in your home, we can also pick the right time of day for your newborn photos. Although nap schedules are all over the map for new babies, for older siblings they can be on a sacred time-table. Mornings are often best, but if you need a little more sleep in time, we can find a time that works for you all. You can set the pace of the session based on your baby’s needs. There’s no rush, I often take breaks for nursing or a bottle which gives us time to focus on older siblings. If we are including older siblings, take a look at my sibling guide for some tips!

Authentic Moments of Your Home and Family Life 

New Orleans lifestyle newborn sessions are the most unique way to capture this time in your life. All you have to do is gaze adoringly at your new baby, in the comfort of the home you have built together. Your newborn photos will represent your everyday moments from rocking your baby to cradling them gently down to their crib. 

We get to show off that nursery, lovingly curated by yourself! We will be capturing moments, not just portraits for your candid photos. That means you might be cuddling on the couch together and counting all those cute little toes. With older siblings, they might get some photographed play time with dad as you feed your newborn. I will be guiding you the entire way, finding ways to capture your personalities, love for eachother, and this extraordinary time in your lives. 

No one else will have newborn photos exactly like yours. And in New Orleans, your home is a character in your story. Even if you have plans to remodel or move, photograph your home as it is today. Your kids, and you, will love looking back at this experience in their childhood through your lifestyle newborn photos. There is no better way to capture unique New Orleans lifestyle newborn photos than in your home. 

The beautiful nursery above was designed by one of my favorite New Orleans designers Hattie Sparks. You can check out her work here! and find out more about some New Orleans nursery trends here!

Leave it to a Pro to Get Quality and Creativity in Your Lifestyle Newborn Photos

Let’s be honest, you could take some newborn photos with your cell phone. Maybe you’ve even snapped some decent shots of your spouse with your other kids or pets. But how often do you, as a mom, get to be in a photo that truly flatters you? 

When you opt for a professional photographer for your lifestyle newborn photos, you are choosing someone who is dedicated to making sure you look your absolute best. They know exactly how to capture flattering angles and bring out your radiance as a new mom. Moreover, they inject a level of creativity into the session that your sleep-deprived brain simply can’t match at this moment. 

Even as a professional newborn photographer, capturing just a fraction of my children’s early moments left me feeling utterly drained!

Natural Light and No Fussy Posing for Your Newborn Photos

You may not know it, but your house has great natural light. If we roll up those black-out shades in your nursery or bedroom, your light will be perfect. There is nothing more flattering than natural light, it also adds emotion and depth to your candid newborn photos. One of my superpowers as a professional photographer is finding great light. I have photographed in the darkest house and come away with a light and airy feel that is flattering and emotive. 

Add an adorable onesie to your sleepy baby and we will be capturing authentic photos that document your life. Lifestyle newborn photography eschews fussy posing techniques, and instead focuses on capturing genuine moments in a baby’s environment. Cuddling with a parent on a bed, being cradled in arms or falling asleep in a bassinet. The perfect candid newborn photos.

Bonus! Your pets are invited to join in!

Your fur baby is important to your family, and more than welcome to be part of your first family portrait with your new baby. In-home sessions make it easier to include pets, even if it’s only for a moment or two. When clients mention they have pets, I’m all in on capturing the whole family! I’ve learned some trick over the years to help get the moment without the stress.

Safety is key in getting dogs involved. A well placed treat can help us navigate an excited dog to the perfect spot. Making sure you practice sitting and staying can be a big help. It’s my job to make sure we have chosen a safe pose with your help to make sure your baby can’t be accidentally bumped or startled. 

Embrace imperfections when it comes to adding your pets (or older siblings) as we will be moving fast to get that moment, and often most touching photographs. 

Why in-home photos of your newborn are the best.

Booking an in-home New Orleans lifestyle newborn session offers a unique and personalized experience that captures the essence of your family’s early days together. In the comfort of your own space, parents and kids can feel more relaxed and at ease which results in more intimate photographs. We can find those personal touches of your nursery decor, favorite rooms and cherished belongings. And you won’t feel rushed as we navigate siblings, pets and feeding schedules. There is no better way to create a lasting visual story that reflects the love, warmth and joy of this special time in your life than candid newborn photos in your home. 

If you are expecting, reach out to schedule your in home New Orleans lifestyle newborn session! I would love to hear about your growing family. Looking to plan a great date night before baby arrives? Check out these ideas! 

And if you are shopping for a great outfit for your maternity photos, check out a few of my favorite New Orleans boutiques here! 

Jennifer Zdon is an award-winning photographer based in New Orleans, LA, and specializes in capturing the beauty of maternity, newborn and family moments. With a focus on lifestyle photography, she creates relaxed, natural and joyful images that resonate with her clients. Clients invest in digital images and beautiful artwork for their home to showcase these cherished memories.