3) More Meaningful Scenes to Keep
The biggest PRO here is showing baby in 30-something years (hey, I'm a 30-something) their very first home in their very first city. Baby is going to want to see the world you brought him/her into. For instance, I came home in a wood-paneled station wagon (maybe in a car seat, maybe not...?) and lived in a home with red carpets, popular in the 70s and 80s. My parents wore super groovy plastic rimmed glasses and had long-ish hair. AWESOME, and nothing looks the same anymore. Glad we have some memories in photos!
So let's shoot some photos in baby's nursery and in that rocking chair that mom and dad will spend every night in. Let's use the couch that baby will watch late night movies on in his/her first weeks because baby won't sleep. And let's shoot in front of some other family photos and family heirlooms that might be more meaningful than what you can find in someone else's space.
CON: Ok, you might have to vacuum the carpet. But don't worry, photographer will clean the table, shove around furniture, and hide away the pumping bras when needed. :)
4) Siblings At Ease (Parents, Too)
Newborn shoots typically take between 2-3 hours. They're fun for us photographers and we do our best to keep the family relaxed and at ease. We take breaks for baby's needs. We take breathers when the thermostat is high to keep baby warm and we're sweating. This means siblings can get a little restless, regardless of where you're shooting. If big brother and big sister are at home, PRO: they can relax in their own space with their own toys. PRO: They can get ready at the last minute because ... what kid have you ever met that wanted to put their pants on? It's especially important to be in a familiar space if siblings are still on a nap schedule. When dad is having his solo portrait with baby, mom can retreat to a private place of quiet. Definitely a PRO!
Small CON: At-home sessions can run longer than a studio experience, so if you have a short window of time to shoot with big bro or sis, your photographer will prioritize the sibling shot and family shots first.
5) Accidents Happen -- Your Wardrobe and Vanity Are At Home
Things that happen 100% of the time: spit up, pee, poop, drool, boogers, milk splatter, bottle drips. We can prepare as much as possible with towels, bibs, etc, but accidents happen. PRO: If you need a new shirt, dress, or entire outfit for anyone in the family, it's easy knowing your entire closet is a few steps away (even though we'll likely have plan A and plan B wardrobe already picked). Touch-ups of makeup are a breeze at home, too. No cons here, either.
With that said... here are highlights from a recent session I had the pleasure of shooting at the Pagtama family's home in San Jose. Congratulations, Judy, Anthony and big bro Hudson!
