In-Home Newborn Sessions are my specialty here in Charleston, and I have yet to see anyone really do them like I do.

 An in-home session allows my clients to really relax in their own space and prepare for their session without having to pack up everything they think they might need for their newest addition. Preparing for your session is much easier when you can have your photographer come to your home and really capture the space in which you now spend almost every hour of every day with your new baby. Getting to know your family, your home, and your new baby is an absolute honor and I thought it would be great to share some insight from a first time mom about her experiences.

Jessica began her search for a newborn photographer in her second trimester. She declined the idea of a maternity session because overall she said she didn't really like being pregnant. I hear this sometimes, so know that you're definitely not alone in those feelings of discomfort and the changing of your body. Second trimester is a great time to start looking though, you need enough time to make the perfect decision for your family. Lots of people search for their services in different ways. Some people use web searches like Google, Bing, Duck Duck Go, etc. Some people actually still use directory platforms like Yelp. Jessica was actually referred to me by a past (and now repeat) newborn client, which is the best compliment my local Charleston clients can give me. She remembered seeing her friend's newborn pictures and really liked the quality and variety that I provided their family so she got in touch via my website. Being able to capture these milestones for local families and providing them with the best customer service and portraits I can is a must, but having a personal connection with clients via referrals is a bonus feature. 

As a Photographer myself, here are some important things to look for, ask, or determine when looking for your own photographer:

• First, determine your ideal style. Do you like the idea of an in-home session to capture your home environment or do you prefer a studio?  This is a huge factor because not every photographer has a studio, and not every photographer offers in-home sessions. And even fewer will offer the studio experience in-home. So determining exactly what style you like is a great place to start. Make sure that when browsing their portfolio it matches your vision. If you don't see what you envision move on to another. 
  
  
• Second, while browsing photographers websites (yes, their website!) I recommend either researching what information they offer on their experience, or asking what experience they have with newborns. Are the professionally trained in posing and safety? Is it important to you that they be vaccinated? Are they licensed and fully insured? While it's important to have the emotional connection to their work, it's equally important that you trust the person who is handling your new baby to keep them safe. Every photographer handling a newborn should have some experience, whether an in-person course or online and they should also have liability insurance. 
  
  
• Third, what testimonials and reviews do they have? It's important to research their reputation in the community if not found via a personal referral. Google or Facebook reviews, searching their name online, etc. All ways to make sure they are reputable and providing a great service for their past clients. 

Knowing how to prepare for your session is SO important, especially as a first time parent.

My clients receive both a Pre-Session Questionnaire to help ME prepare for their session as well as their own Preparing for your Newborn Session guide. 

Your Pre-Session Questionnaire for me includes details on you and your spouse, any other siblings or pets in the home, and what your home and nursery decor are like. I ask for any color preferences for the props and accessories I bring along. I also ask my clients to sent me very quick and easy snapshots of the rooms we plan to use for your session. This allows me to evaluate the quality and direction of the natural light in your rooms. While I do bring supplemental lighting used in the above image, ideally I really love to use all natural light if we can. So being prepared ahead of time as a visual person is helpful for me to be more efficient with my job. 

Your Newborn Prep Guide includes the steps to prepare your home from clearing off side tables, making the bed, etc. Planning your wardrobe including a link to my Client Closet in case you need something to wear. Of course men, kids and babies are so easy to dress but after you have your baby it can be challenging to find something you feel confident in that also fits. I go over when to feed your baby and what they should be dressed or not dressed in when I arrive. Having a guide to follow has deemed to be extremely helpful per Jessica and many of my other newborn clients. Whatever I can do to make your life easier during this time is my goal!

"Erin is so personable and friendly and will do everything she can to make you feel good in your skin and make sure you like your pictures!" -Jessica

During your session I combine the lifestyle portraiture in your home with studio-like simple posing for your baby using props that I have combined with the floors you already have in your home. I will give you all the direction you need to capture all the best angles and poses of you enjoying all the baby snuggles. Between my family lifestyle portraits and focusing on capturing your baby I create my hybrid style galleries for my clients. Jessica said that the pictures of their son are some of their favorite images from our session, and she loves being able to include their dog. My skills and use of simple props and lighting have enabled me to create stunning images unlike anyone else in the area. 

As a first time parent, here are some things Jessica swears by:

• Halo Sleep Sacks and a heating pad been essential for helping their baby stay asleep when putting him down. Using a heating pad to warm the bedding keeps him feeling warm and snuggly. (And is actually a technique I use during my newborn sessions as well!)
• Maternity leggings are a must for total comfort!
• A wrist brace works wonders for the carpal tunnel and postpartum "mommy wrist"

Are you ready to start your search for your newborn photographer?