As a Bay Area newborn photographer, I've had the privilege of witnessing the purest form of love unfold right before my lens. One thing I've come to cherish deeply in my journey is the beauty of simplicity. In the world of newborn photography, where elaborate props and setups often take center stage, I've found my own rhythm, one that dances to the heartbeats of the families I photograph.
Can a Newborn Session Without Props Turn Great?
Absolutely! I find that when I use props it takes longer to complete the session and it is too stressful for the mom and the newborn. Moreover, babies belong in their parents’ loving arms, not in fancy baskets. When the baby is in his parents’ arms, he is safe, relaxed and less agitated. I hope that when you look back at the images years later, you feel the warmth of their tiny body nestled against your chest, to relive the delicate moments of them cradled in your partner's arms, or to be reminded of the pure adoration in big sister's eyes as she gazes at his tiny toes. Remember, babies are beautiful and adorable the way they are, so props are not really needed to add to their cuteness.
In my in-home lifestyle newborn sessions, you won't find an array of props stealing the spotlight. Instead, I choose to focus on what truly matters: the bond between the newborn and their family. There's an undeniable magic in capturing the tender moments shared between parents as they hold their little one close, or the gentle caress of a sibling's hand against the baby's tiny fingers. These are the moments that speak volumes, and they don't require elaborate setups.
For me, photography isn't just about freezing a moment in time; it's about encapsulating the emotions, the connections, and the fleeting details that make each family unique. When I step into a client's home, I see beyond the decor and the surroundings; I see the love that fills the room, and I make it my mission to weave that love into every frame I capture.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is immortalizing the tiny details of a newborn – the curve of a chubby cheek, the curl of a tiny hand, the softness of newborn skin. These are the details that fade all too quickly as babies grow, but through my lens, they become timeless treasures, cherished for generations to come.
The only props I like using is a swaddle, as it helps to calm the baby. I have a bunch of swaddles that I bring with me but if my client prefers to use their own, that works too.
So, while my lifestyle approach to newborn photography may differ from the traditional, I believe it's the essence of simplicity that allows the true beauty of a family's love to shine through. No props necessary, just genuine connections and heartfelt moments frozen in time. That's the magic I strive to capture in every session, and it's a privilege I'll never take for granted.
1 Comments
Jun 26, 2024, 8:45:29 PM
Kellee Poolis - Hi- I am interested in your pricing for a newborn session. I am due on June 30 and also have an almost 2 year old that we would like included in the session. We did a photo shoot with my son when he was about 9 weeks but open to looking at other timelines pending baby’s arrival. We are located in Saranap (between Lafayette and Walnut Creek).