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LAUREN KAY'S PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG

What's the best time of day for your in-home newborn session?

  • Writer: Lauren Kelsey
    Lauren Kelsey
  • 4 days ago
  • 4 min read

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san Antonio newborn photographer

I'm sure you know lighting can make or break the outcome of your newborn photography session, but the answer to the best time of day for in-home newborn sessions may surprise you! I know how exciting and sometimes (let's be real, mostly) overwhelming the newborn season can be. Don't worry! I've got you covered with years of experience photographing newborns in homes around San Antonio! The time of day is so important to make sure we get the perfect, even lighting, making sure your new baby is happiest they can be, and also providing you the most comfort! Keep reading - I've got your back in deciding the best time of day for your lifestyle newborn sessions!


WHY TIMING MATTERS IN NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Light!! Probably the answer to every time and photography related question. Mid-morning is the best time for me to visit your home to photograph your wrinkly new babe. I've noticed that especially when a nursery window is facing East, we get the most perfect morning glow as the sun rises over your home! Photographers often talk abot "Golden-Hour" as the ~best~ time for taking photos, but this isn't the case for in home newborn photography! Consistent and even lighting is absolutely essential for working indoors.


Starting at the right time helps us avoid harsh shadows and really brings out the warmth and connection that we love to have reflected in photographs.



THE PERFECT TIME FOR IN-HOME LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSIONS

Not only is mid-morning best for the perfect lighting, but babies tend to be happiest during this time as well! Any time between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.! They've had a full nights rest (more or less) and are fed and happy. Plus, even though it may make the morning a little hectic, you have the entire rest of the day to yourself! You didn't spend the whole day worrying about timing naps, especially with toddlers, or making sure everything was perfect around your home. You may even be able to get out for a nice lunch now that you feel like a human again with a shower and being dressed up!




With in-home newborn sessions, we're always looking to reflect the comfort of being at home and all the tiny perfect details of your new baby. They are quite literally changing every day and you'll want to remember these features forever. Even lighting helps ensure everything is in focus and clear for your portraits!


III. ADJUSTING FOR WEATHER OR DARK NURSERIES

Rest assured that you're in good hands when it comes to weather and/or dark rooms! I have years of experience photographing families in home and have the knowledge of working with light - and editing! Even if one room is a little dark, I know my way around editing photographs to bring up the brightness and still honor the coziness of the space! I never seek to makeshift a room into something it's not because I really want to document this season as authentically as possible for your family. Sometimes if one room in the house is a little too dim, there's often many more spaces we can use to bottle up the magic of this season.



The two photos below were taken in a dim nursery using natural light from one little window and editing to bring up the brightness! They turned out beautifully and still reflect the natural light! During this same session we used the master bedroom and the living room.



PREPARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION TIME

A few helpful pieces of information you can provide me include: how many windows the rooms have or what direction each room's windows are facing. The best time for indoor newborn photos is mid-morning, however we can stretch this to early afternoon as well to best accomodate your family's schedule if needed! Mid-morning is ideal since babies are usually calmer and siblings are fresher and cooperate easier, but it will be a much easier session for mama if we work with baby's eat/sleep schedule. Don't be afraid to make a time suggestion if you don't feel right about when we'll be starting! Trust that mama gut.


Flexibility is key to working with babies and I always allot for more time during newborn sessions - just in case. We are in no rush and I try to work efficiently to deliver you a beautiful gallery so y'all can get back into your cozies and you have less to worry about with kiddos making messes during photos. We ebb & flow with the babies - they are the boss!


Mamas, I recommend setting out everyone's outfits the night before (yes, even Dad's)! The morning of photos might be chaos, but it'll be perfect in all it's messy & imperfect ways. When I come in, we'll all take a few deep breaths and get to creating art and flowing together. It's fun and easy! I make every effort to get down on siblings level and engage as we all take in the beauty of the new little life we're celebrating together. Mama, if you're still thinking about what to wear, check out this blog post for What to Wear for In-Home Newborn Photography.



san Antonio newborn photographer

WHAT'S THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSIONS?

The right time of day can bring so much life into your newborn portraits at home. Choosing a mid-morning session helps make sure you have the happiest baby to love on during our session, the most even lighting, and the dreamiest images you'll absolutely need to frame on your walls! Together we will create nostalgic art that documents everything you hold most dear during this season.




san Antonio newborn photographer

San Antonio newborn photographer

ready to remember your motherhood?

Lauren Kay’s Photography captures cozy & heartfelt memories for mothers that romanticize life’s moments.

Lauren Kay’s Photography is a homebirth and motherhood photographer based in San Antonio, Texas and serving families located throughout the Texas Hill Country. Including Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Boerne, & Bulverde Texas. 

San Antonio newborn photographer
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