"The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home."
- Harold B. Lee
Are you hesitating to schedule a newborn photography session because of the size of your home? Do doubts linger about whether your space is too small or not polished enough? Many families face these concerns, wondering if their lived-in environment truly reflects who they are. The truth is, your home is the backdrop of your life, and there's no better place to capture the memories you hold dear. Keep reading for some helpful tips and a peek at some of the magic that can happen in tiny spaces!
So much sibling love captured on one master bed!
Your home is where you'll introduce your new baby to the world—a space filled with cuddles on the couch, marveling at the tiny miracle you brought home. It's the place you meticulously prepared during the nesting period before birth, where you'll witness your child's first laugh, offer the first bite of food, and cheer on their first steps. This is the canvas of countless firsts, a space that evolves with your family over time.
Newborn photography sessions become a time capsule, preserving the authentic, raw, and emotive moments of bonding with your baby and adjusting to your new normal. Your environment, with the objects and decor that define you, becomes the perfect backdrop for capturing this fleeting time.
One big window, the perfect spot for snuggles with mom and dad!
Your baby's growth will happen right before your eyes, and this time will slip away in the blink of an eye. No matter how small your space, take the opportunity to document this precious season. Even in the tiniest of spaces, we can create a visual narrative that transports you back to the very moments you held your newborn in your arms.
Any spot the entire family can squeeze into can become the perfect backdrop.
Tidying up a small space for a photo session is a breeze, and often, an entire session can unfold in just one area. Babies may be small, but all you need is one well-lit window and enough space for the whole family. Whether it's the living area, hallway, nursery, master bedroom, guest room, or even the kitchen, there are numerous corners of your home that can serve as the perfect backdrop for your newborn photography session. Take a look at some of the following images created in cozy little nooks of the home. It really only takes one good spot with good light that the family can fit into. You might be amazed at how small of a space will work for creating those timeless memories!
One corner of the couch filled with generations of love!
Believe me, we can create some magic in your home, no matter how small! The photos above were from my sister's home. Baby number 5 was brought home to a safe and warm but very much under construction home. We still were able to capture some memories for their family. Your new little one won't wait to grow until the projects are done.
So, how can we make this happen? If you have a small home or if your home is in the midst of transformation, take a look at these few tips for a cozy space session.
- Let your photographer know which areas of your home are your favorite.
- Send some quick snapshots of your favorite spots. (This really helps with planning the session!)
- If you have any special items for baby that you want to include, have those out and ready before the session.
- Clear away any clutter that you do not want in the photos.
- Make sure everyone is rested, fed, and hydrated for the session and be ready to have some fun!
Don't let the size of your home hold you back from capturing these authentic and natural memories. Embrace the coziness of your space, and let it become the canvas for the timeless memories you'll cherish for years to come. And don't just take my word for it! There are many other family photographers around the world that work to capture beautiful families in tiny spaces. Check out Erica, a NYC & Long Island Lifestyle Photographer and her work with families in a big city and cozy homes. (NYC Newborn Photography: How to Document Big Memories in a Small Space - Erica Ruvio Photography (mypixieset.com)
If you are ready to capture some memories for your family, I would love to connect with you! Send me a message and we'll chat about your dream photo session.
Thanks for reading!
-Alicia
