Cleveland In-Home Newborn Photography | Capturing the Whole Family

There is something so special about getting to capture families and the newest addition during a Cleveland in-home newborn photography session.

This sweet family had just welcomed their baby girl, making them a family of four! Plus their pup Lucy! Their home was a gorgeous century home in Chagrin Falls. The master bedroom had beautiful natural light with white surfaces that allowed the light to softly fill the room, and we were actually able to photograph their entire session just in the one room! Their timeless white outfits and mom’s gorgeous white lace dress added such a soft and refined feel to the entire session.

Photographing Your Family Just as You Are

One of my favorite things about in-home newborn sessions is that I get to photograph the family in a way that looks and feels like you… It also allows the entire session to feel more comfortable and natural and minimize stress for the parents. There isn’t a need to get everyone perfectly settled before we start. Your toddler can play for a little while. You can stop to soothe or feed the baby as needed. Your dog can wander around and have sweet, candid interactions with the family.

That was especially perfect with having a busy three year old big brother- he wasn’t interested in spending long stretches of time sitting still, but in the home, he could take a little break and play, then come back over when he was ready. We could capture him looking at his new baby sister, and then let him go back to playing while we photographed mom, dad, and baby! For in-home newborn sessions, I work with whatever is naturally happening, and that’s how we capture the sweetest candid moments. Don’t worry, though, I will absolutely give you gently guidance as well, so that you always feel comfortable and confident!

Your Dog Is Always Welcome

When I first arrived, Lucy was actually behind a doggy gate. Her family was being thoughtful and wanted to make sure she wasn’t too excited while I was getting settled with my gear, but I told them I aboslutely love dogs and have a golden retriever of my own! I am completely comfortable having your dog around during newborn sessions, and in fact, I would encourage it!

I usually prefer to let dogs be part of the session naturally rather than saving them for one small portion at the end as long as the place and situation allows. Lucy was able to come out, wander around, and gradually get comfortable with me while we continued photographing the family, and that usually allows them the chance to settle in and get much calmer than if we were to save the pup for one small portion at the end when all the energy from finally getting to greet me lets loose!

Instead of trying to get everyone—including the dog—to cooperate for a few minutes, we had the entire session to let Lucy become part of what was happening. She wandered into the room while Mom was soothing the baby. She checked in on everyone and had a few curious sniffs and kisses. Having the pup be part of the session allows me to naturally capture those everyday moments that years from now you’ll want to be able to look back on and remember how they felt!

What If Your Dog Doesn’t Cooperate for Photos?

I hear this from so many families before their sessions.

“Our dog never looks at the camera.”

“She’s impossible to photograph.”

“I’m not sure you’ll be able to get a good picture of everyone together.”

And honestly, sometimes we can’t, but usually we get some version of a photo that involves the whole family! Sometimes the candid moments are even better than posed photos! I don’t expect your dog to be perfect, so don’t stress!

I think most of the time dogs quickly figure out if someone is a “dog person,” and once they realize we’re friends, I think the sessions usually go pretty smoothly. With a little patience, help from the owners, and a few treats, we can usually get some great photos with the pup included.

The Moments in Between

Some of my favorite photographs from this session weren’t the ones where everyone was looking at me. They were the moments happening in between… Mom soothing the baby while her son played nearby. Lucy wandering through the room. A little sniff or kiss from the pup. Her big brother stopping to look at his new sister. They’re often what make a gallery feel like your family!

Why In-Home Newborn Photography Is So Meaningful

There is something about photographing these early days at home that makes the photographs feel especially personal. Of course, your newborn is at the heart of the session. But I don’t photograph only your baby… I photograph the people who are loving her.

I come to you, so you don’t have to pack up a brand-new baby and everything that comes with them just to get out the door. If the baby needs to eat, you can stop. If your older child needs a break, they can play. If your dog wants to wander into the room, they are welcome!

We have everything we need right there, and your home becomes part of the story, too… The nursery you spent months preparing, the bedroom where you snuggle and relax, and the beautiful light coming through the windows. The little details that make your home yours.

Remembering What Your Family Looked Like Right Now

Years from now, my hope is that families look back at these photographs and remember more than what their baby girl looked like as a newborn. I hope they remember their son becoming a big brother, their pup and how gently they welcomed the newest member of the family, and the beautiful home they brought her home to!

These newborn moments are fleeting, but photos can hold onto a little piece of what it all looked like to cherish together as their family grows and changes. That’s one of the things I love most about in-home newborn photography in Cleveland.

Cleveland & Northeast Ohio Newborn Photography

I photograph in-home newborn sessions throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, including Chagrin Falls, Akron, Green, Canton, Hudson, and surrounding communities.

If you’re looking for a Cleveland newborn photographer for an in-home session who will document your whole family and all of the little things that make your family yours, I’d love to photograph this season for you. I can’t wait to connect and help you celebrate these new and exciting moments for your family!