I typically photograph newborns and babies in my studio. It’s what I’m known for and what I’m most comfortable doing simply because it’s what I do most often. There is something about the aura of a newborn that makes my heart just melt, and I love the sheer joy of a six month old.  Documenting that one year milestone with a cakesmash is a guaranteed way to put a smile on my face all day long, especially when they are babes I’ve seen grow through the SHP Baby Plan. But if you ask me which session I enjoy most, I honestly couldn’t tell you. But if you twist my arm I’d say the 6 month because of how much they cooperate in the set.

Maternity sessions aren’t something I photograph often. Not because I don’t love the anticipation of a growing family, but because it seems to be a less desired session for clients. Maybe they don’t feel beautiful when 8-9 month pregnant (totally get it), maybe the infamous pregnancy brain made them forget to book a session, or maybe baby came too early, but maternity sessions only account for 1/4 of my bookings. Up until now I’ve only photographed maternity sessions outdoors on in the studio, but this family wanted something a bit different. I’ve been photographing them for several years so they trust me to beautifully document them even when it’s a method I haven’t done much of.

Here is a sneak of their session with much more to come.

This type of session is known as “lifestyle” in the industry. I’ve heard it described as photojournalistic, fun, unposed, real-life, and documentary style photography. It’s when we, as photographers, come into your home and document your life as you live it. Do you read to your kids in a special chair? Do you always play with the kids in the gameroom or make lunch as a family? Lifestyle photography is aimed at capturing real life as it happens, in a beautiful sort of way.  It is less posed and only uses natural light available in your home. It uses different lenses than I use in the studio so I rented a special fisheye lens for some cool wide angle images. I loved the fisheye so much it has moved up in my “must have” gear list! Stay tuned as I update this post with more images from my first official “in-home lifestyle session”. =)