Jessica, Brandon & baby R - Newborn home photoshoot in Norfolk

Galleries

17 Sept

red-haired newborn baby in brown knitted onesie sleeping in a cosy basket layered with blankets. By Rose Sol Photography

I arrived at this family’s Norfolk home one morning, camera in hand, bags full of blankets and baby outfits. I had photographed this mama for her maternity session just weeks prior, and seeing each other again was like catching up with friends. She had so much to fill me in about the birth, and if there’s one thing I LOVE talking about is pregnancy and labour. Bring it on!

NEWBORN AND BABY SESSIONS

Setting the Scene

As we chatted, I scoped out the corners. As in the vast majority of home photoshoots, I hadn’t seen the client’s house until I turned up that day. The family had already warned me they didn’t have much space available to shoot in, but I reassured them that it wasn’t a problem - as long as we had a window in the room we could shoot in, we were going to be fine.

When I arrived, I found a corner in the living room between the french doors and the sofa and set it up with my blankets and props. These are the kinds of spaces I love - intimate, comfy, honest. You don’t need a mansion. Just collaborative effort and your dedication to be present with your family. Whilst I set up the scene, the mama dressed the baby up in one of the outfits I brought.

The styling

At just seven days old, this handsome baby boy was mostly a repeat of yawn-stretch-milk-sleep, with tiny little hands that curled like seashells. For him, I brought a small wardrobe of earthy-toned knitted onesies, nappy covers, knitted vests. Blankets: chunky knits, creamy muslins, soft cottons. I love layering those textures to create warmth (literally and visually).

CONTACT ME           NEWBORN AND BABY SESSIONS          MATERNITY SESSIONS          FAMILY SESSIONS

The Parents

I always capture individual shots of the baby, but my sessions don’t end there.

In my opinion, a newborn session should ALWAYS include the parents, or the mama at least. Newborns shouldn’t exist on their own for very long - they belong to their mother’s arms, to the warmth of her embrace, the comfort of her scent. So once the solo baby shots are captured, it’s always time for group cuddles. Mom leaning gently over baby, dad kissing toes, those quiet glances of amazement that clearly whisper “Did we really make this?”.

Ahead of the shoot, I provide families with clear styling advice to make choosing what to wear as easy as possible. Soft fabrics, earthy tones, and not tailored or skinny-fitting clothes work a charm in home shoots.

Final Thoughts

By the end, the parents were happy, baby R was chill from being cuddled non-stop in the warmth of his home, and I had more images than I could pick favourites from. The beauty of in-home newborn shoots is that they capture more than posed perfection: they capture the newness, the vulnerability, the quiet love in the spaces you live, the very space you brought your baby home to.

If you ever find yourself with a seven-day-old, a small house with enough light, and a photographer who brings too many blankets, just say yes. Because that gallery, that collection of little moments, is a treasure you really don’t want to miss out on.