I love my new studio, don't get me wrong.  But sometimes, it just makes more sense to pack up my equipment and travel to a family's house.  Take this family, for example.  With 3 children under the age of 6, life is pretty busy.  Sometimes, I can understand why families would rather have me come to them than load up a few little kids and newborn baby into a car to visit a photography studio.  Not sure whether a studio or in-home session is best for your family?  Read about some advantages to each right here.  

This baby girl was the third baby for this family.  I absolutely loved working with not only her, but her entire family.  I cannot even express how adorable and well-behaved her big brother and sister were.  They did such a great job taking turns holding her, being gentle, and doing whatever poses we asked of them (candy bribery is always helpful).  Their home in Cary, NC, offered such beautiful natural sunlight.  This photo below of all three children was taken in the living room where the morning sunlight was pouring in.  

A newborn photographer in Raleigh nc visits a home in cary for a baby photography session with 2 older siblings.A newborn photographer in Raleigh nc visits a home in cary for a baby photography session with 2 older siblings.

These cute little kiddos got a little silly, but it was so adorable.  This was one of my favorite ones.  I loved how they showed off their little personalities. 

A newborn photographer in Raleigh nc visits a home in cary for a baby photography session with 2 older siblings.A newborn photographer in Raleigh nc visits a home in cary for a baby photography session with 2 older siblings.

I always encourage family photos during a newborn photography session.  Family portraits are so important to have when a new baby arrives.  One of the things I really like about sessions done in a baby's home is that you can capture some more natural, unposed moments because the family is in their everyday surroundings.  These guys cuddled up on the couch for some family shots. 

A family poses during a newborn photo shoot in cary, nc with Erica Courtine photography outside of Raleigh, nc.A family poses during a newborn photo shoot in cary, nc with Erica Courtine photography outside of Raleigh, nc.

A family poses during a newborn photo shoot in cary, nc with Erica Courtine photography outside of Raleigh, nc.A family poses during a newborn photo shoot in cary, nc with Erica Courtine photography outside of Raleigh, nc.

After we were finished photographing the baby with her parents and siblings, we set up the posing bean bag and lighting equipment in the family's sitting room.  For years, I used only natural light from windows, but my world has been changed by purchasing a studio light.  Now, I don't have to worry about how small your windows are, whether your house is shaded by trees, or about the bright yellow color of your neighbor's house casting a yellow tint through  the window onto your baby's skin (yes, it's happened!).  Now, I'm able to do a newborn session on the most cloudy of days in any room of your house.  It makes life a lot easier for everyone. 

This is a favorite pose to start with during a newborn session.  I call it the "sack of potatoes" pose.  It looks funny, but it's really cute.  I think what is appealing about it is that this pose places baby's face in an upright, vertical position.  It's not natural for a baby.  We are used to seeing them on their side.  But our eyes are actually more used to seeing and processing faces in an upright position.  The other reason I do this pose, and start with it, is because babies love it.  It's apparently very comfortable and makes them nice and sleepy and cozy.  

The potato sack pose during a newborn photo session by Raleigh nc photographer done in a home in Cary, NC.The potato sack pose during a newborn photo session by Raleigh nc photographer done in a home in Cary, NC.

After this pose, we lay the baby down and take a few more pictures.  Then, I usually start to unwrap the fabric and get a few different angles.  I love shadows, especially when they pass over the side of a baby's face like this.  It really accentuates a baby's little features, like their button nose and pouty little lips.

A baby all in white during a newborn photo session by Raleigh nc photographer done in a home in Cary, NC.A baby all in white during a newborn photo session by Raleigh nc photographer done in a home in Cary, NC.

This little girl was such a great sleeper and so easy to work with.  Not every baby sleeps during their newborn session, but it makes it easier on me when they sleep for at least part of the time.  First of all, newborn babies love to have their hands in their faces when they are awake. It can be hard to get a good shot of a baby's face when they have their hands covering most of their face.  Another reason is that newborn babies make some very...interesting...facial expressions.  They can't always make eye contact (when they do, it's gold!) and some of the stranger expressions can be a little awkward looking.  

A baby girl on a pink blanket with her toes sticking out during a newborn photo session in Raleigh, NC with Erica Courtine PhotographyA baby girl on a pink blanket with her toes sticking out during a newborn photo session in Raleigh, NC with Erica Courtine Photography

I just love this peachy shade of pink.  It's so soft and pretty for baby girls.  I love the speckled texture of this blanket, too. 

A newborn baby girl during a newborn photo shoot in Cary, outside of Raleigh, NC. Digital images, prints, and birth announcements are included in all newborn sessions. A newborn baby girl during a newborn photo shoot in Cary, outside of Raleigh, NC. Digital images, prints, and birth announcements are included in all newborn sessions.

She was born on St. Patrick's Day, so I made sure to bring over a green blanket.  This soft sage color is perfect for both boys and girls.  A small floral headband is just the right touch.  

A baby girl born on St. Patrick's Day during a newborn portrait session in Cary, outside of Raleigh NC with Erica Courtine Photography.A baby girl born on St. Patrick's Day during a newborn portrait session in Cary, outside of Raleigh NC with Erica Courtine Photography.

This newborn portrait session was so much fun.  I love that I was able to blog about this session to show you an example of what happens during an in-home session.  This little girl was such a pretty little baby.  It was a pleasure to meet and photograph her. 

If you are expecting and are interested in newborn photography, what questions do you have?  Send me an email and I would be honored to help you plan out your dream portraits.  I have a home studio in Fuquay Varina, but also serve Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and the surrounding areas.