I'm Sara

I'm an Oakland lifestyle photographer specializing in capturing authentic family moments. With 15 years in early childhood special education and as a parent, I bring a unique perspective to photography, creating relaxed and meaningful sessions.

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A newborn baby sleeping on a blanket on his Dad's lap during an in-home photography session

Welcoming a newborn into the family is a cherished milestone filled with love, joy, and tender moments. An in-home newborn lifestyle photography session helps to capture the early days with newborns in a beautiful way to preserve memories to last a lifetime. Among the various styles of newborn photography, a lifestyle in-home session offers a unique approach, focusing on natural interactions at home where you’re most comfortable and relaxed.

Expectations for the Session:

black and white portrait of a newborn yawning while laying in crib

Keeping It Simple & Following Your Babies Lead

The beauty of in-home newborn lifestyle photography lies in its simplicity. You don’t need elaborate props or backdrops to capture the essence of this special time. We’ll focus on the natural beauty of your baby and will let them be our guide in establishing the flow of the session. All you need to do is care for and show your baby love and be yourselves.

mom and dad leaning over and smiling at their baby sleeping in bassinet

Dad holding newborn in his arms by window and mom is leaning over kissing baby's head

photo taken in doorway of dad comforting newborn baby in bedroom

Emphasis on Connection and Emotion

At the heart of a lifestyle in-home newborn session is the emphasis on connection and emotion. My goal is to capture the love, joy, and tenderness as you welcome your newest family member. From the first sleepy snuggles to the heartfelt gazes and first smiles, these images evoke powerful emotions and serve as a timeless reminder of the love that binds your family together.

black and white photo of baby in a diaper sleeping on mom's shoulder

birdseye view of mom holding newborn baby while dad gently touches his head

mom leaning over bassinet while sitting on edge of her bed to check on her sleeping and swaddled newborn baby

Natural and Authentic Moments

Unlike posed newborn sessions that involve intricate setups and props, a lifestyle session captures the genuine essence of your family dynamic. It revolves around candid moments, spontaneous interactions, and the natural beauty of everyday life. Whether it’s a tender cuddle on the couch or a playful interaction between siblings, these authentic moments tell a heartwarming story that is true to your family.

close up of newborn feet held by dad's hands

profile of a swaddled newborn  looking towards the window with hand popping out of swaddle

mom sitting in living room chair holding baby while dad stands over helping to change clothes and cat walks in the foreground

Benefits of In-Home Sessions:

Comfort and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of an in-home newborn session in the San Francisco Bay Area is the comfort and convenience it offers, especially given the unpredictability of local weather and traffic. There’s no need to venture out with a newborn; instead, I come to you. Your home provides a familiar and relaxed environment where you spend most of your time, especially with a newborn. You also have everything you need on hand to care for your baby. We’ll circulate between rooms based on the needs of your baby and focus on areas with the best light. A comfortable environment will help both you and your baby feel relaxed throughout the session.

portrait of newborn laying on a blue blanket with his eyes open and touching dad's fingers

Your Home Reflects Who You Are

Your home serves as the backdrop for the session, adding a personal touch to the photographs. Each room offers unique opportunities for creativity, whether it’s the cozy nursery, the sunlit living room, or the serene bedroom. We’ll work together to find the best spots and utilize natural light to create beautiful images that reflect your family’s personality and style.

Dad sitting in chair in bedroom holding newborn baby in his lap and looking down at him

Tips for a Successful Session:

Timing is Key

Newborns have unpredictable schedules, so plan your session during a time when your baby is typically most content, such as after a feeding or nap. Generally, I find mornings work best for most babies. Sleeping babies also make for adorable photos. these Flexibility is key and we’ll follow your baby’s lead and can pause the session as needed or also take photos of moments such as soothing breaks or diaper changes. All of these moments are part of your story together.

swaddled baby sleeping in crib with mom and dad's hands resting on him

Relaxed Pace

In-home newborn sessions typically have a more relaxed pace compared to studio sessions. There’s no rush or pressure to adhere to strict timelines, allowing ample time for feeding, soothing, and snuggling with your little one. The focus is on creating a stress-free environment where everyone can enjoy the experience without feeling hurried or overwhelmed.

black and white profile of newborn sleeping in dad's arms

Dress Comfortably

For a relaxed session, opt for comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Soft, neutral-colored tones work well and won’t distract from the main subject—your newborn. If you’re breastfeeding and would like photos, think about what would be comfortable and keep in mind you can also change during the session. It’s also best to have back up outfits planned for everyone in case your baby has an accident or spits up so you don’t have to think about it during the session.

mom and dad leaning over and smiling down at swaddled newborn resting in small crib

Be Patient and Flexible

Newborns can be unpredictable, and not every moment will go according to plan. Embrace the imperfections and trust that I’ll be sure to capture the magic of this fleeting stage. Remember to take breaks when needed and enjoy the process of creating memories together.

Communication and Involvement:

Communicate Your Preferences

Through the detailed questionnaire and pre-session communication you’ll communicate the things that are most important to you in advance of the session for a smooth and enjoyable experience. I want to be sure to capture the things that are most meaningful to you. You can also trust that as a lifestyle newborn photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area, I always strive to provide a variety of photos from different scenes and moments with a focus on natural moments, connection, and details you’ll want to hold onto.

black and white close up of Dad's hand holding newborn baby's head

Involvement of Family Members

One of the highlights of a lifestyle session is the inclusion of family members, including parents, siblings, and even pets. These sessions celebrate the bond between family members and capture the emotions of this special time. Whether it’s capturing the wonder and curiosity of older siblings or the tender moments between parents and their newborn, every interaction is cherished and immortalized through photography.

portrait of mom holding newborn baby with grandma on one side of her and dad on the other

mom holding newborn son as grandma looks down smiling next to her and touching baby's head gently

shot below of grandma holding newborn in her hands and bringing baby closer to her face

cat standing on table looking like it's about to jump to chair

Cherish the Memories

Once your session is complete, take the time to savor the memories captured during this precious time. Display your favorite photographs in your home or create a custom album to share with family and friends. These images will serve as a timeless reminder of the love and joy that surrounds your growing family.

birds eye view of baby resting in dad's lap while surrounded by blankets with one eye open

A lifestyle in-home newborn session provides a beautiful and relaxed way to capture the fleeting moments of early parenthood and your baby’s earliest days in a natural and authentic way right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. With the focus on comfort, intimacy, and genuine emotion, this style of photography creates timeless images that you’ll treasure for years to come. So, embrace the beauty of your everyday life and let your home become the backdrop for unforgettable memories captured.

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