Considering hiring an in-home lifestyle newborn photographer in Hawaii or San Francisco, or a Fresh 48 photographer in Hawaii for baby’s birth?

Lifestyle Newborn photography – different from traditional newborn photography- is becoming more popular in Hawaii, so I wanted to answer some questions to help you decide whether or not lifestyle photography is something you’d like to do for your baby’s newborn photos.

When did you start photographing newborns ?

I started photographing newborns when I lived in San Francisco in 2017-2020. During that time, in-home lifestyle newborn photography became very popular…even more popular than it is in Hawaii.

What sets lifestyle and traditional newborn photography apart?

Lifestyle newborn photography is typically done in the comfort of your home and it does not typically involve props and backgrounds, nor does it involve manipulating baby’s body into specific positions. I personally use whatever is available in the family’s home, but I do try to select backgrounds and items in their home that are simple in order for it to align with the style of photos that you see in my portfolio. If you’d like to use something specific like a quilt that someone knit, etc. I am always happy to use whatever you’d like me to use, but it will be done so in a “lifestyle” way.

Update August 2023: I now do outdoor newborn sessions at the beach as I have found that many families prefer photos that focus on the beautiful beaches on Oahu with their baby/family. I do both sunrise or sunset lifestyle newborn photo sessions on Oahu.

How long will the older siblings participate in photos? 

Most kids will last around 15-30 minutes. The younger and more active the child the less amount of time they’ll be able to stay still. I am prepared with fun things for them to do to engage with their family. The sibling shot is probably the hardest photo, but a lot of kids think it is fun to hold baby (depending on their age), so that can sometimes work well. It would be good to practice holding baby beforehand if you think you’d like your child to hold baby for photos.

If mom doesn’t have an outfit to wear, do you provide access to dresses or outfits with the packages that you offer?

Yes, I am happy to let you borrow a dress if you can’t find anything to wear, or if you are in a pinch and need an outfit last minute! I once had a client that drove to their photoshoot, met up with me and realized that dad left the boys shorts at their hotel in Waikiki. I rushed home, grabbed 2 pairs of shorts and raced back just in time to photograph the last bit of the sunrise! I had another client that decided to include her mom in their family’s photos, so she borrowed a dress from the client closet. I have a lot of dresses for ladies in different sizes, and then I also have boys bottoms, & girls dresses in a few different sizes (since I have 2 little girls).

What is a good age to do newborn photos?

For in-home sessions- whenever you feel ready to do your family/newborn photos is the best time to do your photos. Some moms might not feel up for photos in the first week as they might still be recovering. Every person is different though, so its best to keep in touch with your photographer once baby has arrives. However, the earlier the better since baby will continue to grow and change. If baby is around 3 weeks and you’ve noticed baby has developed some acne, you should still do your photos asap because this will not go away overnight. Sometimes it can take up to 2 months for it to go away.

Update August 2023: For outdoor beach photos, the best age to do a newborn session is under 10 days old. This is because we are outside and we want baby to be super sleepy. If you want photos of baby on a leaf (as shown in my portfolio) with no snuggleme mat under baby, which is what I do as well, then the younger baby is the better.

Your baby must be under 2 weeks to do a beach newborn session and you must select the Niu package, which will provide us with enough time.

When should I book my newborn photo session?

Please book your beach newborn session once baby arrives and I can schedule your session in during my next available. If I have in-home newborn availability, you should book as soon as possible to assure availability.

Do you recommend or offer fresh 48 photos in the hospital?

Yes, Fresh 48 photos which are done in the hospital are a great way to capture baby when he or she has just been born. Some hospitals that I am able to photograph your baby at include Castle Medical, Queens Medical Labor and Delivery, Kaiser Moanalua, Kapiolani Hospital,  & Tripler Hospital. If you are not sure if your hospital will allow an outside photographer to photograph your family, it is always best to ask the hospital beforehand. There are some companies like Bella Baby that will take photos of your family in the hospital, but you will not be able to select who your photographer will be. This works for some families, but it doesn’t work for everyone especially if you have a particular style you’re going for.

Some other things to keep in mind: Your in-home newborn photos will be done anywhere from 7days to 1month (up to 2 months old if the family needs), and baby will change quite a bit in just 7 days. Crazy I know! They grow so quickly! Our oldest daughter had jet black hair when she was born and by 7 days you could see blonde streaks coming in. And finally, photos in the hospital will be less put together than in-home photos when you’re able to do your hair and makeup and throw on a cute dress. I usually recommend a cute light colored robe for fresh 48 photos.

Do you have anymore questions about a lifestyle newborn photo session on Oahu? Please inquire at www.marissahb.com/blog or email me at marissa.hbphoto@gmail.com