High Key Newborn Photography | Boise Newborn Photographer

What is High Key Photography?

High key photography is a style of photography that strives to eliminate dark shadows and usually has a blown out the background. High key portraits tend to be very bright, which gives them a positive and cheerful feel. For this reason, I think high key photography is excellent for newborn portraits. There is so much joy and excitement surrounding newborn babies, so a bright and happy lighting style can really help shape the mood of the portrait.

High key photo of a newborn baby. Notice the bright white background and soft shadows throughout the photo.

High key newborn family portrait. Notice that everyone is wearing white, which gives the photo an overall bright and clean appearance.

How is High Key Photography done?

High key photos are generally achieved by using a high powered strobe or flash to blow out the background. However, high key portraits can also be achieved in an outdoor setting using a bright background and making sure to expose correctly for the person whose photo is being taken. In the photos below, I placed the strobe behind my subjects, so they are actually backlit. High key photos look great in black and white and lend to a simple, timeless look.

If you look closely at this photo, you can see the highlights on the newborn baby’s head and on the swaddle near the baby’s back.

Here you can see the highlights (from the strobe light) are near the baby’s eye closest to his father’s face and just below the father’s beard.

Why is High Key Photography great for Newborn Portraits?

High key photography really allows for the emphasis to be placed on the subject matter being photographed - in this case, the newborn and his/her family. It gives a clean, simple, timeless, and classic feel to the portraits. No distracting backgrounds or other elements. Just the baby and the people that matter. I find that high key newborn portraits have an ethereal look to them - that is they look so delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.

In-Home Newborn Photography in Star, Idaho | Boise Newborn Photographer

It was such a privilege to be allowed into this family’s home during the first weeks of their precious baby girls new life to capture newborn photos for them. She was such a great little model and didn’t pee on my blanket until the very end of the photo shoot! Her big brothers were just smitten with her, especially the youngest, who is 8 years old and super excited to be a big brother.

There is something so intimate about an in-home newborn photo session, about being let into someone’s home in the midst of their sleep deprivation and the huge adjustment to having a new member of the household. However, it’s also super convenient not just for new moms, but for families with older kids as well. When the kids are at home, they can run around and play in their natural environment in between being called in for pictures. Mom can relax and even wait to freshen up until I am there and setting up. If the family wants to use any special props, like outfits or blankets that have been gifted to the baby, they don’t have to worry about gathering everything up and bringing it to a studio, or even worse, forgetting something at home! Yes, you can get professional newborn photos in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Did I mention another benefit for new families to have newborn photography done in the comfort of your own home? You don’t have to worry about bringing snacks for your older kids or for Mom/Dad! Most newborn photo sessions run 2-3 hours long, so if someone gets hungry, it’s pretty quick and easy to run into the kitchen and grab something to eat!

What happens if it’s an overcast day or you don’t have great natural light in your house? You don’t have to worry! I bring external photography lights. These newborn photos were all taken on a very dark and cloudy day. You know, one of those weird summer days where it just rains and rains? Yep! It was one of those days and we still got beautiful portraits.

So, if you’re in the Boise metro area and interested in getting in-home newborn portraits, let’s chat!

In-Home Studio-style Newborn Portraits | Boise Newborn Photographer

Yes, you can have professional newborn photos taken in the comfort of your home!

In-home studio-style photos are the perfect option if you want clean and timeless newborn photos without the hassle of traveling to a studio or having to clean and organize your house for a lifestyle portrait session.

Photo of a newborn baby lying tummy down on a white blanket, with a white swaddle draped over her back. Baby has her eyes closed and a big smile.

How does it work?

We bring our traveling photography studio to you! We just need a clear floor space approximately 8’x6’ in a room with a window where we can set everything up. You get to sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home. No more worrying about packing a diaper bag, getting everybody ready and out the door in time, driving through traffic and being on time, or forgetting a change of clothes when baby spits up on you or you has a blowout. A what?? It’s ok, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, just keep reading. We make it simple for you. All you have to do is be there and be ready for photos. You don’t even have to worry about outfits for your baby (although if you have a special one picked out, we are happy to incorporate it into some of the photos). So, sit back, relax, and let us come to you!

Photo of a newborn baby wrapped in a white swaddle with toes peeking out.

Worried about your home not being perfectly decorated, clean, or organized?

There is no need to worry! With a studio-style photography session, we set up a backdrop and voila! Your home is not photographed in the background, so you don’t have to worry about it being clean or perfectly decorated like a magazine. Because who really has a house like that anyway? I know I don’t. Don’t get me wrong, I love my house, but it is not picture perfect like a magazine. With studio-style in-home portraits, you would never know if the photos were taken in a small manufactured home or a large mansion (yes, I’ve done both)!

Photo of mother holding and kissing newborn baby