I drove out to Sara’s home outside of Portland Maine last summer shortly after they welcomed their second. In the forest, the light was already low in the sky creating some pockets of filtered sun. We spent our time taking a little walk through their woods, hanging out in the garden, and picking flowers and mushrooms around home. We moved at a slow pace, following the energy of the oldest, taking breaks, and chasing the light. There’s no need to complicate these photography sessions, especially when they’re at home.

A mother holds her newborn smiling outside in her backyard near portland maine as her daughter rests on her chest

What a documentary newborn session actually feels like

A mother holds her newborn daughter on the grass in her yard at home in portland maine

A son holds up a flower for his mom to sniff as she smiles at home in maine on film

Newborn photography does not have to feel scripted or posed. I want it to feel calm, child-led, and reflective of how you are spending your time in this current season. When you are at home this becomes so much easier. We can take breaks, hang out in your favorite spots, and just go with the natural flow of a morning or afternoon at home. For this session, we adapted to the energy of the oldest - letting him take breaks and just play. His interest in collecting mushrooms prompted our walk through the woods, and when he wanted to go swing and be off camera, I spent time with Sara and her second solo. There’s no use in fighting the energy of kids or forcing moments. By incorporating play and having the space and time for breaks, we were able to photograph those little magic in-between moments.

How to take (better) photographs outside at home with your family

Finding time to pick up the camera and take everyday photographs of you and your family can be tricky. Playing and relaxing outside can be a great moment to have a camera (even a smart phone!) on hand for when the moment strikes. Either set up a tripod so you can get into the shot as well, or just move around and play with your kids while you anticipate a photograph.

Experimental film photography of mother and newborn at home on film

Here’s a few tips for taking better backyard family photographs:

Look for soft light first. Step outside and notice where the light feels gentle rather than harsh (like areas of bright light and hard shadow make it tricky to photograph). Open shade - like the side of the house or under a tree - gives you easier light to photograph in. Consider early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low and soft, rather than bright overhead.
Try backlighting for glow. Wait for the sun to fall behind whatever you are photographing. This creates soft dreamy light and glow!
Move your feet. Photograph at your child’s eye level for intimacy. Shoot from above for storytelling context. Lie in the grass and shoot upward for big blue sky behind your subject. In other words - move your feet! Try different angles and perspectives to tell the story.
Let them play (and anticipate the moment). Instead of asking everyone to “smile,” incorporate play: watering plants, blowing dandelions, filling a bird feeder, riding bikes, picking tomatoes, chasing bubbles, etc. Try to have your camera ready for the backdrop you’re hoping for, and anticipate the moment where they enter the scene.
Focus on connection, not perfection. Yes, you can tell your family to get into a big group hug and that may make a really sweet photograph. But it’s often the breakdown - the moment right after - that is authentic. When the pose breaks and everyone laughs and falls into their natural state. Maybe not perfect, but honest.
Use what your yard already offers. Fences, tall grass, garden beds, a hammock, the sandbox, the porch steps. I love piling people onto a set of stairs, or layering everyone in a hammock. It helps create more dimension and interest in your photographs.
Watch the background. Before you press the shutter, quickly scan behind your subject for distractions like trash bins, or bright toys. A small shift in your position can simplify the frame. Yes, I love a little mess and chaos - but if its distracting from the story your trying to tell and small move of your feet can create a different composition.