Another popular objection I hear from clients inquiring into a Boston newborn session at their home is that it’s too small. Here in Boston newborn pictures in your home can feel overwhelming when you have a small apartment or condo. This smaller space living is super common in the city and close outskirts and is truly not a detriment to creating gorgeous imagery!

A little known fact is that the light is actually much more beautiful in a smaller space than in a larger one. The closer your furniture is to the light source, the more soft and beautiful. Huge homes that allow lots of space between beds/couches/chairs and windows get much more shadowy and tricky for lighting.

The images in this post depict a standard high-rise apartment where we used a small corner of the living/dining space and the master bedroom (no nursery).

Including Compositionally Variety In Your Small Space

With every small space, I focus on the variety I am able to achieve within a single pose/area. I try to compose from further away, closer up, overhead and detail shots. Then I look around to see if there is anything I can “shoot through” to add some detail and foreground bokeh. In this collage above, I used their Christmas tree. Other options can include sheer curtains, a mirror, a house plant, a doorway or window, etc.

Another way to add variety is to add some element of activity into the session. Whether that’s reading a book together (one that you hope your baby will grow to love), a sink bath (every small home has a kitchen!) or a bottle-feeding or nursing vignette.

Adding Variety with Light

Another way to incorporate variety in a small space is through the use of light. Window silhouettes, backlit images, softly front-lit and more contrasty side lit images achieve very different looks. All looks which can be created with just one window in a small space.

Lastly, not having a separate nursery space is very common but it’s not something to worry too much about! These clients had a cute mini-crib in their master bedroom that we used for solo newborn photos. However, sometimes all that’s available is something that isn’t that visually attractive like a Snoo or pack-n-play. In that case, I always have my moses basket available to grab! It’s portable and perfect for positioning under any size window.

In conclusion, if you are thinking about hiring a professional for Boston newborn pictures and you have a small space, just do it! A professional newborn photographer will find plenty of ways to incorporate variety and highlight your space for the gem it is.