Newborn photos in the comfort of your home | Atlanta Baby Photographer

Highlights from an At Home Newborn Photography Session in Atlanta, GA

Your home is the perfect setting to take newborn photos.

Nesting, that overwhelming urge to prepare your home to welcome your new baby, is common during the last part of your pregnancy. The the nursery is decorated, the crib in place, a picture or two on the wall, a changing station in the corner. You have created a beautiful space for your newborn, so why not have photos done there?

Taking photos in the baby’s room during your in home photo session just makes sense. I want to know about and see the little details that are special and important to you. Does the artwork on the wall represent something? A stuffed animal given by a loved one? The book on the shelf one that your parents read to you? These things help tell the story of your family and be part of the memories and photos you want to look back on. The room and things in it will change over time as your child grows, so it is a good way to remember how it was when you first brought your baby home.

Being in your own home also allows you to relax and enjoy the experience. You have the diapers, wipes, bottles, swaddles, pacifiers, etc that you need to care for your new baby already right there. You don’t have to tote ALL THE THINGS to a new location and worry about being late. I come to you and make it as relaxed as possible! If you need to change a diaper, go ahead. If you need to feed your baby, please do it.

Also, being at home for your newborn photo session allows for beloved pets to join in and have pictures done with the family.

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas.

Including, by not limited to Atlanta neighborhood and suburbs such as: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, North Druid Hills, North Decatur, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Scottdale, Tucker.

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

Professional photographers share ways to display your Newborn, Maternity & Family photos in your home

I was recently asked by Redfin to submit one way I like to incorporate photography into my home. They liked my suggestion and featured it on their blog. Read the Redfin blog post with all the tips below (mine is #19) to give you ideas how to take those beautiful family photos we take together and display them in your own home.

25 Unique Yet Timeless Ways to Style Your Home with Photos, According to the Pros

If there’s one thing that can transform the look of any room in your home, it's decor - and more specifically, photography. Whether it’s abstract, nature, or family prints, photos have a special way of personalizing a space and making a house feel like home. But with so many options to choose from, visualizing how to style your photos in a way that enhances your home’s design can be a challenge. That’s why we reached out to professional photographers - from Vancouver, BC to Boston, MA - for unique yet timeless ways to incorporate photos into your interior design. From color and texture to gallery walls and decorative books, here are 25 ideas for decorating with photos in your home:

1. For a clean and classic look, go with black frames when decorating with photos

Create a timeless yet consistent feel by hanging your photographs in classic black frames with white mats. This brings cohesion to photographs from different times and places while giving your space an art gallery-inspired look with a personal touch. - Pen and Lens

2. Keep it uniform with images from the same session 

Showcase multiple images that flow together (and are from the same session) by compiling close-up detail shots, further away shots, and mid-range shots in a grid wall gallery of 4, 6, 9, or 12 framed images with a wide white mat. This creates a modern, high-end look and takes care of a large amount of wall real estate while also blending seamlessly into your home design. Plan your session's wardrobe and location so that it coordinates with the colors of your home and becomes beautiful artwork over trendy snapshots. - Jenny Cruger Photography

3. Matting your image can make all the difference

Buy a frame mat when decorating with photos. A photo can go from simple and basic to regal and stately by simply matting an image. Think big - matting a 4x6 image in an 11x14 frame is stunning and really brings full focus to an image. A beautiful way to incorporate a whole collection of images is to mat up two sizes on each image, which allows a full wall display while having an upscale appearance. A simple, single image display can now have a minimalistic clean statement rather than being lost on the wall. - Amy Brown Photography

4. Make a statement with glossy acrylic or vivid metal prints

Enhance your family's photos by having them printed on glossy acrylic or vivid metal. These materials make your family photos more vivid and stunning while making stylish conversation pieces. - Gabby Barbosa Photography

5. A themed gallery wall

Can't decide on one photograph for your wall? Create a photo gallery with a theme, like places you've traveled, your children as babies, or even "bathtime," and incorporate other non-photography elements into your gallery that fit the theme. For example, a gallery in the foyer with an "our home" theme could include a formal photograph of your family on the front steps, casual images of the kids playing in the yard, along with a watercolor painting of your home, and even the address numbers hanging on the wall in a cohesive collection. Keep the frames in a similar style and color as the address numbers so it feels curated. - Allison Patel Photography

 6. Create a cohesive look when decorating with photos by coordinating frames 

The frame you choose is just as important as the photo. Picking a frame color that plays off the colors in the photo will help to make the photo look like it always belonged in that exact frame. The same goes for where you hang it - you want your frame color to work with the other colors in the room. And we like adding a healthy matte to the frame (a white border around the photo) to give our work that fine art gallery feel. We love using Framebridge for our photos, or better yet, find a local frame builder. - The Foxes Photography

7. Incorporate luxurious leathers, fabulous fabrics, and magnificent materials for contrast and texture

Dull, one-dimensional photo album covers of yesteryear have been vastly improved upon with gorgeous multi-layered leathers, exotic Japanese fabrics, and acrylic and metallic materials. Collaborate with your photographer to craft a photo book cover in harmony with your design aesthetic which you'd be proud to showcase at the center of your living room. They are works of art that make a statement and demand your family and guests touch and feel these precious memory books. - Michael Jurick Photography

8. A collage for each member of your family

Relive the fearless and unforgettable memories of childhood. Use casual snapshots and

professional photos to create a big collage for each child in the family. These collages are beautiful reminders of their childhood moments and serve as wonderful conversation pieces for the family or visitors. - Fearless Photographers

9. Inlay photos on your coffee table

This is a super-easy way to spice up a living room where you may host guests.  You can lay a bunch of images down on a ratty old console table and then layer a clear glass to protect your collage from any spills.  It's an easy and cheap way to make your old table look better.  Each image can tell a story, and you can easily change it out as new memories are created. - Daniel Motta Photography

10. A black and white gallery wall

Black and white photography is timeless, never goes out of style, and is easy to incorporate into your existing decor. By featuring all black and white photos, you can use photos from different life events and even those that aren't necessarily professionally captured or edited. - Stephanie Marie Photography & Design

11. Large frames with oversized matting gives a unique yet chic touch to your prints

Photos bring the perfect personal touch to your home, but sometimes it's hard to match the colors in your photos to the rest of your decor. A great way to solve this problem is by using big frames with an oversized mat around the picture to add simplicity and make a statement. These can be hung as a single frame on your wall, as a gallery wall, or displayed on a picture shelf and mixing the pictures with artwork or other small decor items. - Candice Marie Photography

12. Fill wall space by displaying multiple vertical photos side by side 

I always alternate the photos to be a combination of close-up and far-away portraits to prevent them from looking too busy beside one another. My favorite set is a group of three, and I’ll even add another row of three below to fill a more square space. I love this method of decorating with photos because it allows me to showcase a variety of my favorite pieces while also filling a large space easily. - Amanda May Photos

13. Go bold with a large scale statement piece

There are so many ways to display portraiture in your home. My favorite ways to decorate with photos are to include several smaller pieces in a gallery wall setting or display a favorite image as a large-scale statement piece. Whether it be a framed print or gallery-wrapped canvas, nothing says home better than a piece of art depicting your own loving family. - Erin McBrine Photography

14. Think about sharing your story

Make family albums or choose a family photographer that includes albums with family sessions. Put the albums on a coffee table or in a prominent place in your living room. Especially if you have younger kids around, having albums of your family throughout the years is a great way to

honor the important people in your life. Pro tip: choose the cover image or color of your albums as if you would hang it on the wall since it'll be out and visible. - Anela Deisler Photography

15. Accent art is a stylish way to breathe life into your space

Colorful, large-format fine art photography is a wonderful way to add energy and life to any room in your home, especially if it has a more neutral color palette, to begin with. Accent walls are on their way out, but accent art is definitely in. Consider filling a wall with one signature image that injects a bold dynamic into the aesthetic. Depending on your personal preference, a landscape/cityscape or even a piece of industrial photography is sure to add intrigue and interest to your home decor. - Kelley Fine Art Photography

16. Create a Diptych or Triptych

Instead of displaying just one photo, group 2-3 photos that share a look. Combining one traditionally posed image with 1-2 candid images better tells the story of your family. And, remember, always print large enough so that faces can be clearly seen from across a room. - Swaddle Photography

17. When it comes to displaying photography, it's all about the color

Select images to display where the colors compliment the space and are aesthetically pleasing. If your home decor has neutral colors, having a wall full of images with bright colors will disrupt the flow of the space. On the flip side, use your images as inspiration for the decor in your home. Wanting to change out the pillows or drapes? Pull from the colors in your family or wedding photos to bring the room together. - Kelly Grace Photography

18. Pay attention to the colors and decor of your surroundings

When you select the image you choose to display, think about the frame and the colors within that image. Those colors should complement your room and tie it all together. If you have a monochromatic scheme in that room, then maybe go for bold contrast and watch that image pop. - J Amado Photography

19. Create a personalized coffee table book

Put a family album with your favorite memories on display for all to see. Not only is it a great conversation starter with guests, but even your family members will enjoy flipping through it and reminiscing about the good times you've shared. - Monica Conlin Photography

20. For a minimal and timeless look, opt for smaller prints throughout your home

Sometimes it's the little things. Photos add a lot of warmth to a room, and it doesn't matter what size they are. If you can't afford large framed photos, then the next best thing is placing several small prints throughout your home. The possibilities are endless when decorating with photos, and you can be as creative as you'd like to be. - Daniel Motta Photography

21. Go big when displaying nature

We know that nature provides a plethora of physical and mental benefits. And with large nature prints, you can savor the rejuvenating beauty of the natural world right inside your home. But size matters. Modern cameras and editing techniques capture an insane amount of intricate detail and depth that your entire household can enjoy in a large format print. - James Lorentson

Having nature photo prints in your home can improve your health. Give your home a large print that provides depth, conveys comfort and tranquility in one. Don't make the mistake of hanging a small photo print on your wall. - Anette Mossbacher 

22. Tell the story of your family with a series of photos

Tying in color palettes and style will give the collection a cohesive look without trying too hard. We love modern but timeless thin gallery frames with mats that are simple, aesthetically pleasing, and naturally showcase the photos in any room of your home. - New Moon Photography

23. Create an annual photo book with unique covers to add

texture to your space

Most photographers and print labs offer beautifully designed photo albums or hardcover books. Consider combining your professional photographs with other personal photos from your mobile device to create a unique photo book documenting your year. These books can be found in a variety of cover options, like linen, velvet, or a customized photograph, and look amazing when stacked on a coffee table or bookshelf in your home, allowing you to relive your memories year after year. - Alison Heffington Photography

24. Allow the images that make your heart smile to be the art in your home

My favorite way to decorate with photos is a large sepia-toned canvas wall arrangement featuring images taken throughout the years - some individuals, some groups, some posed, and some candid moments. It’s a true portrait of your family’s life, and you’ll appreciate it every time you walk by. Plus, your kids will grow up seeing how important these moments are to cherish. - Kim Ponsky Photography

25. Let your personality shine through the way you display your photos

Your Zoom background says a lot about you, so take advantage of the space behind you to show off your personality. Choosing one to three larger pieces will shed a lot more light on who you are than a blank white wall. Go big as small artwork may leave people wondering what that speck is behind you rather than focusing on what you are saying. - Outdoor Chronicles Photography

Originally published by Redfin

Which tip will you use to display your beautiful family photos into your own home? I’d love to hear!

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Monica Conlin is a newborn and family photographer that specializes in newborn photography, maternity photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica lives in Decatur, GA and serves Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas.

Announcing a new partnership with Romp + Tumble, a baby and toddler clothing rental company

My clients have expressed that one of the biggest stressors of getting family photos is figuring out what to wear to the family photo session. I totally get it, and I am thankful that Romp + Tumble is helping us fix this problem!

Now clients that book a photo session with Monica Conlin Photography will be able to borrow an outfit (size newborn to 3T) for your photo session FREE of charge. 

Romp + Tumble is an Atlanta-based company that curates and rents bundles of baby and toddlers clothes for every stage of a child's growth. Their clothes are eco-friendly and sourced primarily from independent women led brands. Bundles include new and like-new clothing in gender neutral styles - always without holes and stains. Clothes are cleaned to the highest standards in accordance with CDC guidelines to kill viruses. 

Romp + Tumble will work with you ahead of the shoot to understand your style and size preferences and present you with up to three options to choose from. The outfit will be delivered to you ahead of time and once the photo shoot is over we will take back the outfit for no hassle returns. Outfits may include tops and bottoms (styled together) or footed / un-footed one pieces. They can also style with a piece of clothing you already own.

My own children were able to try out some of the clothes that Romp + Tumble offers, and they loved wearing them. My daughter enjoyed each item we received and the various patterns and styles that came in her size (3T). Every clothing item was not only cute, but comfortable and well-made.

The outfits were cozy and perfect for snuggling and playing around the house.

Not only were the outfits good for our lazy days at home, but because they are high quality and durable, they were perfect for a day outside as well. We get outside every day and we need clothes that work with our active and playful lifestyle. These did!

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Let’s Meet Tara, a fellow mom and local business owner.

Tell us about yourself! 

My name is Tara and I am the founder of Romp + Tumble that curates and rents bundles of baby and toddler clothes. Prior to starting Romp + Tumble last fall, I worked in finance for a number of fortune 500 companies. My husband and I have two amazing boys - Sahil aged 9 and Kush aged 6, who have lots of energy! We moved to Atlanta from New York about 9 years ago and live in Morningside. COVID has meant a lot more time with the family - the kids and I are reading the Harry Potter series (book seven!), we have instituted a daily cocktail / mocktail hour and have held very exclusive dance parties at home in our pajamas.

What made you want to start your own business?

A  career in finance is demanding, particularly while you are having kids. After coming out of what I call my baby haze, during which time all I did was work and try to keep it together, I looked around and realized the need for better solutions to help working parents. All parents need access to new models and solutions that help us get time and space back in our lives. And that’s the mission of Romp + Tumble - to maintain the joy of dressing your babies and toddlers in cute clothes, but reducing the work around organizing, storing and getting clothes out of your home, sustainably. The idea came to be as I was sending my kids old baby clothes to a friend. We launched with our first offering at the end of September 2020.

What makes your company unique as a subscription service? 

First off, our model is based on renting. We source new and like new premium quality eco-friendly clothes primarily from women led brands who care about the people and processes behind their clothes. We offer two bundle sizes - a 22 piece and an 11 piece at 75% off retail prices. It is important that we make access to sustainable options affordable. All our bundles include a variety of daily-wear options that you can mix and match. We curate based on a design questionnaire that you fill out. 

What was the need that you saw and wanted to help fix that led to this idea? 

I talk above about the fact that parents need more time and space back in their lives. We are burdened with domestic labor. One study administered by BCG noted that working parents are spending upwards of 55+ hours a week on domestic labor on top of their full time jobs. So, big picture we are trying to solve for that. Additionally, as someone who cares about the environment, textile waste is a problem. Only 15% of textiles in the U.S get recycled, the rest go into landfills and can take up to 200 years to biodegrade. Babies and toddlers grow so fast, but their clothes don’t. It seems ripe for rental. 

How are you reducing stress for moms? 

Most of the domestic labor falls on mothers. This includes shopping, organizing and storing clothes. Let’s not forget...what do you do when your child outgrows? We want to maintain the joy of dressing babies and toddlers in cute clothes, but eliminate the rest of that work. With our bundles you get what you need when you need it. Generally, our customers hold onto items for a couple of months and exchange as their child grows or seasons change, but we do offer monthly exchanges for those who wish to switch out more often. The clothes you get will always be clean (we maintain CDC guidelines for killing viruses) with no holes or stains. But we do know that stains and minor tears will occur and we do not penalize you for it. We ask that you send back and we will wash and mend the clothes as needed. If the clothes do not meet our standards and need to be taken out of circulation we donate or recycle them. End of life is important for us. We worry about it, so you don’t have to.

Why is renting clothes better than buying for this age of children? 

By the age of two, children go through seven clothing sizes! That’s a lot of shopping. By renting, with Romp + Tumble, you have access to a closet of curated hand-me downs that are seasonally and size appropriate, in line with your style. Plus, you don’t have to worry about how to get it out of your home when your child outgrows.

Why is it important for your company to work with women-led brands?

Romp + Tumble’s values very much reflect my own personal values. I have always been committed to uplifting women and this was very important to me when I started the company. Women create amazing businesses and generally give back to their communities in meaningful ways - it's an honor to support them. 

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

Continued growth and being able to offer our customers amazing service. We have some really fun collaborations (like this) and giveaways that we are doing. We have plans to bring more community component into our model I am also excited to continue our spotlight series where we highlight female entrepreneurs - many of them Atlanta based. 

Where do people go to learn more and contact you?

Website: www.rompandtumble.com

Email: tara@rompandtumble.com

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Monica Conlin is a newborn and family lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica lives in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas.

What is the Best Time of Day for an Outdoor Photo Session?

The best time of day for a photo session is during what is known as Golden Hour or the Magic Hour. That is the hour before sunset (or after sunrise). This time of day allows for the softest and warmest light.

This lifestyle family photo session was done in the golden hour of a beautiful fall day.

The open field setting allowed us to fully appreciate the sunset and play with all the golden glow that it gave us. Another amazing way to catch a sunset and all the light in the hour before it is going up higher, like on the mountain in the picture below. Being up at a higher elevation gave us the opportunity to take full advantage of the warm light as it dipped below the horizon.

So what time does that mean the family photo sessions will take place?

Depending on the time of year, the times for sunset can vary widely. In the Atlanta area the sunset can be as early as 5:30pm in the winter or as late at 9pm in the summertime. I will provide my clients with the times that will allow us to do photos in that magic hour based on the season!

Why don’t you take photos in the middle of the day when there is the most light?

In the middle of the day, when the sun is straight overhead, then it creates harsh shadows and extreme lighting conditions for the pictures. That is not the most flattering light for people to be photographed in. So even though there is technically the “most light”, it isn’t the best lighting.

What if the time is past my kid’s bedtime?

First of all, I get it. My kid’s have always gone to bed on the earlier side (we are talking between 6:30-7:30pm depending on their age), and our bedtime routine is a sacred time of day that does not get messed with often. So I think that parent’s with younger children who may be running into the golden hour time period have a few options:

1. Forget bedtime just this once as something special. You know your own kids and if this option will backfire. Some kids are more flexible and able to stay up later on the rare occasion. If you go for this a few things that may help make it a successful evening is by having them take a nap a little later, make sure they are well fed, and then hype up the specialness of going somewhere after dinner time! “Can you believe we get to go take pictures and stay up later tonight? I am so excited to spend a little extra time with you!”

2. Or you can book your family photo session during the fall/winter when the sunset (and thus golden hour) is earlier and not to interfere with bedtime.

3. Talk to me about your children’s nap & bedtimes and I can offer you alternative times, such as an early morning sunrise golden hour shoot.

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Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding area.