Preparing for Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session
In-home newborn lifestyle sessions are my favorite type of session. Bringing home a new baby is such a special time, but I also know those early days can feel a little overwhelming. My goal is to make your session as relaxed and stress-free as possible, so here are a few simple tips to help you prepare.
1. Turn Off the Lights & Open the Blinds
Natural light is one of my favorite parts of in-home newborn photography. Before I arrive, turn off the artificial lights and open your blinds or curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.
Don't worry if your home doesn't feel especially bright or some rooms don't get much natural light. I'll find the best spots for your session!
2. Warm Up the House
Newborns are often more comfortable when they're warm, especially if we're taking photos of them in a diaper or wearing minimal clothing.
Consider turning the heat up a little before your session so your baby stays cozy during outfit changes and close-up photos. You don't need to make the house uncomfortably hot, just warm enough for your little one to be comfortable.
3. What to Wear
For in-home newborn sessions, I recommend:
- Soft, neutral colors
- Solid colors mixed with a few simple patterns
- Avoiding large logos or distracting graphics
- Choosing comfortable clothing that feels like you
Most importantly, wear something you feel good in. These photos are about your family and this season of your life, so I want you to feel comfortable and be yourselves.
4. Feed Your Baby Before the Session
If possible, try to feed your baby about 15–30 minutes before our scheduled start time. A full baby may be more settled and ready for some cozy photos.
Of course, newborns have their own schedules, and that's completely okay! If your baby needs to eat, be changed, or have a little extra comfort during our session, we'll take a break. There's no need to rush.
5. Prepare Older Siblings
If you have older children, talk with them beforehand about the session and how special it will be to have photos together with their new sibling.
You could even plan something fun for afterward, like a favorite snack, a special meal, or another little treat to look forward to.
Most importantly, don't worry about getting them to sit perfectly or smile on command. Lifestyle photography leaves room for kids to be themselves. I'll use simple prompts and activities to help them feel involved while capturing their personalities and the natural interactions between your family.
6. Don't Worry About Posing
You don't need to know how to pose or wonder what you're supposed to do in front of the camera.
I'll guide you with simple prompts when needed, or step back and capture the natural ways you already interact with one another.
Snuggle your baby. Love on your partner. Spend time with your older children. You don't have to make every moment look perfect or worry about what the camera is seeing.
I want you to be present with your family while I document the little moments that may feel ordinary now but will mean so much to you as the years go by.
Most of All, Don't Stress
Your home doesn't need to be spotless. Your baby doesn't need to be perfectly sleepy, and your children don't need to behave perfectly.
Sometimes babies cry or things don't go quite as planned. My goal isn't to create a picture-perfect version of your family. It's to capture the connection, love, and little moments that make this season yours.
I'll meet you where you are, work with your baby's needs and your family's personalities, and document this beautiful, fleeting season as it really is.
