Preparing for Your Newborn In-Home Photography Session

There is something so tender and special about those first weeks at home with your new baby. The days feel slow and fast all at once, and your whole world is changing in the best and most exhausting ways.

That is why I love offering in-home newborn photography sessions. I come to you, so you do not have to pack a diaper bag, buckle a newborn into the car seat, or rush out the door on little sleep. You get to stay cozy at home while I capture your family exactly as you are. Real, relaxed, and wrapped up in love.

Below is everything you need to know to feel fully prepared for your session. No stress. Just simple steps that make the experience feel easy, natural, and enjoyable.

Preparing Your Home For Your Newborn In-Home Session

One of the biggest benefits of a newborn in-home photography session is the convenience. Your home is already where your life is happening. Snuggles on the couch, late night feedings, siblings tiptoeing or running in to kiss the new baby. Photographing you in your home allows me to capture a real snapshot of what life looks like in this beautiful season.

First things first — Do not deep clean for your newborn in-home photography session.

I promise I am not examining the dust, the dishes, or the laundry pile. With more than ten years of photographing families (and 2 kids of my own), I can make any space photo ready within minutes. We can tidy small things if needed, but please do not stress.

A few simple steps to prep your space for photos:

Make your bed and clear your bedside tables. This gives us a clean backdrop for snuggly photos.
Tidy the living room. Clear clutter off coffee table.
Straighten the nursery if you would like photos in there.

That is it.

When I arrive, I will walk through your home and choose the best spaces based on the light and space. I typically use the living room, the nursery, and the primary bedroom, but I am prepared for anything. Natural window light is wonderful, but I also bring my own lighting so we are never limited by cloudy weather, the time of day, or darker rooms.

Preparing Baby

Newborns run the show, and that is perfectly normal. I plan your session with plenty of built-in flexibility, knowing babies need breaks and rhythms change quickly.

To help the newborn in-home photography session start smoothly, here is what helps:

Feed baby right before I arrive, or we can pause to feed at any time.
Fresh diaper right before we begin.
Have a outfits, swaddle or simple onesie ready to go.

Majority of my poses include you holding your little one which also helps keep them calm and content throughout the session. Newborns are wiggly, sleepy, unpredictable little humans. I expect that completely. We will follow your baby’s lead and take breaks whenever needed. Diaper changes, soothing, feeding, and snack time for siblings are all part of the process.

Preparing the Rest of the Family

I want this to feel like a joyful and relaxed experience for everyone. If you have older kids, in-home sessions are especially helpful because siblings can warm up at their own pace. They can join for photos, take breaks to play, grab a snack, and come back when they are ready. No pressure, no meltdowns in the car, no rushing.

A few tips for a smooth day:

Let kids know a friendly photographer is coming over.
Have snacks nearby, but save messy ones for after photos.
Do not stress if your toddler is full of energy. I work quickly and I am great with kids.
Keep expectations light and pressure off. Kids do not need to be perfect for beautiful photos.

Real smiles, real snuggles, and real moments are the goal.

What to Wear For Your Newborn In-Home Session

Outfits do not need to be fancy or styled for your newborn in-home photography session. Simple is always best, especially for newborns.

For baby:

A neutral onesie, a soft swaddle, or a cozy knit outfit photographs beautifully. Newborns are so tiny that busy patterns or bulky outfits can overwhelm them in photos.

For parents and siblings:

Soft neutrals and lighter tones always photograph well. Think cream, beige, light gray, or muted colors. Avoid heavy patterns or large logos.

Some families like to lay out outfits the night before to keep things easy. If you want help choosing, I am always happy to offer suggestions.

What You Can Expect From Me For Your Newborn In-Home Session

My goal is to make this experience feel calm, joyful, and simple from start to finish.

During your session, I will guide you when needed. Where to sit, how to hold baby, what to do with your hands. I will also step back to capture the natural moments that unfold on their own. You do not need to prepare poses or worry about how things will look. I am here to help with all of it.

Most families are surprised by how relaxed the session feels and how much we are able to capture in a short amount of time.

Because these early days at home are beautifully ordinary and unbelievably meaningful — You deserve photos that help you remember exactly how this season felt.