How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session

Congratulations on this exciting time! Whether baby is already here, or has yet to arrive I wanted to share some tips on preparing for your in-home newborn photography session.

We’ve probably already picked out an estimated date for our shoot, but we'll nail down the exact date and time once baby arrives. Take some time to relax and bond with your family after baby arrives, and then you can reach to set up your session date when you’re ready. I can't wait to capture those precious moments for you!

TELLING YOUR STORY:

When reflecting on your images in years to come, what will hold the most significance for you? Will it be the perfectly adorned spaces, or the love and connection you felt with your family? My goal is to authentically tell your story by capturing your lives as they truly are, focusing on connection. Each captured moment reflects the love woven into your everyday life, and in years to come, they will evoke warmth and nostalgia.

PREPPING YOUR SPACE:

One of the biggest concerns families share is whether their home is “photo ready.” Please don’t stress about this, your home doesn’t need to look perfect to tell your story. In fact, it’s the lived-in touches that make your photos personal. When your children look back at these images, they’ll remember not only how you looked, but the space where their earliest memories were made.

That said, if you’d like, you can tuck away extra clutter into unused rooms, closets, or spaces with less natural light. I’ll guide you if there’s anything small we might move to improve the frame. Truly, all we need is a window, some soft light, and your family together.

WHICH ROOMS TO USE:

I usually photograph in the master bedroom, living room, kitchen, or nursery—sometimes even a porch or backyard. Bedrooms and living rooms often work best for whole-family shots, especially with a large bed or sofa to cozy up on.

If possible, keep bedding light and neutral, or have an extra blanket on hand to layer over. For other rooms, a quick tidy (or just hiding clutter under a bed or in a closet) is more than enough.

WHAT TO WEAR:

The beauty of in-home sessions is that they’re deeply personal, so your wardrobe should feel like you—but with intention. Whether you’re drawn to something a little undone and effortless (think vintage robes, soft knits, or relaxed sleepwear) or you prefer a more polished, editorial look (flowy dresses, tailored textures, or layered neutrals), the most important thing is that you feel both comfortable and at ease. These sessions are about connection, not perfection—what you wear should simply support that.

I typically recommend starting with mom’s outfit, then building the rest of the family’s wardrobe around it. Aim for complementary tones and textures rather than matching. Lighter neutrals, earthy hues, or soft warm colours tend to work beautifully with the way I edit, though thoughtfully mixed bolder palettes can look stunning too when styled cohesively.

Texture is key. Woven fabrics, soft knits, and layered materials bring depth to your images. Patterns, especially subtle stripes, florals, or vintage-inspired prints, can add personality and charm. Just avoid anything too bold or high-contrast that might pull focus away from the story we’re telling. Skip large logos or graphic text, which can feel out of place in these quiet, connected moments.

For baby, simple is always best. Neutral knit sets, rompers, or even just a diaper and a cozy blanket are perfect for showing those fleeting, wrinkly newborn details. Sometimes the most meaningful images are the simplest ones. Feel free to set aside a few options, including bonnets, swaddles, or heirloom pieces.

Avoid anything that feels overly fussy like large bows, costumes, or outfits with lots of extra frills, since they can distract from the natural connection and softness of these early days. The goal is to keep baby comfortable and let their tiny features and your bond shine through.

I also have a growing collection of blankets, bonnets, and accessories I can bring along.

THE DAY OF/WHAT TO EXPECT:

Our newborn session will last about 1–1.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeds, diaper changes, and soothing breaks. If your baby is under 2 months old, we’ll aim for a mix of calm, sleepy moments and gentle awake ones.

To help baby settle, you might:

• Feed them up to 30 minutes before the session.

• Try a bit of playtime or a warm bath beforehand.

• Keep your home a little warmer than usual.

If you’d like breastfeeding or bottle-feeding captured, we can include that once you’re comfortable. And if you’d prefer baby more awake, just make sure they’ve rested and been fed before we start.

Your newborn session is about connection, not perfection. Don’t worry about the little things, your baby doesn’t need to “perform,” and neither do you. The most meaningful images often come from the quiet, in-between moments when you’re simply together and present.

Whether you’re already booked or still planning, I’m here to guide you through every step. Ask questions, share ideas, and let me know what matters most to you. I look forward to documenting your real life with care and artistry.

Let’s create something beautiful together!