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 main concerns people usually have with In-home sessions is the need to have a perfectly decorated or tidy home, this is definitely not the case. It’s important to remember that your home will be captured in its true form which is authentic to you and your story. If we remove all our personal items from our home, it could be just about anyones home. When your kids look back at these photos in this space, they will have a sense of nostalgia, and likewise you will remember those early days just a little bit better. Besides, cleaning is likely not going to be your first priority during those first few weeks or even months with a new baby–and that’s ok.
For these sessions I like to utilize more than one space in your home to help tell your story. My best advice is to tuck unwanted clutter into any unused spaces in your home like a closet or a room that is darker with poor lighting like a laundry room. If there’s anything visible in the frame that I think will negatively impact our final photographs, I will just ask if we can move things around. In order to get beautiful images all we need are nice light from a window or doorway, and your family!
WHICH ROOMS TO USE:
Depending on the home and which rooms have the best lighting, I am most likely to photograph newborn sessions in the master bedroom, living room, and nursery the most. We can even utilize a front porch or backyard if it’s a nice warm day. Usually, the master bedroom or living room are best to have the whole family, especially if there’s a large bed or sofa. It is ideal if bedding is on the lighter side for our sessions, so if there’s an option to switch this out or have an extra blanket to drape over top it would be helpful. For bedroom shots you can clear away any unwanted clutter into a closet or under the bed temporarily.
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 considered.
I typically recommend starting with mom’s outfit, then building the rest of the family’s wardrobe around that. 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 draw attention away from the story we’re telling. Try to skip large logos or graphic text, which can feel out of place in these quiet, connected moments.
For baby, simple is best. Neutral knit sets, rompers, or even a cozy blanket and bare skin for those fleeting, wrinkly newborn details. Feel free to set aside a few options, including accessories like bonnets, swaddles, or heirloom toys. I also have a growing collection of blankets and accessories I can bring along, just let me know if you'd like me to include them.
THE DAY OF/WHAT TO EXPECT:
Our newborn session will last from 1 to 1.5 hours, which allows for normal interruptions like feeding and diaper changes. If your newborn is younger than 2 months old, the goal would be to have them very sleepy and calm during our session.
Some tips to achieve this are feeding baby up to 30 minutes before our session, a bit of play time or a bath prior to our session, and keeping your home a few degrees warmer than usual. If you want to include some breastfeeding shots this can be done towards the end when you’re more comfortable behind the camera
If you want your baby more awake you can ensure they have slept and are fed prior to our session.
Whether your session is fully booked or you’re still planning, I'm here to guide you through each step. Feel free to share thoughts and questions with me, open communication is key for a seamless experience! If booked, I look forward to capturing unforgettable moments. If still planning, I'm here to help bring your vision to life.
Let’s create something beautiful together!