In-Home Newborn Photography: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Welcoming a newborn into your family is such a special time, and I’m so excited to help you capture those first precious moments at home! In-home newborn sessions are designed to be relaxed, natural, and as stress-free as possible. Here are a few expert tips to help you prepare and make the most of your session:

A sleeping baby wrapped in warm knit blankets, lying peacefully on a cozy bedding.
Cozy holiday scene with a parent and sleeping infant sitting on cream colored armchair by decorated fireplace mantle.
Close-up black and white photograph of a tiny infant hand grasping in soft focus.
Newborn baby swaddled in beige fabric sleeping peacefully in a basket with knitted blanket and orange backdrop.

1. Milk Drunk Babies Are Happy Babies!

A full baby is a happy baby, so feeding your little one before the session ensures we can jump right into capturing those adorable sleepy moments. Don’t worry if your baby needs a snack break during the session—newborns run the show, and I’m happy to wait! If you’re open to breastfeeding images, I can capture those beautifully intimate moments, too.


2. Fresh & Ready for Their Close-Up

Newborns’ hair can sometimes get a little oily, especially after sleeping. A gentle sponge bath before the session can help baby feel fresh and photo-ready! Just a quick wipe down will do wonders for those close-up shots of their sweet little face.


3. Keep It Cozy

Babies love to be warm and snuggly, so crank up the heat a little before the session to keep baby comfortable, especially if we’re doing any naked or swaddled shots. A cozy baby will be more relaxed, and the warmth helps them stay sleepy for those dreamy, curled-up poses.


4. Special Items & Outfits

If you have a special outfit, heirloom, or keepsake, feel free to include it! Just keep in mind that tighter-fitting clothes help highlight baby’s features and prevent them from getting lost in oversized fabric. If you’re using one of my wraps or outfits, it’s easiest if baby is dressed in something simple to remove, like a zip-up onesie or just a diaper under a swaddle.


5. Light is Everything

Natural light is key to getting those beautiful, soft photos of your little one. I prefer to do newborn sessions in the morning when there’s the most natural light streaming into your home. Take a moment before our session to notice which rooms get the best light, and we’ll find the perfect spots together. Pro tip: Clear clutter, open the blinds, and turn off artificial lights for that dreamy natural glow.


6. Create a Calm Environment

Newborns can be sensitive to changes in their environment, so creating a calm, quiet space is super helpful. Consider keeping background noise to a minimum, or even playing soft white noise or gentle lullabies to soothe baby during the session. The more relaxed baby feels, the smoother the session will go!


7. Be Prepared for Little Messes

Newborns are unpredictable, and little accidents are totally normal! I always come prepared with wipes and extra blankets, so no need to stress if there’s a diaper mishap or a spit-up moment—it happens, and we’ll just keep rolling.


8. Parent & Sibling Shots

Newborn sessions aren’t just about baby! I love capturing the connection between your family members, so if you’re planning on including siblings or parents in the session, it’s helpful to have them dressed and ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. For parents, simple, neutral clothing works best—it keeps the focus on your little one and creates a timeless look.


9. Flexibility is Key

Newborns have their own schedules, and I always follow their lead. If baby needs to eat, be rocked, or soothed, we’ll take the time to make sure they’re comfortable. No rush here! The session will flow according to baby’s needs, and I’m fully prepared to work around them.


10. Weather Considerations

While we’re indoors, natural light is still dependent on the weather. If it’s heavily overcast or raining, the light may not be ideal for the soft, bright look we’re going for. While it’s rare, we might need to reschedule in case of low light, and I’ll let you know if that’s the case. The goal is to ensure the best possible outcome for your images!

By keeping things simple, relaxed, and natural, we’ll capture the authentic beauty of this moment in your life. I can’t wait to meet you and your sweet little one!