How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Photo Session

There is something incredibly special about being invited into a family’s home during those first precious days with a new baby.

These early moments are beautifully fleeting. The nursery you’ve lovingly prepared, the rocking chair where you’ll spend countless late nights, and the tiny details you’ve carefully chosen for your newest little love are all part of your family’s story.

That’s exactly why I exclusively photograph newborn sessions in your home.

In-home newborn sessions are relaxed, personal, and beautifully authentic. There’s no need to pack up your diaper bag, worry about being out the door on time, or wonder if you’ve forgotten something important. Instead, you get to stay cozy in your own space, soak in these precious moments, and let me preserve this season exactly as it is.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your in-home newborn session.

What Should We Wear?

My number one rule?

Wear something that feels like you.

I want you to look at your photographs years from now and see yourselves exactly as you were during this season of life.

Comfort is key.

I recommend choosing soft, neutral colors that feel timeless and photograph beautifully. Think:

• Creams
• Whites
• Beiges
• Soft grays
• Warm earth tones
• Dusty blues and soft pastels

Neutral tones keep the focus on your connections and allow your precious new baby to be the star of the show.

If you’d like to incorporate a little color, choose one accent shade and use different variations of it throughout everyone’s outfits. For example, one person may wear a solid color while another incorporates it through subtle patterns or textures.

A few things I generally recommend avoiding:

• Bright reds, pinks, and greens
• Neon colors
• Large logos
• Graphic tees
• Busy patterns

These can sometimes distract from the overall image or cast unwanted color onto your baby’s delicate skin.

As for accessories, don’t be afraid to wear jewelry or add personal touches that make you feel beautiful. Just keep in mind that less is often more during newborn sessions, as we want the focus to remain on those sweet little baby snuggles.

Do I Need to Clean My Entire House?

Absolutely not.

Please hear this loud and clear:

I am a mom. I understand real life.

Homes with newborns are meant to look lived in.

You do not need to deep clean your entire house before I arrive.

I typically only need one or two areas with beautiful natural light.

Some of my favorite locations inside a home are:

• The nursery
• The master bedroom
• The living room
• A bright room with large windows

A quick tidy of those spaces is usually all that’s needed.

I promise I am not judging the dishes in your sink, the laundry basket in the hallway, or the toys hiding around the corner.

I’m there to photograph your family, not your housekeeping skills.

What If My Baby Is Fussy?

Then we simply slow down.

Newborn sessions are completely baby-led.

There will be plenty of time for:

• Feedings
• Diaper changes
• Cuddles
• Rocking
• Snuggles
• Soothing breaks

Some sessions move quickly, and some take a little longer.

Both are perfectly normal.

There is absolutely no pressure for your baby to be “perfect.”

Babies cry.

Babies need breaks.

Babies want to eat.

Babies simply baby.

I expect all of it.

The goal of an in-home session isn’t perfection—it’s documenting this beautiful season exactly as it is.

What Should We Have Ready?

One of my favorite things about in-home newborn sessions is incorporating meaningful details from your family’s life.

I encourage you to have a few sentimental items nearby if you’d like to include them.

Some ideas include:

• Handmade blankets
• Family heirlooms
• A special stuffed animal
• A meaningful book
• Personalized nursery decor
• A knitted hat from Grandma
• A name sign or birth announcement

I also bring a carefully selected collection of wraps and a few simple newborn accessories that complement my soft, timeless style.

If you have certain colors or ideas in mind, please let me know ahead of time. I love collaborating to create a session that feels personal and meaningful to your family.

How Should We Prepare Our Home?

Newborns tend to be happiest when they’re cozy and warm.

I recommend warming the rooms we’ll be using slightly before your session begins.

You don’t need to turn your home into a tropical destination, but keeping the room comfortably warm can help your baby feel more relaxed and sleepy.

Natural light is also wonderful.

If possible, open curtains and blinds in the rooms you think might work best.

Don’t worry if your home doesn’t look like something from a magazine.

Beautiful photographs happen in real homes every single day.

I know how to work with different spaces and lighting situations to create images you’ll treasure forever.

Most Importantly… Relax

Truly.

The newborn stage can feel overwhelming.

You’re adjusting to little sleep, learning your baby’s routines, and soaking in every tiny moment all at once.

My biggest hope for your in-home newborn session is that it feels less like a photo shoot and more like an opportunity to pause.

To slow down.

To snuggle your baby.

To breathe them in.

To simply be together.

Because one day you’ll look back at these photographs and remember more than just what your baby looked like.

You’ll remember the nursery you carefully prepared, the tiny fingers wrapped around yours, and the home where your family’s newest chapter began.

And those are the memories worth preserving.