In-Home, Lifestyle Newborn Sessions

Preparing for your In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session

Family of five sitting on their bed smiling during their in-home lifestyle newborn portraits session

Having your newborn session in the comfort of your own home can be very reassuring since you won't have to venture out with your newest little one and have all your necessities right at your fingertips. It's also a very special way to document this new and exciting time in your life. These are your real-life moments caught in time.

Now, on the other hand, you might be thinking, "I have to have my home picture perfect." Let's throw that idea right out the window, shall we? That's way too much pressure than any new Mom or Dad needs. Here's a little secret, it doesn't have to be perfect!

With this guide, you will get all the helpful tips you need in preparing your home and baby for your Session.

5 Tips to prepare for you In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session

Let that natural light in!...

My number one focus for your home will be the lighting. We want all that lovely natural light flooding in from the windows. We will be turning off all artificial lights in the areas of your home that we photograph in since they are not flattering. If your home doesn't offer much natural light, we can always do the majority of the photos near a window. If that is a concern, I recommend having your session in the studio.

Tidy Up...

As I mentioned before, your home does NOT have to be perfect. The only area that we want to make sure is tidied up are the areas we know you would like to use during your session. These areas are typically in your nursery, bedroom on the bed, and an area next to a large window. If we won't be seeing your kitchen, have all them dang dishes in the sink from the night before, I really don't care! Honestly! Please do not stress over this. Just pick up around those areas and we will be good to go!

Wardrobe...

My go-to color palette is neutrals and light earth tones. I particularly recommend neutrals for newborn sessions because it helps in not having any casted colors on your little one's face and really gives us that timeless and clean look to your photographs. I will have wraps and knit outfits for us to use for the baby but you are welcome to dress them in anything of your choosing, Mommas, if you are comfortable in wearing a nice relaxed dress for your session, that goes a long way in these photos. I do have a client closet underway from which you can borrow a dress if you so wish. When taking photos in the crib or on your bed, if you have solid white or neutral-colored bedding, I recommend putting those on for your session for the same reasons listed before. Have a backup outfit if you can just in case we have an accidental blowout or some massive spit-up.

Feedings...

I recommend feeding and changing your baby right before I arrive. This way they are full and happy when we begin. If you are wanting to use any of the items I have as far as wraps and outfits, I recommend keeping them undressed (diaper only) and wrapped in a blanket so we don't have to disturb them too much with outfit changing. Keeping them awake for a little bit of time before their feeding is also a good idea to help them get nice and sleepy for our session.

Relax...

Preparing for a newborn photography session is an important step in preserving your newborn’s early memories but it doesn't have to be stressful and that is the last thing I want for you, especially right after having a baby. My focus is going to be on you and your family in your home during this new chapter of your lives.