Preparing For Your In-Home Newborn Session

Well, Momma, you did it, you delivered your little one and now it’s time for probably your first family photo session! I know you have gone through so much these past few weeks, your body is recovering, and you probably haven’t slept very well, not to mention you are taking care of a little human who needs you for everything!

I want to put you at ease. I’m going to do my very best to make your in-home newborn session as stress free as possible. This prep guide will help give you an idea of what to expect, and how to prepare for your in home photo session. I will go over how I conduct your session and tips and tricks to help your session run smoothy.

By this time, I have already put several hours into your special day, stylizing, washing props and outfits, putting together a workflow with poses and props, and customizing the session to your specific desires.

 
 

Prior to Your Session

For your in-home session please prepare for a 1-2 hour session. I do run a baby-led session, which means I follow baby’s cues and watch for their body language and how to respond to keep the session running smoothly however I do make time for feeding and diaper changes. I suggest clearing your schedule for the day to avoid over-stimulation prior to the session, clearing your schedule will also allow for time if the session runs longer than anticipated.

Please inform me of any medical issues that I need to be aware of to help me prepare better for you and your baby. A medical issue may change the way that I pose baby and work through my workflow. If baby will be circumcised please schedule with healing time in mind.

If breastfeeding avoid caffeine & carbonated drinks and gassy & spicy foods 24 hours prior to session.

 

Home Preparation

You do NOT need to deep clean your entire house, as the photographer will focus only on specific areas with the best light. As a mom myself I under stand that I am not coming into a Martha Stewart Model Home, a well lived home will have messes and I will work around it.

  • Declutter: I will most likely shoot in the nursery and bedroom so if you can just declutter by clear off nightstands, the master bed, and side tables in the rooms where photos will be taken. If you need help with this I can help you move a few things around when I get there before your session.

  • Lighting: Turn off all overhead lamps and ceiling lights. Natural, soft window light is much more flattering for newborns.

  • Temperature: Set your thermostat to 72 - 75° F to ensure the baby is comfortable while unwrapped.

What to Wear

Wardrobe & Family Styling

  • Color Palette: Wear soft, neutral tones (creams, grays, whites, and pastels) and avoid busy patterns or loud logos.

  • Comfort: Choose flowy, comfortable clothing so you can easily sit, cuddle, and move around.

  • Siblings: If you have older children, dress them first and expect to take their photos at the very beginning of the session so they can go back to playing

* Wear what feels natural for your family.

 
 
 

Prepping Baby

  • Feeding: I’m baby led photographer so if baby is on a schedule keep their schedules and I will work around it. Prior to starting the session I may ask you to give baby a top off to ensure that he is content, sleeping and relaxed.

  • Clothing: Keep it simple. A plain white, cream, or neutral-colored onesie works perfectly.

  • The Essentials: Keep diapers, wipes, extra milk, and a pacifier within arm's reach in case the baby needs soothing. If you have any family harlooms you would like to have incorporated in your session please have those available.

 
 

What to Expect

The morning of the session I will arrive at your home. I will have some equipment with me, a small light with a stand as well as a potable posing bed for some individual newborn photos.

Once I get setup we can start in either the nursery or the master bedroom. If you need help decluttering please don’t hesitate. I don’t mind helping in any way I can. I will start with family and move into individual baby pictures at the end of the session.

During your session please don’t feel stressed if your little one is not cooperating. Typically after the family photos, they are fast asleep, if not I have a variety of techniques to help your little one go to sleep. We will take periodic break for baby to feed and diaper changes.