In Home Newborn Session Tips

I love getting to photograph families at all stages, but there is something extra special about getting to photograph a family in their home soon after bringing their baby home. It is such a precious time of change for everyone! These sessions include a lot of quiet, cozy, snuggly time. No family is exactly the same, but with over 15 years of experience here are my tips for a successful session.

Have no expectations - I don’t mean you should not expect quality images. What I mean is please don’t expect your baby to always be asleep and quiet, or for siblings to look directly at the camera (at the same time) with perfect smiles, and to only receive Pinterest worthy images. You will get better, truer images by giving everyone (including yourself) more grace and flexibility. Let them be themselves, let them have their little moments, and let me do my job to get the best images I can out of everyone in a way that doesn’t FEEL like you are statues being photographed in a museum.
Snacks - The baby (or babies) WILL need to eat at some point during our session, if not multiple times… it’s normal! If you have young children, be prepared with snacks to keep spirits high. Even if your session is short… no one wants their photo taken when they are hangry (babies included). You are allowed to take little breaks if needed. Babies can get overstimulated and not everyone is looking for breast feeding images, so please feel free to tell me that you need a few minutes. I am always happy to take photos of details, or other siblings during breaks. Summary - Do your best to feed your baby just before our session, but also know that taking breaks for feeds or just a moment of silent snuggles it totally fine!
Special Items - If you would like to have any special/sentimental items photographed during the session please have them set out and ready to go.
Outfits - When picking outfits for your baby… go with whatever you think is the cutest! Have a few options as well as a swaddle blanket you like. That way we can get a little variety and be prepared for the unexpected (spit up or diaper mishap). As for the rest of the family I generally suggest picking mom’s outfit first and then using that as a general color palette for everyone else to follow. Mom’s outfit is going to be the most difficult as I know not everyone feels quiet them after having a baby and sometimes it can be difficult to find something you feel like yourself in. I would suggest finding a dress that you feel confident in. It will add some softness to the images and help hide anything you aren’t wanting to show. Also, I would stay away from really dark colors unless you are wanting a more moody/dramatic look. Newborn images are typically lighter (vibe wise), softer, cozier and often times black can make things feel more formal.
Let’s relax - In home sessions are all about the cozy vibes. There is no pressure here! Your house doesn’t have to look like an Architectural Digest cover to be a beautiful setting to capture your family in. All we need is a bit of window light and some snuggles!

There are lots of other things to consider before your family session, but in my opinion the above are the most important components that can take a session from good to great.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect during your session - When I arrive I will usually start by taking pictures of baby’s room to give you a few extra minutes. If baby is ready to go and in a good mood, then I will take some photos of them on their own in their room or in a well lit space. Once everyone is ready to go I will get group shots, sibling shots, parents together shots, and each parent with baby on their own. If there are any special requests/extra photos that you’d really love please let me know.