Preparing for an in-home newborn photo session can feel like a daunting task, especially for new parents who are still trying to adjust to life with a little one. As a parent of a newborn myself, I understand the challenges that come with trying to make sure everything was up to my pre-baby standards, especially at a time when things can feel so chaotic. However, with a little bit of preparation, you can make sure that your in-home photo session goes as smoothly as possible.
Location
The best place for a newborn session is a room with natural light. Natural light creates beautiful, soft, diffused and natural looking illumination. One of the first things I'll do when I arrive is look around (with permission, of course) to see which room will serve our needs best.
We will likely spend time in the nursery, master bedroom, and / or the living room. Having these areas tidied before I arrive can help to save time - clearing off night stands, putting clothes away etc. I won't judge you at all if everything just gets shoved in a closet (my wife and I did for our newborn shoot, haha).
Preparing Baby for Photos
A sleepy baby is a cooperative baby (especially for their solo shots!) We recommend pushing baby's nap off a little to more closely coincide with the start of our session and giving them a meal about 20 minutes prior. If you typically keep your house a little on the cooler side - increasing a few degrees can also help keep baby sleepy, warm, and cozy. It's a good idea to have a few items nearby that will help soothe your baby during the session such as a pacifier, or blanket.
What to Wear
When it comes to what to wear - whites, neutrals, and earth tones keep it simple and are great considerations for wardrobe for everyone. Consider avoiding clothing with logos, bright colors, or intense / distracting patterns.
A dress or gown is nice for Mom - but a comfy sweater is great too! For Dad, basic tees, or a henley are great and can be paired with a pair of khakis, jeans, etc. For baby, a well-fitting gown, plain white onesie, or swaddled in a blanket is usually best. Try and avoid onesies that are baggy, or ill-fitting.
Limiting outfit changes for baby to 1-2 outfits can help keep the little one comfy and cozy.
Pets
If you have animals that you would like incorporated into the photo shoot, we recommend keeping them separated from our space to begin with and we can bring them in when we're ready to have them in photos. Let us know before hand if you have a fuzzy friend you want to include in your session. We're very pet friendly and love to meet them!
Breaks
Finally, if at any point baby or Mom needs a break to nurse/eat, change a diaper, or just a few moments to relax, it's important to know that this is not only okay - it's encouraged. I will offer during our session, but also feel free to ask!
