In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Prep Guide

In-home lifestyle newborn sessions are our absolute favorite! We love them because they get to showcase your brand new family member in the comfort of their own home with their parents, siblings, and pets! Babies change so much in those first few weeks, so we love being able to capture that brand new goodness for parents in the comfort of their own home.

The best time for in-home sessions are during daylight hours, usually in the morning, between 9a and 1p. This typically gives us the best light and the happiest baby! We also understand sometimes with older siblings and family members, this time frame is not always possible, so we will do our best to work with whatever time works for your family.

We love natural light and will strive to capture your newborn and family in your home's natural light by opening window blinds and curtains, and turning off overhead lights. We'll put you all next to windows as much as possible in order to take full advantage of the light coming into your house. Even on the cloudiest days, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much the outside light comes in!

Try feeding your newborn shortly before your session time. This will ensure they have a full belly and will hopefully be happy and cooperative for photos! However, if you would like any nursing pictures, we can do this at the beginning of the session, so hold off feeding until I get there and we’ll get some nursing photos done first!

Turn up that heat! We’ve found that newborns are so much happier in a warm environment. This allows for them to be comfortable for any naked/diaper pictures and aren't so upset to have their clothes changed if the house is extra warm.

What to wear? This is totally up to you! We suggest that moms pick their outfit first and then build the others outfits around that. We do encourage moms to wear something comfortable and flowy. A light sweater or cardigan to go over your outfit can also work well for photos.

Since this is a lifestyle session that will be more candid and documentary in nature, we leave most of the ‘props’ that you’d want to include up to your discretion! You can absolutely gather your own items to incorporate into photos, such as your own swaddles, hats, headbands, outfits, etc.. Outfit and swaddle changes are absolutely okay and of course will help in getting some a variety of photos!

Expect chaos! Especially if there are older siblings, there will be running, playing, and maybe fussing. It's to be expected and totally OK! We love kids being kids and are absolutely fine going at their pace. Please try not to stress about it!

What types of pictures will we take? Candid and Documentary. Our goal will be to simply capture a glimpse of this new chapter with your newest family member! There will be lots of candid photos to really get some genuine smiles, laughs, and snuggles. You will hear us talk a lot about connection during your session. We want you all touching and looking at each other to really convey the love between everyone.

When do we schedule a newborn session? We typically advise parents schedule as soon as they feel comfortable after birth. Usually, the younger the newborn is, the sleepier they are which means they're more cooperative for photos. Ideally within the first two weeks after birth, but that is certainly not set in stone and we're happy to work with your schedule! After around three weeks of age, they are more alert with lots of eye contact and connection, so there are pros to both time frames.

How long do newborn sessions last? Typically between two to three hours. We know how precious that time is during those first few weeks after arrival so we don’t want to take too much of that time from your family. We try to be quick and efficient in getting all the photos you want, all while going at Baby's pace with feeding and changing breaks. Providing a list of some shots you’d like to get definitely helps too! Of course, you can always email or message us ideas as well.

When will we get our gallery? Our typical turnaround time for your gallery is within 2 weeks (if not sooner). We try and have teasers up on our social media pages within the first week (as long as you have given us permission).

When in doubt, please ask! We have been photographing newborns for well over 12 years now and we can absolutely help with any questions you might have in regards to what to expect at your newborn session, what to wear, etc.. We are always happy to help!