In Home Newborn Session Guide

If you are reading this, you have likely just given birth to your baby and are considering a newborn session. Congrats to you and your family. This is such a special time in life and one that deserves to be properly documented. I wanted to take a moment to put together a prep guide for my clients and anyone else who is considering an in home newborn session.

PREP THE ROOMS IN WHICH WE WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHING

Prior to your session, I will ask you to send me photos of the rooms in your home in which you think you would like to be photographed. Because I am a natural light photographer, I always ask that these photos be taken in the morning hours with the blinds open and the overhead lights off. I will be able to gauge from these images which rooms are best for your session. We don’t always shoot in every room of your home, but rather in the rooms that have the most natural light. Typically the rooms we use are: the living room, master bedroom and nursery, but really we will shoot wherever there is good light.

Do not stress about your home being perfect. You only need to focus on the rooms that we will be using. Those rooms do not have to be spotless, but ideally you should put away the clutter so we have clean backgrounds for the images. Don’t worry, if I see something that needs to be moved or put away, I will do so for you.

TURN UP THE HEAT

This is especially true in the winter months. Set to 75-80 degrees if possible. This is especially true if you want to dress your baby in those cute sleeveless outfits. We will change the baby’s outfits often throughout the session, so it is necessary to keep the baby comfortable. The heat will also encourage sleepiness so we can capture those sweet sleeping images of the baby. I know that this can be tough for new moms, but it is important to keep the baby cozy.

HYPE UP THE FAMILY

I try my best to get all of the family images requiring siblings and dads done first. So, even though the newborn session lats anywhere from 2-3 hours, I won’t be photographing dads and siblings the entire time. I do this because Dads are then able to keep other children occupied for the remainder of the session and sometimes Dads need to leave to get to work. It is really important to prep younger children and tell them ahead of time that a photographer is coming to take their photos. Get them excited about being photographed as a big brother/sister.

Moms, I know it can be hard to get ready with a new baby in the house, so make sure you give yourself extra time. If you are borrowing something from the client closet, you can get dressed once I arrive.

Make sure that your baby has a full belly before I arrive. You should plan to feed your little one about 15-20 minutes before I arrive. You should also change the baby’s diaper. If you are using outfits from my client closet for the baby, you can just swaddle the baby in some warm blankets or dress the baby in a loose fitting onesie.

I know that this can be challenging when getting ready, but try and keep baby awake and stimulated an hour before our session. This helps to make sure that he is tired and sleepy during our session. Upon my arrival or gith before I arrive is the best time for feeding and diaper change. 

WARDROBE SUGGESTIONS

I am a big fan of neutral tones for newborn sessions. You want to choose colors that will not creat color casting and are soft in hue. Prior to your session, I will help you choose your wardrobe and will suggest colors based on the photos you send of our home. I want to make sure that your wardrobe coordinates with your home and is not jarring against the backdrop. Neutral colors like nude, white, camel, grey, light pin, and tan work well.

Moms: If you want to go casual, you can wear jeans paired with a blouse or cami and a loose flowing kimono. I find dresses are always easiest to wear post pregnancy and I have a clinet closet of dresses from which you can choose.

Dads: Jeans or khaki shorts paired with a neutral toned t shirt or henley.

Siblings: Natural colors. You can pair jeans with a t for boys. Jumpers are always great options and dresses are easy for little girls.

Tips: Have extra outfits on hand and avoid patterns and logos.

Keeping your hands moisturized and nails trim and tidy is key; hands are great props of their own.

Please take off watches and funky bracelets if possible– simplicity is beautiful.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

Planning

I will arrive with my camera gear, dresses from the client closet, any props requested and a bag filled with outfits and swaddles for the baby. I will first walk around your home to gauge the light and get a game plan together. Next, we will go through the outfits, swaddles and props and choose the items we will use during your session. Last, we finalize your wardrobe. If you are borrowing something from the client closet, you will have time to try on the options you selected and I will happily give you my input. So, if you are not done getting ready when I arrive, please don’t feel rushed. All of the above will take about 20 minutes, so you have plenty of time.

Photographing Begins

I don’t really have a set plan, I photograph based on the baby and children. I try to start with family photos and then images of Dad with the baby, but sometimes siblings need a little bit of extra time and other times, if the baby is sound asleep, I start with any requested posed images.

Afterwards, we move through the rooms of your home and I try to get a variety of images for your gallery. It all varies and is based on each individual family and the light in the home. There have been times when I have spent an entire session in one room because that room has the best light. I am still able to get a diverse gallery.

Much of the time during the session will be spent keeping baby happy and cozy. Many times this requires breaks, extra feedings and comforting. Don’t stress. I am never in a rush. My goal is to keep the baby happy comfortable and safe.

SPECIAL PROPS/OUTFITS

Although I bring along everything that you need, if there is anything special or significant you want included, just let me know. Sometimes this can be a handmade blanket, an heirloom, a special outfit or really anything that has meaning to you. If you don’t have any special requests, that is fine too.

 Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN IS THE BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS?

I recommend that you take your newborn photos between 5-21 days. This is during the time period when babies are sleeping a majority of the day which makes it easier to get them into poses. In addition, because baby hasn’t been out of the womb long, he is more likely to stay asleep longer.

WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?

When babies are usually the sleepiest in the morning. I prefer to start between 9:30am-11:30am.

HOW LONG WILL MY NEWBORN SESSION TAKE?

Newborn sessions tend to last around 2-3 hours. I allow for a range of time and work on baby’s schedule. Sometimes we finish early and sometimes we run over. If possible, it is best to leave extra room on your schedule so no one feels rushed. I realize that is not always possible, so if someone has to leave for work or school, I will photograph those members of the family first and the remainder of the session will be focused on the baby’s portraits and moms.

WHAT SHOULD MY NEWBORN WEAR FOR OUR SESSION?

Baby should start in a button down onesie for easy changing. I bring along outfits and swaddles. If you prefer your own wardrobe for the baby, that is fine too and I will help you to plan the wardrobe.

WHAT DO I DO TO HELP PREPARE MY BABY FOR THEIR NEWBORN SESSION?

If at all possible, try and keep baby awake and stimulated an hour before our session so that he is tired and sleepy during the session. Upon my arrival is the best time for feeding and diaper change. If parents or siblings would like to be in the photos please have outfits ready to change into. If possible, avoid any baths 1-2 days prior to the session , as sometimes this can lead to dry skin. If you are nursing, avoid spicy foods the few days before the session so that the baby’s stomach is settled.

HOW DO I PREPARE THE HOUSE FOR OUR SESSION?

I move around your home during the session and will use the rooms with the best NATURAL light. Typically, i use the master bedroom, nursery, and living room. Please put away clutter. If you don’t want to see it in the images, it should be removed. Open all of the blinds and curtains. Turn off overhead lights and lamps. Natural light produces those bright and glowy images. Most of the time, I will use your bed in the master bedroom for solo portraits of the baby. It is helpful if you have light white, cream, tan or neutral toned bedding.  

I always ask for you to send over images of the rooms in which we will be shooting and I will give you more specific input based on those images.

HOW CAN THE WHOLE FAMILY PREPARE FOR THE NEWBORN SESSION?

The focus of the in home session is centered on the family. That means all members of the family are encouraged to participate. Prepping the whole family is important.

If you are interested in a newborn session, contact me.