Tips For Your In-Home Newborn Session

I advise my clients to keep baby awake for at least 1-2 hours before the newborn session. Tips for keeping baby happy and awake, give a bath, play with and tickle, etc. Dress baby in just a warm blanket and diaper, this will allow baby to no have red marks on skin from tight clothes. We will pick out an outfit or wrap together.

Make sure that baby is fed and burped before the session is scheduled to start. Breaks will be taken as needed to feed, soothe and change clothes for variety.

Only tidy up the rooms with the best light. I usually photograph in the living, master and nursery rooms. I will move items as needed for best results. Turn off all interior lights, as I only use natural window light. This eliminates the weird color cast and shadows that occur with indoor house lights.

I recommend wearing casual clothing, as this looks best and most natural for an at home session. Think bare or socked feet, a cotton dress, jeans or a lace robe for breast feeding shots (if desired). It’s best to avoid really bright colors like neon hot pink, lime green or torquoise. Neutrals always photograph well, colors like white, beige, tan, black and gray. Don’t be afraid of color however! The colors that photograph the best in my opinion are mustard yellow, deep reds and oranges, all blues, and dark and vivid greens. We photographers call these “Jewel Tones”.

Another great tip for preparing for your in-home newborn session is to turn on some music, make some coffee or mimosas, and just relax— let the photographer do the work and just enjoy the playtime with your family.