How to prep for an in-home newborn session

Back when my kids were small, I remember scheduling an in studio session for my toddler and 3 moth old. Getting the kids fed, hair looking cute, outfits on and out the door on time, was such an undertaking. The driving to the studio (which of course opened during my 3 month old’s first nap) and then having to wait in the mall for the studio to open was almost more than I could bear. Once in the studio, I remember working with a photographer who had 30 minutes to get both my girls to smile, and stay in one place together. (And as most of you who have kids know, this is not an easy task for a toddler in the middle of winter and a three month old who needs a nap!)

To be fair, the studio did offer me another session. The thought of reliving a day like that again had me declining and I vowed then and there to do outdoor and in home sessions not only for myself, but for any other client who wanted one.

In the past years the photography industry has welcomed these in-home sessions and for those wanting less posed, and more natural family shots, these types of sessions are not only beautiful, but they capture real life. Most of the time these sessions can take place in a client’s home where they are most comfortable and their other children (if they have any) are most comfortable. Studios can still be wonderful places for photos if the thought of being in your home stresses you out (and I still do a few of these sessions). But for the most part, in home sessions can be less stressful and beautiful.

A question I often get asked from new moms as they are preparing for these newborn session is “How can prep for my shoot, and my house will not be clean. Is that ok?”

To that I would reply, “Absolutely! I have three kids and lets be honest, cleaning our home is a the bottom of this list when bringing home a baby!”

Here are some other tips I would offer for those looking to do an in-home newborn session:

1) A hot home is best for getting baby to sleep as well as keeping baby comfortable. I would suggest putting the thermostat up to about 80 and/ I will bring an electric heater, or making one well lit room really hot so baby can go to sleep easily and quickly!

2) We can work around your newborns’s schedule. I am guessing baby is probably sleeping a lot right now, so don’t feel bad if you have to feed baby, or rock baby, etc. I can do photos of her nursery during that time. Don’t feel rushed in any way. Newborns are on their own schedule!

3) Go ahead and pick out any outfits. headbands, or other items you would like photographed. Getting some cute diaper covers are great, but we will use the blankets and onesies you already have for most of the photos

4) We will probably work out most of the session nearest to windows, so clearing out an area even in your living room is helpful, but not necessary.

5) Do NOT feel like you have to clean your home. Most likely we will be using your bedroom, the nursery (if you have one prepared), and a small well-lit area near a window. It is SO easy to push furniture and other items off to the side or on the floor. We can also easily bring in items you already own that are significant to you (a bassinet/ blanket, etc) for other shots.

6) If you have other children that you would like photographed, we can work around their schedule too. If you are wanting photos of baby and brother or sister together, we will try to get those family shots done right away so they can go on to their next activity.

Hope that helps as you prep for your newborn session, and if you are interested in having an in-home session, please feel free to e-mail me directly. Pricing is at the top of the page under “investments”. I look forward to hearing from you and congratulations!