How to Prepare for an At-Home Newborn Session

Newborn sessions have a special place in my heart. As a family photographer, I love capturing those early moments of parenthood and the first moments of a new life. My biggest goal when photographing these sessions is to focus on you guys as new parents. In those early days, you’ll rarely both be in a photo (especially you, mama!). Your session is the perfect time to wash your hair, wear an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks, and snuggle up with your family while making some heirlooms. Read on for my top tips for preparing for your at-home newborn session!

How to Prepare for an At-Home Newborn Session

Book Your At-Home Newborn Session Before the Baby Comes

If you want your newborn photos to take place shortly after the baby is born (I recommend two weeks postpartum), then getting your session on the calendar while you’re still pregnant is crucial. You will NOT feel like dealing with a photographer search or scheduling snafu when you’re in the hospital or back home navigating sleepless nights. Take it from another mama! 

When you book your newborn session with me, I’ll mark off the estimated due date on my calendar so that I’ll know when the time is near. Email or text me upon delivery, and we’ll arrange your session! If you have a scheduled c-section, then we can plan a specific shoot date before the delivery. 

Identify Your Favorite Parts of Your Home

Think about this before your photographer comes over. Is it your bedroom, the nursery, the living room, or the dining space? Or maybe it’s the backyard! Then, think about when those spaces receive the best lighting. Is it the morning or the afternoon?

It’s best to share these details upon booking so we can schedule the most appropriate time for your session. Lighting is EVERYTHING for photography, and we want to ensure we can use your favorite space(s). I recommend limiting yourself to two or three rooms so you don’t have to clean the entire house! In addition, I recommend opening the blinds or curtains upon my arrival so we get the best light possible. 

Consider Your Sleep Schedule

Is your baby sleeping all the time or hardly at all? Are you getting rest? As a mama of a toddler, I know how it goes! My little one’s sleep schedule was all over the place because of acid reflux. Feel free to divulge the details to me. I want to know the best time of day for your baby AND you so I can best service you! I know postpartum is a sensitive time for mamas as well as babies, and I want to honor that.

I do recommend feeding your newborn right before we begin. That way, they’ll be asleep during the session and less likely to fuss. However, if they wake up or start crying and you need a break, that’s fine! I design my newborn sessions around time for feedings and changes. They’ll happen, and that’s okay. 

Mamas, Choose Your Outfit First!

I want you to love your outfit and feel good in it. For my session, I chose a flowy dress that covered my insecurities (that lingering postpartum belly) and dressed my boys to match me. However, don’t let it be too matchy-matchy. Mixing coordinating colors and prints while avoiding blending too many patterns is the key. Also, feel free to tell me if there’s an insecurity you have postpartum. I get it and can make sure to pose you accordingly. 

Get Your Hair and Makeup Professionally Done

I recommend going to a professional for your newborn shoot hair and makeup if you’re up for it. I remember not feeling like myself postpartum, and getting a simple blowout at BloBar made all the difference during our portraits. You can also have a hair and makeup team come to you! Take the stress off of yourself. You’re a busy mama, and it’s okay to let someone else pamper you while caring for that beautiful new baby.

And there you have my top tips for an at-home newborn session! The way I see it, photography lasts forever. Investing in the session AND how you show up for it is more than worthwhile. All the little things that will make you feel your best leading up to the session will yield the best results! If you’re a second or third-trimester mama, reach out today so I can get your due date on my calendar.