Tips for getting the most out of your in-home newborn photoshoot

You have a newborn! From experience, that probably means that life is a bit of a blur right now. But you know your newborn will never be this small again. His body will grow, her features will change – and it all happens so rapidly. The only logical thing to do is to slow down, soak it in, and take all the pictures.

So now you are prepping for your in-home newborn photoshoot. The major appeal of an in-home session is the ease of being in your own home, as well as the memories that attach to the photos because of the time you spend with your baby in those spaces. But as much as it sounds easier to have your photographer come to you, I also know that it can be stressful. That’s why I have put together these tips and tricks for getting the most out of your in-home newborn photoshoot.

My Advice

1) Prep 2-3 spaces to be clutter free. Note how I did not say clean. There is no need to deep clean for me, but a clutter free area photographs best. Typically I suggest the nursery, living room, bedroom – the places that you spend the most time with baby.

2) Have 1-2 spare outfits chosen for everyone. Babies pee and babies spit up. It happens and that’s ok! Knowing exactly what clothes to change into ahead of time makes the process smoother.

3) Fed is best. And I mean that for everyone. Snack up before the shoot because full bellies are happy bellies. If at all possible, give baby a good feed right before our session starts.

4) If you have any mementos, personalized items, special blankets/animals, etc that you want photographed, set them out ahead of time. If you don’t have anything like that, that’s ok, too.

An Additional Note:

My general recommendation for photoshoots is a full hour time frame, especially when siblings are involved. That gives us time to get photos with siblings (whether that is first thing, or after they have a chance to get comfortable) and photos without the siblings. An hour gives us time to get all the different groupings (full family, parents & baby, siblings & baby, baby alone) without feeling rushed. We can get it all done in a half hour though if that is what suits your budget. Your gallery will be just as beautiful and just as cherished. Taking the pictures at all is what really matters.

And also note, we are on baby’s time. Baby is boss. While I know you will do your best to have baby fed before the shoot starts, the session can feel like a lot for baby. Being passed around, set down, picked up, outfit changed, etc – it is very common to have to pause and give baby a snack feed. Do not let this cause you any stress. And it is completely your call as to whether you want photos of the feeding or not.