How to prepare for an in-home newborn photo session

Newborn weeks really are the most precious and short-lived time. Creating photo memories of these early days is so worthwhile and, I promise, it isn’t stressful and your home doesn’t have to look perfect! Here, I guide you through everything you need to know about a newborn photo session, from pre-shoot preparations, to what to expect on the day. Keep reading to find out more…

Where are the best locations for in-home newborn photos?

In-home photography is all about finding the room with the best natural light. Any room can be used if it has a nice, bright window, the curtains are open and lamps and ceiling lights are turned off. Often, a newborn photo session will begin in the living room with the whole family, including any siblings, and then progress to the main bedroom where we’ll focus on mum and baby. But, this can all depend on which room has the best natural light. 

There is absolutely no need to prepare your home for the session. It doesn’t need to be immaculate for beautiful pictures to be taken.

How does a newborn photo session work?

The key aim of any newborn photo session is to make sure the experience is as calm and relaxed as possible for you and your baby. This ensures that you come away with beautiful images filled with genuine smiles and authentic connections. 

To achieve this successfully, I usually guide parents through a series of prompts, directing them on how to hold the baby or angle their bodies for the light. It’s important that babies stay in their parents arms as much as possible throughout the shoot. 
The best newborn photo sessions are ‘baby-led’, meaning the session is paced around your baby and their routine and babies are only ever positioned in a way they’re fully comfortable with. During photo sessions most babies need to have a little break to feed or be changed and this is absolutely fine.

Preparing baby for the photoshoot

In-home lifestyle photography always aims to fit around a baby’s usual routine, with as little disruption as possible to your little family bubble. It’s best to try to keep your baby awake for around 30-60 minutes before the session if possible. Try to give your baby a feed just before the session starts so they’re more likely to feel sleepy and content. 

I recommend dressing your baby in a clean white or pale colour babygrow that fits well without too many wrinkles. It’s always good to have spare nappies, dummies and babygrows ready just in case. If you use white noise to soothe your baby it sometimes helps to have that playing throughout the session to distract from strange noises. 

Your baby will settle best surrounded by your smells, so I always prefer to use parents’ swaddles during a photo session rather than bringing my own. Try to have a few of your favourite swaddles washed and ready to go on the day.

Preparing mum and dad

This can often be an overwhelming time in your family’s journey, especially when you’re running on very little sleep. A photo session is a chance to take some time to simply enjoy your new baby and the amazing family you’ve created. Your comfort is integral to this, so when choosing what to wear, pick things that are comfortable and neutral. Try to avoid patterns and logos if possible and go for block colours and textures like knitwear and linens instead.

Getting brothers and sisters photo-ready

Sometimes, having to share Mummy and Daddy is a brand new concept for your other little one(s), so showering them with a bit of extra attention before the session is always a great idea. I always try to give siblings a big role in the session right at the beginning so they feel really integral, but can slide away to do their own thing when they’re ready.

Preparing your house for newborn photos

When I arrive at your home the first thing I do is look for the natural light and select the rooms I’m going to use based on this. It’s a good idea to try to warm up these rooms a little, so your baby is super cosy and relaxed throughout. I’ll often use the main bedroom, so I recommend putting on fresh plain bedding as a neutral background for group and close up shots.

What if your little one isn’t having a great day?

Newborn sessions take place over 2 to 2.5hrs which allows plenty of time to take a wide variety of images, but also to take breaks, chill, recharge and have a brew if needed. The whole session is baby-led, so if your baby is particularly unsettled it’s fine to take a pause, have a breather and try again later, or try something different.

How to pose during a newborn photoshoot

During a photo session, I like to ensure I get a nice mixture of posed, candid and lifestyle shots for clients. I prefer to prompt rather than pose clients, so it always feels natural, moving the occasional arm or hand if we need to adjust slightly. Remember, we’re looking for connection not perfection, so all you need to do is enjoy the moment and snuggle up with your new baby and I’ll take care of the rest.

Any newborn photography questions?

I hope this has given you a flavour of what’s involved with a newborn photoshoot. Overall, the aim is to capture these fleeting early days and create lasting family memories in a relaxed setting – and most importantly to enjoy the experience. Take a peek at one of my recent in-home newborn photoshoots with a lovely family in Yeovil.  

If you have any further questions about in-home newborn photo sessions please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 07736 162634 or contact me at georgiageephotography@gmail.com.