At Home Newborn Photography: Everything To Know Before The Big Day

UPDATED September 2023

Before I go off about my love for at-home newborn sessions, I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS!! The lead-up to the arrival of your tiny new family member can be quite the ride, and trust me when I say that the load you’re carrying right now — it’s a lot. But I promise you, creating the space to document this time is among the best ways to celebrate and honor this special time.

To help take some of that load off your shoulder, I’m sharing everything there is to know about in home newborn photo sessions. Armed with these tips, my hope is that you’re able to relax, decompress, and put your attention not on a photoshoot, but where you want it to be — on your newborn baby.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR IN HOME NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

First and foremost, relax! This is a time to enjoy and savor the sweet moments with your baby. I understand that life with a newborn can be unpredictable, and that's perfectly okay. During the session, we will go with the flow and work around your baby's needs and schedule.

By far, the best location for a newborn photoshoot is in the comfort of your home. Amid the postpartum haze, you may not be thrilled at the idea of packing your things and getting in the car to meet your photographer at a local studio (although if that sounds better to you, studio sessions can be another great option).

After years of photographing newborns in a variety of locations (studio, outdoor, and at home) I’ve come to believe that newborns are best photographed in the comfort of their new home. Your baby — as well as the rest of your family — is noticeably more relaxed during at home newborn sessions. Whether they’re sleeping in their crib, snuggling with you on the couch, or sharing a sweet moment with a big brother or sister, at home newborn photography allows us to capture the real moments during your first weeks with the tiny new family member.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEWBORN SESSIONS

I'll arrive at your home with all the necessary equipment and props, but don't worry, I won't overwhelm your space. We'll create a cozy and comfortable environment where your baby feels safe and secure. Natural light is my preference, so we'll utilize the beautiful light in your home to capture those intimate moments.

The session will revolve around capturing the genuine connections and emotions within your family. It's not just about posed shots, but rather about creating a story that reflects your unique bond. I encourage parents and siblings to participate, as these interactions often lead to heartwarming and authentic images.

During the session, I'll provide gentle guidance and direction, but my approach is relaxed and natural. I want you to feel at ease and be yourself. If your baby needs to be fed or comforted, take the time to do so. We can pause and resume when everyone is ready.

DO I NEED TO CLEAN UP AROUND THE HOUSE?

If you’re planning an in home newborn session, I promise you — your home doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy, it doesn’t need to be perfect, and truly doesn’t even need to be cleaned up. All we need is a window and some natural light. Come as you are, I will make it work.

When I arrive at your house for your newborn photoshoot, I’ll have some options for blankets, swaddles, and wraps to use during your session just in case you didn’t get any ahead of time — like I said, I know how intense this time can be. I’ll also bring my travel newborn beanbag and some backdrops for the posed solo portraits of your newborn. Of course, I’ll have a bottle of hand sanitizer with me, as well, and will apply it before entering your home and before handling your newborn baby.

HOW MUCH DOES AN IN HOME NEWBORN SESSION COST?

For in home newborn photography sessions, I use the same pricing as the rest of my family portrait sessions. All packages start at $590 and include the full session, a certain number of digital downloads (depending on the collection you selected), and a studio credit that can be used toward prints, artwork, albums, or additional digital downloads.

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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR IN HOME NEWBORN SESSION

After your at home newborn session, I’ll send you a link to the full, final gallery. From your personal gallery, you’ll be able to create lists of your favorite photos, order prints & albums for the nursery, or download your digital images to use for announcements, family updates, or just to set as your phone lock screen.

learn more about newborn sessions