How to Prepare for In-Home Newborn Photos

In-home newborn sessions are the ultimate gift to tired parents. You do not have to pack a bag, rush out the door or worry about a blow-out in the car. Your home becomes the backdrop for the first chapter of your baby’s story. The pace is slower. The environment is familiar. Siblings warm up faster, parents relax quicker and the whole thing feels more like a cozy morning together than a production. With a little planning, you can prepare for in-home newborn photos in a way that keeps things easy and still gives you beautiful, natural images.

Lighting and Timing
I photograph sessions starting around ten so we can take advantage of the brightest part of the day. Midday light helps keep baby well lit and gives everything that clean, airy feel. If you happen to live in a darker space like a basement apartment in San Francisco or your Marin home sits in the shade of one of our iconic hills, I bring extra lights to keep things bright and soft. Natural light is great, but you do not have to stress about whether your home has enough of it. I handle that part. My in-home newborn sessions are anywhere from 1-1.5 hours. While that may seem like a lot, with feedings, changing, and getting baby asleep if needed, it goes by quickly and you’ll be grateful for the flexible time window.

Getting Your Home Ready
Preparing your home should not feel like prepping for an open house. We only need a few pockets of space with clear surfaces and good light. Clear nightstands, tuck loose items into a basket and open all the blinds. That is truly enough. I am based in Marin California in the suburbs of San Francisco, and I have photographed in every type of home. Tiny apartments, large homes, rental houses and everything in between all work beautifully. The goal is not perfection. I always recommend cleaning at a minimum the area around your bed, a flat, light colored surface for baby’s close-ups and one more pocket in your home. If you want more variety, you can certainly prepare other areas, but even with just those three things, you’ll get a varied gallery.

Choosing Outfits That Photograph Well
Outfits set the tone, but they do not need to be complicated. Stick with soft neutrals and gentle tones so nothing casts odd colors onto your newborn’s skin. Bright colors tend to reflect, and nobody wants glowing green cheeks. Go for clothing that feels cozy and looks good seated and standing, because we will be doing plenty of both. Think soft sweaters, simple tees and pieces you can move in without adjusting every two minutes. Lay everything out the night before so you can start the morning without digging through drawers. I also love adding some neutral muslin swaddles to the mix for close-ups.

Preparing Your Baby
The only real prep for your baby is a good feeding before I arrive. A full tummy usually means a relaxed baby. Keep a burp cloth and swaddle handy, and warm the room a little so they stay comfortable. Beyond that, let your baby do whatever they do. Fussy, sleepy, awake, wiggly, hungry, curious. I work with all of it. When you prepare for in-home newborn photos, the goal is never control. It is flow. If you have a toddler, the same rules apply. Make sure they have a full belly, and avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before I arrive. No one wants to have to be pulled away from their favorite show for pictures.

Letting Yourself Relax
This is the most overlooked part. Your home does not need to be pristine, and your baby does not need to follow a schedule. You hired someone who knows how to work with real families, real light and real moments. I will guide you through natural poses, adjust you into the best light and make sure the session feels calm instead of chaotic. The more you settle in, the more your photos will reflect the sweetness of this season. If it helps you to know more about how your session is going to go, you can read this post about what to expect at your session.

With these simple steps, you can prepare for in-home newborn photos without turning the morning into a project. A warm room, a fed baby, comfortable clothes and a few cleaned up corners are all you need. Everything else is the real life you are already living, and that is exactly what makes these sessions so special.