5 Tips To Prepare For An In-Home Newborn Photography Session

Booking in-home newborn photography sessions is the perfect way to celebrate a precious season in your life. These months last for such a short amount of time, and you won’t want to miss a single second. With an in-home session, you get to document what your life looks like throughout this wild yet wonderful time. If you need a little help preparing for your session, I have you covered! As a Houston newborn photographer, I love working with families as they get ready for their newborn sessions. Here’s how you can make it a happy, stress-free experience! 

Feel Prepared For Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session With These Expert Tips

Choose Your Outfits

One of the first steps to prep for your in-home newborn photography session is to choose your outfits. I always advise my clients to lean more toward neutral colors without bold patterns or logos. More than anything, think about comfort. I know you’re all exhausted from working the night shift, and posing for hours in stiff outfits doesn’t help.

If you could use some help, just let me know! I have curated a wardrobe for my clients, complete with flattering and flowy dresses that photograph beautifully while keeping you comfortable! 

Prepare Your Little One for Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session

Next up, it’s time to prepare the star of the show! Most likely, your newborn is still in the “unpredictable schedule” stage, but there are a few in-home ways you can help them through their photography session. First off, make sure they are nice and full. You can either feed them just before your session or start to nurse when I arrive and am setting things up. Then, once you’re done, burp them and put them in a clean diaper. Most likely, accidents will happen throughout the session, but we can handle these as we go. Trust me, I’m used to it! 

Prepare the House

There’s nothing like the chaos of a house with a newborn. As a mom myself, I know all about it, and it won’t faze me. When you clean the house, focus on the areas where the session will take place, such as the nursery, mom and dad’s room, and the living room. Hide any clutter and tidy things up. The morning of the session, you’ll want to open the curtains for some natural light and adjust your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Remember, babies love warm, cozy environments, and they’ll be down to a diaper or onesie throughout your session. Minimize discomfort, however possible! 

Set Expectations With the Family

Your in-home newborn session will normally take around 60-90 minutes, depending on which photography package you pick. Dads will have around 30 active minutes of photo time, so if you have older children, he will be the one keeping them entertained for a bit. Have everything ready, including mess-free snacks and maybe some bribery (I won’t tell, I promise!). Also, talk through the session with your children ahead of time. Let them know someone special will be coming by to celebrate your family. Make it a fun experience rather than yet another chore.  

The Day of the Session

Moms, no matter how much time you think you need to get ready for your session, add another hour. This way, you can focus on yourself. Many of my clients decide to book hair and makeup so they can spend the morning being pampered. I’ll arrive and get everything ready for your session. Throughout, we’ll get some posed and smiling photos, and then, we’ll take a documentary approach, capturing the candid moments that make this season so gorgeous! 

Beyond being a mom myself, I have professional training in newborn safety and wrapping techniques. I will make sure your baby remains comfortable so you can just focus on enjoying the moment! 

You Will Absolutely Love The Magic We Capture During Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session

I hope this list helps you as you prepare for your in-home newborn photography session. If you still have any questions (or you still need to book your pictures), just reach out! I would love to be there as a Houston newborn photographer to ensure your session becomes a treasured family memory.