I often receive questions about In Home Lifestyle Newborn Photography sessions, so I wanted to gather all the essential information in one place. These sessions are all about capturing your family in a relaxed, natural setting—your home.

The beauty in these sessions is that every one is unique. They tell your story, in the very place where you’ll raise your baby. Where you will share endless snuggles, laughter, and create lifelong memories.

Preparing for an In Home Lifestyle Newborn Photography session is simple with a few helpful tips and a clear idea of what to expect. Let’s dive in!

Schedule your In Home Lifestyle Newborn session in the first 6 weeks.

It’s best to book your newborn session at least a month before your due date. While we’ll have a general timeframe in mind, we’ll wait to schedule the exact day and time until after your baby arrives. Once your little one is here, please reach out within a few days so we can set a date.

The ideal time for your session is when your baby is between 2–6 weeks old. I like to wait at least a couple of weeks to give you time to heal and settle in at home. Since my approach is lifestyle photography based, there’s more flexibility than with traditional newborn sessions that are often scheduled when baby is just days old.

While newborns tend to be sleepier in those early weeks, waiting a little longer allows for more open-eyed moments and a more relaxed, natural feel—making for beautiful, heartfelt images.

Locations – Where will we shoot in the home?

Of course I’ll be coming to your home for the session, but we won’t be shooting in every room. Our focus will be on finding the best natural light. Bright, well-lit spaces with windows work best. When I arrive, I’ll take a quick walk around to determine the ideal spots for our session.

Typically, we’ll use the baby’s nursery (we have to capture all those sweet details you’ve worked so hard on!), the primary bedroom, and the living room. I also love incorporating a little time outdoors. Your backyard or front porch can be perfect, especially if the baby is feeling fussy. A little fresh air can do wonders for everyone!

No Need to Stress About Cleaning!

I know—cleaning is the last thing you want to think about as a new mom. Please don’t stress! Your home doesn’t need to be spotless. I’m not here to judge; I’m here to document this special time in your life. A quick tidy-up in the areas we’ll be shooting can help reduce background clutter, but there’s no need for perfection. And if I need to move something to get the perfect shot, I’ll happily adjust things as we go!

What should we wear for our In Home Lifestyle Newborn photography session?

When choosing outfits, I always recommend soft, neutral tones—whites, naturals, greys, soft blues, and blush. These colors create a timeless, organic look that works beautifully for this style of photography. It’s also helpful to consider the colors in your home. If your baby’s nursery has vibrant tones, neutral clothing will complement the backdrop perfectly. For Mom, long, flowy dresses are always a beautiful and flattering choice. Dad should coordinate with neutral pants and a simple sweater, button up, or henley style shirt.

When it comes to dressing your newborn, simplicity is best. We’ll often start with baby in just a plain white diaper and a soft blanket before transitioning to a cute outfit or swaddle. A classic white onesie is also a perfect choice.

My focus is always on capturing baby’s tiny details and the beautiful connection between your family—not the outfits. That said, if you have special items like bows, blankets, or heirloom pieces, I’d love to incorporate them into the session for a personal touch.

Make sure baby is fed.

A full baby is a happy baby! I recommend giving your little one a good feeding right before I arrive. A full tummy often means a content, sleepy baby—perfect for capturing those sweet, peaceful moments.

That said, don’t worry if you need to pause for a feeding or diaper change during our session. One of the best parts of an in home session is just that.. you can be relaxed and comfortable in your own space. Some moms even choose to have nursing moments captured, which can be a beautiful and intimate memory to look back on.

Prepping the family for your In Home Lifestyle Newborn Photography session.

Expect me to be at your home for about 1–2 hours—the timing is flexible and depends entirely on baby’s needs. We’ll take breaks as needed for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing to keep everyone comfortable and relaxed.

If you have older children, Dad will likely spend some time keeping them entertained until it’s their turn to join in. This ensures we capture beautiful moments with the whole family while keeping the session fun and stress-free!

Siblings

Let your little ones know that someone fun is coming over to take pictures! Kids usually love showing me their room and proudly introducing me to their favorite toys.

I keep things very relaxed and low-pressure when it comes to siblings, letting them take the lead on when they’re ready to be in photos. If they’re not feeling it in the moment, that’s totally okay—it’s often best to let them take a break for a snack or some playtime. More often than not, their curiosity takes over, and they’ll wander back in on their own.

In home newborn sessions are truly special and some of my absolute favorites to capture. It’s an honor to be welcomed into your home and witness the deep bond and love within your family during this precious time.

If you already have a session booked with me—I can’t wait! And if you’re expecting and considering an In Home Lifestyle Newborn Photography session, I’d love to connect. I’d be thrilled to meet you and your beautiful family!