Planning for your in-home newborn session

I LOVE photographing Newborns! Thank you for choosing me to capture this wonderful time in your life. Below are a few tips to help ensure that we have a successful session together! Please make sure to read all of the tips as they are all equally important to getting the photos that you will cherish for years to come!

WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?

I will provide everything we need for baby during this session. Please have baby in a zip-up outfit that can be easily removed (NOT something that will go over baby’s head). This will allow me to wrap/swaddle him or her without too much disturbance. If there is a special outfit you’d like your baby photographed in, please arrange that with me in advance.

WHAT SHOULD MY FAMILY WEAR?

The most important thing to consider when planning family outfits is that you will have just had a baby and you will want to be comfortable. You will also want to feel confident in whatever you are wearing, so something that flatters the postpartum body is highly recommended. I suggest planning your outfit first and then coordinating everyone else around yours. As far as color schemes go, what photographs best indoors are neutral colors (think cream, gray, white…) however a little color is okay too. Light blues, navy and olive greens work great but keep in mind that too many reds, pinks, yellows or oranges can sometimes cast an unflattering reflection of color on faces.  

PACIFIER:

Please consider having one clean and available. Between constant movement and repositioning of the baby throughout your session, he or she may become a bit fussy. It is crucial to minimize this and maximize baby’s comfort, and that is why I always recommend and encourage a pacifier – even if it is the only time you will ever use one. It will help make the shoot go much more smoothly.

SIBLINGS:

I like to try to get siblings done right away in the beginning of the session while they are still interested in me. This also allows for them to be able to head to school or daycare once their portion is complete. Please let me know in advance if you do not think your child will do well with going first and if you think they will need more time to warm up. Please click here for some tips on how to prepare siblings for your session.

TEMPERATURE:

Please consider having your home slightly warmer than normal for your session so that baby is comfortable throughout the session.

LIGHTING:

Please open all of the blinds in your home prior to my arrival so that I can find the best source of natural light for your session.

BABY FEEDING:

Please plan to feed your baby just prior to our session start to ensure a happy milk drunk baby.

Did I miss something? Do you have a more specific question that was not answered in this prep guide? Simply send me a message or text me 612.440.3031.

I look forward to working with you and your new arrival!