Hi friend! I’m a New Jersey newborn photographer! So many of my clients ask about newborn photos in the home. I get so many questions about when, where, and how the session will work. I created this 5 step guide to help you know what to expect from an in-home newborn photo session, and to also ease some anxiety.

# 1 Book Your Newborn Photos Early

You want to schedule your newborn photos about 1-3 weeks after the birth of your baby. This means, don’t wait until you have the baby to search for a newborn photographer. I would recommend booking your photos right when you get out of your first trimester. This assures you that you can get your session on your photographer’s booking calendar without the stress of scrambling at the last minute. Scheduling your baby’s newborn photos around 1-3 weeks is ideal because that is when the baby is the most sleepy and easily soothed. A calm sleeping baby makes for a calm and stress-free newborn session!

# 2 Feed the Baby Right Before the Newborn Photo Session

I usually schedule in-home newborn photos in the mid morning. I always tell my mommas to feed the baby about 30 minutes before the session starts. This way, the baby is less cranky, sleepy, and overall more comfortable. If the baby does get fussy during the session, no worries! I always allow up to 2 hours for newborn sessions just in case mommy needs some extra feeding or soothing time.

# 3 Turn up the Heat During the Newborn Photo Session

A baby is the most happy when they are warm. So if your session is in the winter or on a cold day; be sure to turn up the heat. If your session is in summer, be sure to turn down the AC or shut it off completely (depending on how how it is). You obviously don’t want to overheat the baby so use your judgement. Babies also love to feel snuggled. So use wraps, swaddles, or a long sleeved onsie to keep the baby cozy and warm during the session. I bring along this adorable oversized baby sweater to put the baby in to keep them warm and cozy.

# 4 Natural Poses are Best for Newborn Photos

When I go into homes for newborn sessions, I don’t use a lot of props. I bring at most a basket to place the baby in for a few photos. I focus on natural and organic posing mainly throughout the session. I feel that babies do best when they are in the comfort of their mother’s arms. I feel that focusing on natural posing really captures the true beauty of motherhood. I don’t force babies into unnatural poses. I really follow the baby’s lead and pay close attention to where the baby is most comfortable.

# 5 Natural Lighting

When I head into a newborn photo session, I don’t bring any artificial lighting equipment except an external flash that I put on my camera. To be honest, I try to not even use it. I feel that natural light is the most beautiful. I also don’t have to waste time setting up bulky lighting equipment. I may stand you and your baby against or in front of a large window or a sliding glass door. Before I start the session, I usually take a walk through your home and choose the room with the most natural light to take the majority of the photos. So if you’ve got a home with a lot of natural light, you’re golden. However, if you’re home doesn’t have a lot of natural light, don’t worry! That is when I rely on my external flash to help me out.

And that’s it! I really hope these 5 tips help you when heading into your newborn session. If you’d like to learn more about me, please visit my website or come follow me on Instagram. If interested in booking a newborn session with me, feel free to contact me here.

You can also join my email list here to get the most up to date information on all of my sessions, and be the first to know when booking calendar releases.