Your Guide to In-Home Newborn Photography

Capturing the beauty and love of welcoming your child into the world, right in the comfort of your own home. This post is here to help you feel more at ease and prepared for your newborn photos because a little extra excitement and comfort can make this special time even more enjoyable.

P.S. While this guide is designed to help you prepare and address any concerns, your main focus should be on simply being yourself. When you connect with your family and savor the experience, it becomes effortless for your photographer to capture the essence of your love. If we’re working together, be sure to check out my newborn style guide (which you’ll receive upon booking) for additional outfit tips and a helpful checklist to get ready for our session.

Why consider in-home newborn photography

In-home newborn photography brings a sense of ease and naturalness to your session, resulting in more authentic, connection-focused images.

Scheduling your newborn photos at home also reduces time and stress, allowing you to simply stay in and savor the precious early days with your baby.

Why not capture your first memories of your baby’s life right where it all begins—at home? (I personally love how this type of photography truly reflects the stage of life you’re in!)

In-home newborn photography: Your Guide

When to take newborn photos

Newborn photography is typically recommended within the first 10 days, as this is when babies tend to sleep for longer stretches. (I personally prefer the first week for a sleepier, more peaceful experience—for both you and the baby.)

Since the exact session date depends on when your baby arrives, it’s important to stay in touch with your photographer. Once your baby is born, please have someone email me within 48 hours so we can confirm a date and time for the newborn photos, ideally within that first week.

When to book your newborn photography session

Although newborn sessions are scheduled based on your baby’s arrival, it’s important to book in advance to ensure your preferred photographer is available. It’s recommended to secure your newborn photographer at least 3 months ahead of time. Personally, I open my calendar 6 months in advance, based on your due date.

What time of day to take newborn photos

Trust me—lighting is key. I always suggest scheduling your session during the first half of the day, usually around 10 a.m., when the light is soft and dreamy. This time of day offers the most flattering light for your photos.

Choosing a location in your home

Getting your newborn out and about can be stressful, as any parent knows. Fortunately, when you’re taking photos at home, many of those worries fade away.

Choose 1-2 spots in your home that have plenty of natural light and soft colors. Steer clear of areas that feel cluttered or cause you stress. I often suggest the nursery, living room, or master bedroom. Make sure any spaces where photos will be taken are tidy, with beds made and nightstands “staged.”

Consider asking a loved one to help you with light cleaning beforehand. It doesn’t need to be spotless—just inviting and free of distracting items in the background.

What should my newborn wear?

A neutral palette with a simple wrap and minimal props—that’s all you need. I bring a few neutral wraps, like beige, pink, or light blue swaddles, so you don’t have to worry about outfits for your baby.

This simplicity keeps the focus on your newborn and makes the preparation much easier overall. Your photographer will likely have their own headbands and bonnets to complete the look (and that goes for my sessions too!).

Accessories like a teddy bear, baseball glove, or floral crown can add a nice touch, but remember to keep it simple! Outfits without a theme also tend to age better over time.

Interestingly, this minimalist approach creates a luxurious feel. Your baby wrapped in a simple, timeless headband will photograph beautifully.

P.S. If you’re working with me, I have a client closet for postpartum mothers and, of course, bonnets and headbands for your little one.

What kind of photos do I want?

It’s crucial to consider this before your photography session:

Do you want photos that include you as parents and any siblings? If so, you’ll want to choose outfits that complement each other in soft, neutral tones to maintain the tender feel of the newborn session. (You can refer to this family outfit guide for assistance.) For dad, a simple outfit like a tailored dress shirt and slacks in neutral colors works well. For mom, wrap dresses and maxi-length options are ideal. Siblings look best in soft jumpers, lace or cotton dresses, or a simple pair of khaki shorts and a solid button-up shirt.

As for the types of photos you can capture, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ideas:

• The newborn swaddled and sleeping peacefully
• Mom cuddling the baby in her favorite chair
• Mom and dad holding the baby in the nursery
• Parents cuddling up with the baby in their bedroom
• Mom and dad embracing while gazing at the baby cradled in their arms
• The newborn with siblings or family pets
• The baby in a variety of sweet, sleepy poses
• Close-up shots of the baby’s features.

The temperature to set your house at:

Keeping the house at a warm temperature will help your baby feel more comfortable and sleepy, especially during outfit changes. While you don’t want to make it too warm for you as parents, consider placing a space heater near the baby during the photos, and maybe bumping up the thermostat a few degrees. For in-studio sessions, I usually set the temperature to around 78-80 degrees.

How to prepare on the day-of:

Before the in-home newborn photography session, try to keep your little one awake for 2-3 hours leading up to the session. When the photographer arrives, you’ll feed and change the baby so they’re full and ready to sleep through the session. (I recommend feeding the baby after I arrive to ensure they get sleepy right away.) And don’t forget to set the thermostat to around 78-80 degrees!

Make sure to have a hearty breakfast beforehand so you’re feeling happy and energized too (as much as possible during that first week of newborn parenting).

How long will it take?

This varies by photographer, but most of us, myself included, follow a baby-led approach. This means we’ll go at a pace that suits your baby’s needs, allowing time for them to relax, sleep, and settle. As a result, sessions can take a bit longer, so plan on about 2-3 hours.

Peace and calm with in-home newborn photography

In-home newborn photography allows you to ease into the parenting journey in a way that’s more relaxed and aligned with your usual routine. Capturing those first precious moments of your child’s life is time-sensitive, making it even more special to celebrate their arrival right in the home where they’ll spend their early days and years.

This experience becomes even more joyful and unforgettable when you can include the sweet details of the nursery you’ve lovingly curated in anticipation of your baby’s arrival.

Ready for your in-home newborn session?

I’m thrilled to help you freeze time and capture the tender moments of these early days with your newest addition. We all believe we’ll remember every detail (I certainly did), but I can tell you from experience that time has a way of fading those memories. Photos have the power to bring them back to life! When you’re ready to book your newborn session, whether in-home or elsewhere, be sure to send me an inquiry before my calendar fills up. I can’t wait to connect with you!