There are so many things to think about when you’re preparing to bring home baby. Everything from the Nursery, to their necessities, the furniture, the clothes, the very best baby bottles, car seats, strollers, and on and on! One thing that should be right near the top of your list is newborn photos! After all, photos are the one and only thing that you will have to hold onto when you new sweet baby starts to grow month after month and year after year. All those baby things that were once so important get discarded, packed away, and replaced by the next needs for the next stage. Your newborn photos though, those you keep forever and ever, so let’s make them memorable.

My passion is to document the real things. To document just how sweet your little one would curl up so nicely on your chest. How tiny she was fast asleep in her crib. How perfectly she fit into the palms of her Daddy’s hands. I strive to capture the emotion, the joy, the excitement, the love. In order to do that well and authentically, I find that meeting you in your own home, where your memories are being made is the very best spot.

Here are some quick tips to make sure you have the most amazing newborn photoshoot in your very own home.

Clear the clutter.

I usually shoot in the Nursery, the living room, and/or the master bedroom. Wherever the best lighting is in your home. Those are the ONLY areas that you’d have to semi-clean! And by clean, I mean just remove any excess clutter. Magazines and remotes off tables, knick-nacks cleared out. clothes picked up, bed made, everything but the lamps off bedside tables. That’s it! You don’t need to clean like your Mother-in-law is coming! I swear I don’t judge and I don’t care if there are dishes in the sink and laundry piled up in the corner! You just had a baby, and I get it, I’ve been there… heck, I’m still there 14 years later!

Open the shades and turn off the lights.

My clients always look at me funny when I tell them to shut off the lights. The reason is, natural light is what I’m after, nice clean daylight. Overhead or accent lights turn everything yellow! YUCK! This is another reason why my newborn sessions are done in the later morning/afternoon, the sun is brightest then!

Feed that baby!

Full tummies make for happy, content, and sleepy babies! Start feeding 20-30 minutes before I’m scheduled to arrive. I will happily wait for you to finish up while I look around for the best spots to shoot and get situated. I am in no rush! I schedule plenty of time to relax, chat, and care for your little babe during our time together.

Wardrobe

Clothing choice can make or break a session. I find that newborn photos are best when everyone is wearing light and neutral clothing. I strongly suggest a cute empire dress and bare feet, or some maternity jeans and a cute blouse or cable knit sweater for mom. Dad can rock some jeans and a tee/polo/ or button down, and baby can be in just a simple white onesie! Clean. Simple. Classic. I do bring with me options for wraps to swaddle babe right over their onesie. I have tons of neutral shades, soft pinks, and blues to choose from.

Plan to snuggle

To capture the emotion, joy and love, of course you will need to do lots of snuggling! I will generally suggest you hold baby a certain way and place you guys into positions then give you prompts to interact and love on one another. That’s how you get those candid and lifestyle images that look natural and unposed!

Set aside a couple hours

Newborns have their own plans! My typical session with a baby and parents is 1.5 – 2 hours. Add in toddlers or older siblings and that turns into a solid 2-2.5 depending on how cooperative the kiddos and baby are feeling that day. So relax, settle in, and take a breath. We aren’t in a rush!

I am taking ever precaution for Covid -19 during these times. During newborn session I was and hand sanitize frequently, wear a mask 100% of the time, and touch baby only when wrapping. It is possible to have a completely hands off newborn session as well if you prefer. I will walk you through wraps, or simply have baby in a onesie or outfit. If you’d like to chat about your own in home newborn session feel free to reach me at the “Let’s Chat” link at the top of the page!

Ashley is an In Home Lifestyle Newborn Photographer based in Sussex County New Jersey and able to travel throughout New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania!