What I Bring to Your In-Home Newborn Session

Cozy Swaddles + Wardrobe Pieces for Baby

It won’t take you very long to realize newborns hate being changed, so, I like to keep changing at a minimum. For newborn session outfits, I suggest neutral solid onesies (cream/brown/blush/etc) and warm toned stretchy swaddles.

I don’t assume you have these things so I pack them all to bring with me!

Inside my client suitcase, I bring baby swaddles for photos- some vintage inspired and some super stretchy for the perfect swaddle- to keep those little arms in. I’ve learned babies are used to being so compact in their mother’s womb, that not being swaddled can feel like free-falling to them.

Warm tones go perfect with my aesthetic and editing style so I can get photos edited and delivered quicker than if I’m tweaking blues and purples. I have these things on hand to get what I know will photograph well, while also looking for things around your home to incorporate to make the session special and unique to you.

I love texture so I have knit onesies to slip on if baby is content, and those make some sweet photos to capture baby hands, knees, elbows, etc.

Neutral tones can outlast seasons and make sessions timeless.

Thoughtful Styling Props for a Natural Look

For newborn photography props, I like to keep it really simple. I typically bring elements to layer- blankets, fur, wicker baskets, fresh florals and dried floral crown.

I choose soft earthy tones because it is warm and inviting and when you look back on these images you’ll feel that. I love incorporating florals and greenery to signify new life and growth.

I try to keep things simple so that baby is the primary focus. He/she can get lost if there is a lot going on.

Flat Lay Styling + Textured Backdrops

A lot of my shots are family-based, but I also include just baby. These images also make great announcement photos.

Stacking textures/ colors/ and solids can create visual interest. My moses basket provides a great frame or I use blankets. I like to have colors and layers that make baby be the focus- like staking color over cream or texture over solid, or cream over color. Putting a busy pattern on top of a busy pattern makes baby get lost and your eye doesn’t like being unable to find the focal point. It’s too much.

I get to this point once I feel baby is nice and sleepy. I grab swaddled sleeping shots, quickly moving baby and repositioning items, or bringing new things in, and then swaddling over swaddles to keep baby content. If baby is awake, but content and not crying, I’ll use this opportunity to unswaddle and grab images of baby’s eyes, hands, toes, belly button, etc.

Creating a Comfortable, Baby-Friendly Environment

How to prep for your newborn session, really just includes feeding baby 30mins before and having them in a diaper and swaddled before I get there. Once I arrive, I’ll find the best natural light, open blinds and windows and declutter the space I want to work in. Sometimes, I’ll ask to move furniture closer to a window or something like that, but there’s nothing you need to do ahead of time.

If you want a specific room, I’d just make sure that the timing of our session is when that room gets a lot of light. My camera works well in low light, but if you’re wanting a bright image of the room with everything in focus, we may need to adjust the timing.

Rooms I may shoot in are the nursery, master bedroom, kitchen, living room, or wherever I find great light. Light is really the key factor in photography. Don’t worry about cleaning, I will shove everything out of the frame that distracts from the image.

I bring a portable heater to keep baby warm and the sound calming… this has been a game changer in my sessions and parents often want to buy one after lol. I used to tell clients to turn up the heat in their home- because again, you want to mimic the womb for the comfort of the baby.. but then all of us were sweating and there was no escape lol. I have concentrated heat, so you are welcome to step outside if it gets a little warm- and I know post baby hormones can definitely add to that.

Why You Don’t Need to Buy or Bring Anything Extra

If you are wondering what YOU should wear, no worries. I have a client closet for moms with dresses that give grace to your changing body with slips, body suits and one-size fits all options. I also send a custom style guide with shoppable links, Pinterest Style board, and Amazon outfits for helping you style your family in a way that photographs well. I try to think of posing in mind when suggesting outfits, like are you concerned with your arms? I’ve got options with sleeves. Are you uncomfortable because post-partum bellies still make us look pregnant? I get it, and have dresses that don’t hug your midsection. Movement makes beautiful photos so I suggest dresses for that. But maybe you love a cozy at home style and I definitely have options to elevate your lounge wear for photos you will like later.

You are also welcome to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in- these are just suggestions!

I try to help as much as possible so you can just show up and be present. One of the best things I did for my newborn photos was to hire hair and makeup to come before my session so I could just sit there and nurse my baby and feel beautiful.

I want this day for you- to feel like a human again. Birth can be a lot- so much change on our body and our SLEEP and our mood, that just a little bit of normalcy, a day of showering or putting on mascara or an actual outfit instead of a spit-up stained robe can feel so empowering and freeing.

Want to See These Details in Action?

If you are ready to get on the calendar for newborn photos, it is never too early! I actually had a client book me while struggling with infertility! And a year later, she called to say she was pregnant!

My booking process is simple! Just find the week of your due date on my self-booking calendar, and keep me posted on delivery!

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