Bringing home a new baby is beautiful, exciting… and a little chaotic.

Between feedings, diaper changes, and trying to remember the last time you slept, the thought of having a photographer come into your home can feel overwhelming.


Take a deep breath.

Your home does not need to be perfect.


My goal isn’t to photograph a magazine-worthy house. It’s to preserve the beautiful season your family is in right now.

Here are a few simple ways to prepare.


Don’t Stress About Cleaning

This is the number one thing I tell every family.

Please don’t spend the days before your session scrubbing baseboards or organizing every closet. I'm a mom too. I do not expect to walk into a perfectly clean home when you're freshly postpartum.


Most of our session will take place in just a few areas of your home, typically:

  • The nursery
  • The master bedroom
  • The living room
  • Any corner with beautiful natural light


A quick tidy of those spaces is more than enough.

If there’s a laundry basket or a box of diapers in the corner, don’t worry. I’ll either move it for a moment, edit it out, or photograph around it.

When your baby is older, they won’t remember whether the dishes were done.

They’ll treasure the photographs of you holding them.


Let the Light In

Natural light creates the soft, timeless look you see throughout my portfolio.

Plan to turn off the overhead lights and simply open blinds and curtains in the rooms we’ll likely use.

You also don’t need perfect lighting, I’ll find the best spots in your home.


Feed Baby Before the Session (If Possible), and during session as needed

A full baby is usually a sleepy, content baby.

If timing allows, try feeding your little one shortly before I arrive.

If baby gets hungry during the session, we’ll simply pause.

There is never a rush.


Please don't cut a feed short to accommodate me. If baby is still hungry, they will let us know, and it will probably leave you feeling stressed. That's the last thing I want.

I'm not in a hurry to get in and out, my goal is to leave you with beautiful images and memories that you cherish in the years to come.


Don't Worry About Getting Baby to Sleep

I know us mamas love those sweet, sleepy images. If we can easily get baby to sleep, amazing!


But if baby is alert and not wanting to miss the fun, I'd much rather prioritize a happy (awake) baby than for you to feel like you need to spend an hour trying to get them to sleep.


A happy baby is the goal, and we can still capture the sweetest expressions, yawns, and their beautiful little eyes looking up at you.


Expect Plenty of Breaks

Newborn sessions move at baby’s pace.

Need to nurse?

Need a bottle?

Need a diaper change?

Need a few minutes to settle baby?

Perfect.

Those moments are part of newborn life, and there’s never any pressure to hurry.


When appropriate, I may capture some documentary style images of you caring for your little one. Feeding moments are a great time to grab a few details like the tiny toes and little ears, or nursery shots.


If you want a few private moments to nurse, change, or settle your little one then I will gladly step out of the room until you're ready.


Keep Baby Comfortable

A warm home helps newborns stay cozy and sleepy.

If your baby will be swaddled or wearing minimal clothing for a few images, consider turning the temperature up just a bit before I arrive.

Comfortable babies make for relaxed sessions.


Wear Something You Feel Good In

Choose clothing that feels comfortable and reflects your style.

Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and simple textures photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is wearing something that helps you feel confident.


Include the Whole Family

Some of the sweetest images happen when everyone is together.

Parents.

Siblings.

Even the family dog, if they’re gentle and part of everyday life.


Your newborn isn’t just joining your family, they’re changing it forever.

Those relationships deserve to be documented.


I love when the family gets involved because I can deliver so much more.


Relax and Enjoy the Moment

You don’t need to know how to pose.

You don’t need perfectly behaved toddlers.

You don’t need a baby who sleeps the entire time.

I’ll gently guide you throughout the session while leaving plenty of room for genuine moments to unfold naturally.


Some of my favorite photographs happen in the in-between moments; a toddler kissing baby’s forehead, Mom swaying while soothing little one, or Dad smiling down at the newest member of the family.


Those are the moments you’ll treasure most.


Home Is Part of Your Story

Years from now, your baby won’t remember the color of the walls or where the couch was placed.

But they may look at these photographs and realize…

“This is where my story began.”


That’s why I love in-home newborn sessions.

They don’t just document what your baby looked like.

They preserve what life felt like in those precious first days together.



And in my opinion, there’s nothing more beautiful than that.