It’s normal to feel a little nervous before an at home Newborn Lifestyle Session, so below I’ve provided you with some tips to help answer your questions and make you feel more excited and less stressed.
I really can't think of a better place to document your newborn than in their first home, with all their special things. These sessions aren’t about props, backdrops, and frog-like poses. They are laid back photos of mamas and dadas (and big brothers and sisters) connecting with their new little one in a place that feels comforting, warm and real. My hope is for your child to look back and see themselves with a young mom and dad surrounded by all their special things, and hopefully it will help bring back some nostalgic feelings for years to come. I’ve heard those first few weeks go by faster than you can imagine, I promise documenting that time will be so worth it and I’ll make it super easy for you.
What about Lighting
I like to schedule newborn sessions based on when the light is best in your home. Most homes have the nicest light between 10am and 1pm, but before we decide, we’ll talk about which rooms are the brightest in your home and when. I suggest you pick one or two rooms preferably with light-coloured walls or bed spreads to help keep the focus on the baby and bring extra light into the room. You can even send me a phone photo taken during mid-day to ask my opinion. Personal tip: if it’s a nice day out we can even take some shots on your front porch in front of your baby’s first home.
Hide the Things
Don’t stress too much about cleaning your whole place before I arrive. It’s supposed to look lived in, and for a small little human, babies sure have a lot of stuff. At the end of the day, I’m there to focus on you and the interactions you have with your new addition. The easiest way to prepare your home is to just declutter whichever rooms you want to photograph in. If you have a chance before I arrive, grab an empty laundry basket and tuck all the little distractions or clutter inside and leave it somewhere we can't see it. This includes anything with cords, baby monitors, and changing table clutter. If you don't find time to tuck these things away, that’s okay—I don't mind helping. We don’t want to get rid of anything really sentimental, but it helps to clear out as much as possible from tabletops, shelves, and corners. If you have time, give windows and mirrors in the baby's room or the rooms you wish to be photographed in a quick wipe.
What to Wear
I love a relaxed and comfortable look for in-home newborn sessions. Since we’re just hanging out and soaking up sweet moments at home, you don't need to overly dress up. For Dad, a comfortable sweater or shirt in a pale/light warm colour and jeans can look great. Moms, you want to be soft and cozy maybe with a big warm sweater or flowy solid-colored tunic, maybe some stretchy skinny jeans, just think comfy casual. For baby, simple muslin swaddling blankets and basic onesies are your best bet!
Get Baby Comfy
Turn up the heat. Since we’ll be changing baby’s outfits and holding them without a swaddle for a few photos, it helps to keep them happy and warm. No need to make your house a sauna, but do turn up the thermostat a notch or two. A personal tip: If you remember, about an hour before I arrive, loosen the baby’s diaper to allow time for the diaper’s imprint marks to disappear. If the baby's skin is a little dry or flaky, try applying a small bit of baby lotion to those spots the day before our session.
Find Special Items
Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand such as homemade blankets or stuffed animals. We’ll go through these together to determine what and how we can use the items in your session.
The Takeaway
Use the brightest rooms and time of days possible. De-clutter but still leave it looking homey. Wear soft, light colours to keep the focus on the baby. Turn up the heat, relax and soak it all in!