What to Expect During an In Home Newborn Session
Here’s the short version: it’s calm, slow, and way more relaxed than you’d think.
How the Session Flows
Most in-home newborn sessions last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. That might sound long, but it goes by fast. A big chunk of that time is just letting baby do baby things: eat, fuss a little, settle down, and sleep.
There’s no rushing. The session moves at your baby’s pace, not mine.
When I arrive, here’s what usually happens:
- We chat for a few minutes. I want to know how baby has been sleeping and eating.
- I scout the light. I’ll walk through your home and figure out which rooms look best that day.
- We get started slowly. I start with the family shots first while baby is awake, then move to the sleepier, cozier shots once baby settles.
It’s a laid-back process. Most parents tell me they forgot I was even there after a while.
Natural In Home Photography Style
Natural light newborn photography means no big studio lights or fancy setups. I use the light coming through your windows to take soft, real-feeling photos.
The look is calm and simple. Nothing forced or overly posed.
The best part about shooting in your home? Everything already feels like you. Your couch, your bedding, your favorite corner of the living room, it all shows up in the photos in the best way.
In-home sessions feel more relaxed because they are more relaxed. Baby is in a familiar space. You’re comfortable. And that shows up in the photos.
Want to see what a real in-home session looks like? Check out this session from a Boyertown, PA family.
Getting Your Home Ready for Newborn Photos
You don’t need a fancy house. Seriously, don’t stress about that. A few simple things can make a big difference, though.
Cleaning and Decluttering Tips
You don’t need to deep clean every room. Just focus on the spaces we’ll actually use.
The rooms that matter most:
- Your bedroom (this is where most of the session happens)
- The living room or nursery if you want photos there
- Any spot with great natural light
Before I arrive, put away the clutter on nightstands, dressers, and counters. Laundry piles, dishes, random stuff on the floor — just tuck it out of sight. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to look clean in the background.
Leave out the things that matter to you. A soft blanket, a special keepsake, the outfit you brought baby home in. Those little details make your photos feel personal.
Lighting in Your Home
Natural light is everything for this style of photography. The best rooms are ones with big windows that let in soft, indirect light.
What to look for:
- Windows that face north or east tend to work really well
- Rooms where light fills the space without harsh shadows
- Soft, open light is way better than direct sun beaming in
Late morning is usually the sweet spot for most homes. That said, every home is different. I’ll look around when I arrive and find the best spot.
Before the session, open your curtains or blinds all the way. If you have sheer curtains, those are great. They soften the light without blocking it. Just skip the heavy blackout curtains in the rooms we plan to use.
Temperature and Comfort for Baby
This is a big one. Newborns love warmth. A warm room helps them stay sleepy and calm, which makes for much better photos.
Aim for around 72 to 75 degrees in the room where we’ll be shooting. It might feel a little warm to you, but baby will be happy.
A few things that help:
- Turn the heat up about an hour before I arrive
- Have a space heater nearby if your home runs cool
- Keep drafts away from windows or vents near baby
A warm, cozy baby is a calm baby. And calm babies are the secret to a smooth session.
What to Wear for Your In Home Newborn Session
This is one of the most common questions I get. And honestly, it’s simpler than most people think.
Outfit Tips for Mom
You just had a baby. Comfort comes first. Full stop.
You don’t need to wear something fancy or special. Simple, soft, and relaxed always looks great in photos.
Here’s what works well:
- Neutral colors like cream, white, beige, tan, soft gray, or dusty blue
- Flowy tops or dresses that feel comfortable and easy to move in
- Simple textures like linen, cotton, or knit
What to skip:
- Busy prints or bold patterns (they pull attention away from baby)
- Bright neon colors or anything with large logos
- Anything too tight or uncomfortable, you’ll feel it in the photos
If you’re not sure, go with a soft white or cream top and jeans. It photographs beautifully every time.
Outfit Tips for the Whole Family
You don’t need to match perfectly. In fact, please don’t. Matchy-matchy outfits tend to look stiff and dated.
Instead, pick a soft color palette and have everyone work within it. Think of it like this: if everyone’s wearing shades of cream, tan, and muted blue, it all flows together without looking like a costume.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Dad can wear a simple neutral shirt, nothing with big graphics or text
- Siblings look great in soft colors too, keep it simple and let them be comfortable
- Avoid tulle skirts, scratchy fabrics, or anything your toddler will complain about
Comfortable kids are happy kids. Happy kids make better photos. That’s really all there is to it.
If you’re still unsure what to wear, just reach out before your session. I’m happy to help you figure it out.
Prepping Baby for the Session
Feeding Schedule Tips
A full baby is a happy baby, and a happy baby makes for a smooth session. Try to time a feeding so it ends about 30 minutes before I arrive. That gives baby time to settle and get drowsy.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Feed baby about 30-45 minutes before the session starts
- Burp well so baby isn’t gassy and uncomfortable
- Keep a top-up feeding ready in case baby needs a little more once I’m there
Don’t stress if the timing is off. We can always pause for a feeding mid-session. It’s totally normal, and I build that time in.
If baby is fussy, a feeding almost always helps. Sometimes all it takes is a full belly and a few minutes of rocking to turn things around.
Sleepy Baby Tips
Sleepy newborns are the secret to those soft, peaceful photos you’ve been saving to your phone. The good news is, getting baby sleepy isn’t complicated.
Try keeping baby awake for a bit right before the session. It sounds backwards, but a baby who has been awake for a little while will often crash hard once they’re full and warm. That’s the sweet spot.
A few things that help:
- Keep the room warm. Around 75-78°F works well. A warm space helps baby feel safe and drift off faster.
- Skip the bath right before. Baths can wake babies up instead of calming them down.
- Use white noise. A white noise machine or app can help baby stay asleep once they go down.
If baby just won’t settle, that’s okay. Some newborns have their own plans. I’m patient, and I know how to work with babies who are a little more alert. We still get beautiful photos either way.
Props and Personal Touches
Simple Props That Work Well
You don’t need a lot of stuff for great newborn photos. Simple is almost always better.
Here’s what works well:
- Soft blankets and wraps – Neutral colors and simple textures photograph beautifully. Think creams, whites, and soft grays.
- Baskets or wooden bowls – These are great for those cozy, curled-up baby poses.
- A simple swaddle – Sometimes less is more, and a clean wrap is all you need.
I bring a small kit of wraps and props to every session. So don’t stress if you don’t have anything special on hand.
But here’s what I love most: the stuff that’s already yours.
Sentimental items make photos feel real and personal. Some ideas:
- A quilt made by grandma
- A stuffed animal that means something to your family
- Baby shoes that belonged to mom or dad
- A special outfit passed down through the family
Those little details tell your story. A plain white basket never will.
Quick tip: If you have something meaningful you want to include, just let me know before the session. That way we can plan for it and make sure it gets its moment.
One thing to keep in mind: clutter in props is just as distracting as clutter in a room. Pick one or two special items, not ten. The baby is the star, not the stuff around them.
FAQ: In Home Newborn Photography
Got questions? Here are the ones I hear most often.
How far in advance should I book?
Book during your second trimester if you can. Sessions fill up fast, and newborn spots are limited. Around 20-30 weeks pregnant is a good time to reach out.
What if my baby won’t sleep during the session?
It happens. We just go with it. Awake babies can still make beautiful photos. I work at your baby’s pace, not a strict schedule.
Do I need a big or fancy home?
Not at all. I’ve photographed in tiny apartments and small bedrooms. All I need is one good window and a little floor space.
How many photos will you get?
Most families receive between 40-60 fully edited images. The exact number depends on how the session goes.
What about toddlers or pets?
Both are welcome. Siblings add so much to these photos. Pets too, if they’re calm. We’ll grab some family shots early while everyone’s fresh, then focus on baby.
How soon after birth should we schedule?
The best window is within the first 5-14 days. Babies are sleepier and easier to pose at this stage. That’s why booking early is so important, before baby even arrives.
Work With Lizzy Grace
Prepping for your newborn session doesn’t have to be stressful. A little planning goes a long way. And honestly, most families feel way more ready than they expected once we chat.
At Lizzy Grace Photo, I walk you through everything before your session. You won’t be guessing what to wear or how to set up your home. I’ve got you covered.
Here’s what working together looks like:
- Simple prep tips sent straight to you before your session
- A relaxed, go-at-your-own-pace session in your own home
- Beautiful, natural photos you’ll actually want to print and keep
I serve families in Boyertown, PA and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re nearby or a little farther out, reach out and we’ll figure it out together.
Your baby is only this tiny for a few days. These photos will matter for the rest of your life.
