In-Home Newborn Photos (And How to Prep Your Space)
Does the idea of dressing your sleep-deprived self and a squirmy newborn, hauling a diaper bag the size of a suitcase, and praying your baby doesn’t melt down in a sterile studio… make you want to crawl back under your blanket for much needed sleep?
But maybe when you think of having in-home newborn photos, the thought of having to deep clean your house is almost worse. If you’re anything like me, your house might look like a scene outta the movie Gremlins and you have zero energy for the having-company kind of cleaning. Oh AND you just had a baby.
I get it.
Below I’ll be sharing more about how much I love taking photos of your baby in the comfort of your own home. But first, I need you to hear this:
When I show up at your house, I am not there to judge you.
Seriously. Have pet hair tumbling around the floor? Me too. Have grubby light switches? Same. Pile of dishes that have sat for who knows how long? Been there. Worried about germs? I’ll wear a mask and I always wash up before I touch a baby.
I feel nothing but honored to be in a home with a freshly postpartum mama and family. It is a sacred space. I don’t even notice the laundry, floors, kitchen–whatever you’re worried about. What I see, is a family adjusting to a beautiful new addition. Best part is…that’s what you’ll see in the photos too.
Let me tell you why 90% of my clients choose in-home newborn photos:
- You can nurse in your pajamas between shots, as many times as you need.
- Your dog or cat can photobomb (and honestly, it’ll be your favorite image).
- Baby feels (literally) at home, and you have everything you need at arms reach.
- No. Car. Seat.
- The only props you need are baby’s favorite things and the sunlight leaking through your blinds–I’ll bring everything else.
Here’s why having photos done in your home isn’t just easier, it’s more meaningful. Plus, I’ll share exactly how to prep (like you would for a bestie, not someone you desperately want to buy your house).
Why Your Living Room > A Studio for Newborn Photos
1. Babies Act Like… Actual Babies
- Studio reality: Trying to “schedule” your baby being asleep, weird smells, bright lights, driving to another place with your fussy newborn, having to bring a diaper bag (suitcase) and still forgetting something.
- At-home flexibility: Not stressing about time because you can feed baby as often as you need. If you leak through your shirt, you can quickly change (I’ve been there)! Getting photos of their nursery, their fur-siblings, and the little details that change so quickly.
Pro tip: We’ll schedule your in-home newborn session around a feed/nap time to try and capture those sweet sleepy photos. However, I totally get that we are on baby’s time so we’ll do our best but not stress!
2. Your Home’s Quirks Become the Story
- Snuggling up on your couch with your precious baby like you’ve done a hundred times the past couple weeks.
- The glider you’ve rocked them to sleep in at 3:00am, maybe they’ll rock their own baby’s in it someday.
- Feeding baby a bottle in the kitchen you and your partner redid yourselves, dreaming of the family you’ll build together.
Recent favorite: I’ve been sharing images all from a recent in-home newborn photo session. Check out these images of mom and dad holding their new baby boy with their wedding pictures in the background!
3. Zero “Perfect” Pressure
- Confession: I’ve stopped apologizing for my messy house–and I encourage you to do the same! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m not here to judge you or your home. I’m here for you, to celebrate your family.
- What I actually notice: I don’t notice that you forgot the laundry in the washing machine for the 3rd time, but I do notice how your face lights up when your baby looks at you. I notice how your baby looks like you when they smile. I notice that painting in their nursery you worked so hard on. The quiet of your family moments, the real magic.
My Secret to Making Your Home Look Like a Studio (Without Stress)
Light: The Only Thing That Really Matters
- Ideal scenario: A cloudy day (nature’s softbox). Your north-facing window (but I’ll make any light work).
- What to do: Open every curtain/blind 30 mins before I arrive. Toss sheets (I can bring some if needed!) over harsh south-facing windows with chip clips if needed.
The 2 Spots We’ll Use Most
- Living Room/Couch
- Most homes have the biggest windows in the living area, plus a cozy couch for snuggles.
- There is typically enough floor space for me to set up a newborn bean bag and take some posed photos by the window.
- The Nursery/Bedroom
- The master bedroom or baby’s nursery are other possible spaces with good light.
- If we’re using the master bedroom, tidy up the blankets/pillows and declutter nightstands.
“But My House is Dark!”
- I’ll bring my diffused consistent light (stays on, not flash) that mimics window light.
- I can also shoot near lamps or other soft lights for a golden-hour glow.
- Do a test run! Open up those shades and watch where light is hitting the most in the rooms you already spend time in. Have a good spot of light at 10AM? Let’s do it.
How to Prep for Your In-Home Newborn Photos
Your 10-Minute Prep Checklist
Declutter the “zones” we’ll use: ✅
- Nightstands → Toss everything into a laundry basket (hide it in the bathtub).
- Floors → Kick toys into a closet. I promise I won’t open it.
Heat the room to 75°F: ✅
- Sleepy babies = happy babies. Crank the heat or grab a space heater.
Gather props you already own: ✅
- That striped lovey Auntie Tammy gave you.
- Your wedding band (for a tiny hand/foot hold).
Outfit cheat code:
Baby: Diaper + their favorite swaddle + your favorite lil outfit for them.
You: Neutral tank/shirt + leggings (something for easy nursing).
The Real Reason In-Home Newborn Photos Matter
One day, you’ll walk past your now-empty nursery and realize:
- You don’t remember the size of the laundry pile.
- You do remember how your baby’s head fit perfectly in the crook of your elbow right there on the couch.
That’s the magic of in-home newborn photos—they time-travel you back to the quiet, messy, love-soaked moments you’ll ache for someday.
Let’s Capture Your “Right Now” Before It Becomes “Remember When?”
Learn More about Booking a Newborn Session or See the Full Gallery from this Blog Here
Much love,
