A Newborn photography home session is one of my favorite ways to showcase the joy a newborn brings to a family.

Number 1: Schedule ahead your newborn photography home session.

 You know what is really hard, taking care of a newborn and trying to rush into planning photography session for your family. Breaking it down into incremental steps will make it much more simple.

First, there is no right or wrong time to schedule a newborn photography session. I appreciate when moms reach out to schedule their newborn photo session before baby arrives. This allows time for the mom to relax and just focus on their family once the baby arrives.  

Newborns can be in the age range of 2 weeks to 8 weeks for their newborn session. Choosing a time that is best for your family is the way to go. I do have presences for ages for my newborn clients. I enjoy when the newborn is on the older side, 6-8 weeks old. This gives time for the family to adjust to having a newborn and mom time to recover.

Number 2: Create a plan.

This step will have the biggest impact on creating a great newborn photography session and this is where I love to help clients. About two -three weeks prior to your session we will have a brief FaceTime chat to discuss your upcoming session. During this call we will decide what areas will be best to use in your home. Also, you are welcome to show me or ask for advice regarding your outfit choices. If you need some style inspiration, I will create a personal outfit collage based on styles you like. Finally, I will walk you through how I perceive your session to flow and what you can expect to be doing during your session. 

Number 3: Communicate with your family.

Once you book your photo session, you will receive a session prep guide. This guide is for the whole family. For example, I encourage moms to share with their spouse that no matter what is happening during the session, just smile and relax. You can trust me to capture your family. Also, if you have older children, share with them about your session. Not every child is used to someone coming into their home to take photographs. Share with them what this will look like and how we will be taking pictures of your family playing together.

Number 4: Tidy up the areas.

In our client pre-session call, we have already decided what areas in your home we will most likely use. You do not have to clean your entire home! Simply tidy up the areas we discussed. This can be as simple as grabbing a laundry basket and putting all the little items in the rooms that are necessary. For example, magazines, plastic utility type items like bottle racks, extra throw blankets, etc. 

Number 5 Treat yourself for your newborn home photo session!

If you think too hard about it, a newborn home photography session can be overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be. I like to shift the mindset to a celebration of look how much our family has accomplished in just a few weeks. Let’s celebrate by having pictures, picking up fresh flowers to have in your rooms, play music, and schedule take-out for lunch or dinner that day. Also, many newborn sessions take place in the mornings. There are several ‘dry bar or blow-out’ businesses that have early morning appointments. Also, getting a manicure or a pedicure is a great way to prepare and treat yourself.

These five simple steps will help you feel relaxed, confident, and prepared for your newborn photography session.