How to Prepare Your Home
As an Aledo newborn photographer, I specialize in capturing your family in the spaces where life really happens—your home.
My sessions are natural, child-led, and relaxed. There’s no need to stress about a picture-perfect house or stiff posing. Instead, I want to help you feel comfortable so that the love and connection you share shines through in your images.
I have a passion for capturing the purest moments as families transition into this beautiful new chapter of life. As an experienced Aledo newborn photographer can help you cherish these fleeting days.
Bringing your baby home is one of the most meaningful milestones in your family’s story. The nursery you’ve carefully styled, the cozy couch where you’ll rock your newborn, the light that spills into your bedroom in the mornings—these are the everyday moments that deserve to be remembered.
If you’re wondering how to prepare your home for a newborn session, here’s my guide to make everything easy, relaxed, and stress-free.
Table of Contents
Why In-Home Newborn Photography?
In-home sessions offer something uniquely special: authenticity. Babies change so quickly in the first weeks, and your home is the backdrop of those first memories. When you look back at your images years from now, you’ll remember exactly how it felt to have your baby tucked into your arms on your own bed, or how your toddler climbed up on the couch beside you.
Lifestyle newborn photography is not about a spotless house or props—it’s about connection, love, and the season you’re in. That’s why preparing your home is less about making it “perfect” and more about making it comfortable and true to you. It does not involve using your entire home. We will work together to discover the best areas in your home for your newborn photos.
As an Aledo newborn photographer, it’s my job to find the most beautiful natural light in your home, creating stunning imagery that reflects your family’s love.
1. Focus on Natural Light
The most important element for an in-home session is light. Don’t worry—you don’t need floor-to-ceiling windows for your photos to be beautiful. All we need is a space with soft, natural light.
- Open blinds and curtains in the nursery, living room, or master bedroom.
- Turn off overhead lights and lamps (they create orange tones).
- Don’t stress if it’s cloudy—soft, diffused light is actually perfect.
If you aren’t sure which rooms have the best light, don’t worry—I’ll walk through your home when I arrive and guide us to the spots that will photograph best. During your pre-session phone call, we will go over areas in your home you think will work best. Then, you will send me images from your phone, and I will let you know which areas will most likely be best.
2. Choose 2–3 Spaces to Tidy
You do not need to deep-clean your entire house before your session. No one has time for that! Instead, just focus on 2–3 rooms:
- The nursery – Even if it’s not finished, little details like the crib, shelves, or a rocking chair tell part of your story.
- The master bedroom – A bed with a neutral duvet is the perfect spot for snuggling.
- The living room – Couches, rugs, and cozy corners are wonderful for family shots.
Quick tips:
- Clear nightstands or end tables of clutter.
- Tidy blankets, pillows, and laundry baskets.
- Keep décor simple and true to your style.
Think of it like this: your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine—it just needs to look like you. Something many clients have done in the past is to purchase fresh flowers and have them set either in the nursery or living space. It adds just a little special touch to your images.
3. Keep Baby’s Comfort in Mind
The beauty of an in-home newborn session is that your baby is already in their most familiar space. To help things run smoothly:
- Keep the house slightly warmer than usual so baby is cozy.
- Have a few swaddle blankets, outfits, or a simple onesie on hand.
- Don’t stress about baby acne, flaky skin, or fussiness—those are all part of newborn life, and I’ll photograph your little one just as they are.
Remember, sessions are baby-led. If your baby needs to pause to eat, be changed, or just snuggle, we’ll take the time. No rush, no pressure.
4. What to Wear as a Family
Wardrobe plays a big role in keeping your session relaxed and timeless. I always suggest:
- Mom: Flowy dresses or soft neutrals. Comfort is key—you just welcomed a baby!
- Dad: Neutral button-down shirt with slacks or non-distressed denim.
- Siblings: Simple, solid colors or soft patterns. Nothing too bold or distracting.
- Baby: A well-fitting onesie, swaddle, or diaper-only for those tiny detail shots.
If you’re looking for inspiration or need to pick up a few special pieces, one of my favorite local spots is Babies on the Boulevard in Fort Worth. They carry beautiful clothing for babies and children that photographs wonderfully and fits the timeless, natural style I recommend.
I share style collages and personalized wardrobe guidance for all my families so you feel confident and at ease. If you would like me to create a style collage for you or review your clothing choices prior to your session, that is definitely part of my service to you!
5. Incorporate Sentimental Details
I encourage you to incorporate personal touches that reflect your family’s unique story. The best part of being an Aledo newborn photographer is that capturing your family at home means your family’s story is built into the walls. Think about the little details we can include:
- A handmade blanket from grandma.
- The nursery chair you rocked in.
- Family pets (yes, they’re always welcome!).
- Siblings reading their favorite story to the baby.
These sentimental touches make your photos meaningful and unique to you.
6. Relax and Enjoy the Morning
Newborn sessions are meant to be calm and joyful. A few final tips:
- Don’t worry if everything isn’t “perfect.” I promise your images will reflect love, not clutter.
- Plan a slow morning—no big errands or commitments right before your session.
- Trust that I’ll guide you. My role is to help you feel comfortable, natural, and connected in front of the camera.
As an Aledo newborn photographer, I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere that allows genuine moments to unfold naturally during your session. I got you! After photographing families for almost six years, every session will result in a gallery that is reflective of your family.
The Heart Behind It All
In summary, these 6 Tips For Creating Magical Moments for your in-home Aledo newborn session give you the tools to feel prepared, relaxed, and present during one of the sweetest chapters of your life.
As a mom of three girls, I know firsthand how quickly these days pass. My oldest is now in college, my middle daughter is filling out applications, and my youngest is nearly a teenager. Yet I still see them as the little toddlers playing underfoot in my kitchen.
That’s why I believe in documenting these early days in your own home—where your story is unfolding right now. Being an Aledo newborn photographer is not just about taking photos; it’s about preserving the feeling of this season so you can return to it again and again.
Ready to Book Your Aledo Newborn Photographer?
If you’re expecting, I’d love to help you document your baby’s first days at home in a way that feels effortless and true to your family. I recommend booking during your second trimester to ensure availability.
✨ Let’s start planning your in-home newborn session today!
Allison Krogness is a lifestyle newborn photographer based in Fort Worth, TX. She serves Aledo, Mansfield, Arlington, Dallas, Southlake, and the surrounding areas in DFW. She is known for her relaxed, candid sessions that are focused on family connections and beautiful natural light.
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