5 tips for preparing for an in-home newborn photoshoot - Newborn Photographer Hobart
My top 5 tips to help you prepare for an in-home newborn session
Firstly, congratulations! This is such an exciting time for your family. Any parent knows that babies change so quickly, and while you might want time to stand still, it never does. Whether you’re first-time parents or going back for a second or third, you’ll never regret documenting this precious time with an in-home newborn photoshoot.
This is an exciting time, but I totally understand that it can also be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time. Don’t worry, though, I’m here to help!
An in-home session is a wonderful way to document this stage of your life and capture beautiful photos that you’ll cherish forever. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips on how to prepare for a newborn photoshoot at home, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Spoiler alert - you don’t have to worry about making everything ‘perfect’.
1 // Choose the right time
Newborn sessions are traditionally held between 1 - 4 weeks while your baby is still sleepy and curled up, making it easier to capture those intimate loved-up moments.
But in saying that, there is never a bad time, so it really comes down to what you and your family feel comfortable with. You can book a date when you're pregnant and if we amend it as needed, or you can reach out when bub has arrived and I will do my best to find you a spot in your ideal timeframe.
2 // Prepare your home
Before your session, we’ll chat and talk about your home, and I may even ask to see some photos to help me plan for our shoot. I often shoot in the lounge room, the master bedroom and bub’s nursery (if they have one)… basically I look for rooms with nice big windows and lots of natural light.
The day before the photoshoot, it can be helpful to prepare your home by decluttering, spot cleaning surfaces and removing any distractions off bedside and coffee tables (phone chargers, coffee cups etc..). But please don’t feel like you need to spend days deep-cleaning! The focus of the shoot will be on your connection with bub, not everything in the background. I can work wonders in small spaces too, so try to focus on a few areas of your home where we will likely spend the most time.
Also please try to ensure your home is nice and warm (this is Hobart after all), especially during Winter, as newborns are used to being in a warm environment and will be a lot more settled.
3 // Prepare your baby
When it comes to preparing your baby for the session, it’s best to stick to your normal routine. Dress them in a simple and easy-to-remove outfit (button down suits are a great option) and then give them a big feed 30 minutes or so before I get there. When I arrive, I will help to choose an outfit, dress and wrap them up.
As a good rule of thumb, avoid dressing your baby in clothes that are too tight or have fabrics that are uncomfortable or irritating to their skin. Also, avoid clothing with busy patterns or logos as they that can be distracting in the photos. A simple white onesie or a swaddle is an excellent choice for a newborn photoshoot!
4 // Take your time
One of main benefits of having an in-home newborn session is being able to relax and take breaks when needed. Having a newborn is exhausting and the last thing I want you to feel is stressed or pressured during the photoshoot.
We can pause for a coffee or to feed, change, or soothe bub throughout the session - these often make beautiful moments to capture as well. I usually allow 1-2 hours for an in-home newborn session, so we can take our time and enjoy the experience.
5 // Celebrate the now
It’s easy to get caught wishing things were different, or even worse, ‘perfect’. We’re all guilty of it, but as a new mum, you might wish your postpartum body or home looked differently. Maybe this isn’t your forever home or perhaps you wish you’d had time to buy a new outfit and get your hair done.
But the truth is, none of that will matter when you look back on these photos in years to come. Memories of these early days will fade, so you’ll be forever grateful to have this time captured regardless of how your body or home looks. These photos are a celebration of the ‘now’, the first few weeks or months with your beautiful new baby, so don’t be afraid to embrace it!
Don't miss the opportunity to capture these special moments and create lasting memories for your family, reach out to learn more or book your in-home session.
