Are you planning to host your photographer in your home for a newborn session? Many clients choose this option as it is convenient, comfortable, and can simplify things considerably if there are additional kiddos involved. It’s a special opportunity to capture your baby’s nursery, your toddler in his element, or all your pets.
If you will be having your photos taken at home, keep things as relaxed and stress-free as possible by preparing ahead of time with this list:
LOOK FOR NATURAL LIGHT
Unless your photographer is bringing along additional lighting equipment, you will need to find the area of your home with the most sunlight. During the day, turn off the overhead lights and lamps, open your curtains, and identify the areas of your home that have the most natural light coming in through the windows. Where are your largest windows? Where is the most light? Even if that’s not your favorite room in the house, you will likely shoot in these areas, possibly moving furniture and decorations as needed. Good light is king when choosing the right location in your home.
CLOTHING SHOULD BE SOFT, SIMPLE, AND COZY
The wardrobe for newborn sessions should serve a few important purposes: allow mom to feel confident, make sure baby is comfortable, and keep baby’s sweet face the focus. Set aside bold, busy patterns, and keep to neutral colors and cozy fabrics. Cotton gauze, chiffon, linen, muslin, and lace are excellent choices for fabrics. More on this in an upcoming blog post!
GET OUT YOUR NEUTRAL BEDDING
If you will be taking photos on a bed, make sure to select your most neutral sheets and comforter/quilt. Just as with clothing selection, the colors and patterns of the bedding need to provide a simple backdrop to your sweet baby’s face. Any bold colors or busy patterns will be a distraction.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE CHAOS
Life with a newborn is bananas. That’s just the way it is, especially if there are other siblings around. Please do not stress about getting your home perfectly clean and tidy! Once you identify the areas of your home with the best natural light, you can assume those are the only areas that will be on camera.
KEEP BABY AWAKE & GIVE A BIG FEEDING
The day of the session, try to keep your baby awake for a good stretch before the session begins (whatever is appropriate and healthy for baby’s age). Then, give baby a big, full feeding right before the beginning of your session. When it’s photo time, a nice full tummy and a fresh diaper should allow baby to be cozy and comfortable for your session.
HAVE SPECIAL ITEMS ON HAND
Your photographer may bring lots of blankets, swaddles, and other basic props to your newborn sessions, but if there is anything special you would like to incorporate into your baby’s portraits, make sure you have them ready. Examples include special lovies, family heirlooms, and other keepsakes. You can also make your baby’s portraits more editorial with fresh greenery or flowers!
HAVE BRIBERY ON HAND FOR OLDER SIBLINGS
I highly highly recommend having some small treats on hand for older siblings. Lots of little items, like mini marshmallows or M&Ms, can go a long way in getting smiles out of kiddos. Use whatever bribery works for your kids - ice cream, tablet time, pizza party - there is no judgment from this mama!
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Here are a couple of questions it might help you to know ahead of time:
Will you be bringing additional lighting?
Will you be providing wardrobe for baby, big siblings, and / or mom?
Will you bring blankets, swaddles, props, or other items for baby’s solo portraits?
Anything I missed? Don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything else you’d like to know before your lifestyle newborn session at home.
*One quick note on hiring a newborn photographer. I am all about giving an opportunity to a new photographer who is just starting out - she gets experience and practice, you get a discount, everyone wins! I was in this position once myself, so I totally get it. However, I do not recommend hiring a friend or amateur photographer for newborn photographs. These photos are often taken indoors, not in a studio environment, with less-than-ideal lighting. You want to hire a photographer who knows how to use the available lighting in the best ways, and (most importantly) knows how to safely handle your baby. It’s worth spending a little extra for the pro in this situation, I promise. Your baby will never be this little again, so there’s no do-over. It’s worth the investment to hire a professional for your newborn portraits.