How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot at Home
Your baby's first days are precious, and preparing for their newborn photography session should feel simple, not overwhelming.
If you've booked an in-home newborn session, you might be wondering whether your house needs to be spotless, what you should have ready and how to help your little one settle.
The lovely thing about having your newborn photographed at home is that you don't need to pack everything up and travel to a studio.
I bring my professional photography equipment, lighting, wraps and selected props to you, creating beautifully posed newborn photographs in the comfort of your own home.
Here are a few simple ways to prepare so we can make the most of your session together.
You don't need a beautifully decorated nursery or a spotless house. I only need enough suitable space to set up my equipment and work comfortably with your baby.
Do You Need to Clean Your Entire House?
Absolutely not. I know how busy those first weeks with a newborn can be, and the last thing I want is for you to spend hours cleaning before I arrive.
My in-home newborn photography is professionally posed, which means I create the setups using my own equipment rather than relying on your home to look like a photography studio.
All I need is a suitable area with enough room for my posing setup and lighting equipment.
If we're also photographing parents or siblings, we may use another area of your home if needed, but there's no expectation that every room needs to be picture-perfect.
A Little Clear Space
Having a suitable area free of unnecessary furniture or clutter makes it easier for me to arrange my equipment safely and efficiently.
A Perfectly Styled Home
There's no need to redecorate, purchase special bedding or worry about how your home will look in the finished photographs.
Create a Calm, Comfortable Environment
Newborn babies can be sensitive to changes in temperature, particularly when they're being changed or photographed without their usual clothing.
A comfortably warm room can help during the session, although it's important not to overheat your baby. I'll work with you to keep the environment appropriate for the setups we're using.
Try to keep the atmosphere relaxed and have the things your baby regularly needs close at hand.
And please don't worry if your baby cries or needs extra cuddles. That's all part of photographing newborns.
The best newborn sessions aren't the ones where everything goes perfectly. They're the ones where we work patiently with your baby.
Should You Feed Your Baby Before the Photoshoot?
A comfortably fed baby may be more relaxed and ready to settle into their photographs.
However, there's no need to delay a feed or try to keep your baby hungry until I arrive.
Please continue to follow your baby's usual feeding cues. If they're hungry before the session, feed them. If they need another feed while I'm photographing them, we'll pause.
Feeding breaks, nappy changes and cuddles are normal parts of newborn photography.
I also don't recommend deliberately keeping your baby awake for hours beforehand. An overtired baby can sometimes be harder to settle.
What If Your Baby Won't Sleep?
Not every newborn sleeps throughout their session, and that's perfectly normal.
When your baby is calm and awake, we may be able to capture beautiful bright-eyed portraits. For other photographs, we may use wrapping or simpler setups.
Some traditional poses are only suitable when a baby is comfortably settled or asleep, so I always adapt to the baby in front of me.
Choosing Your Newborn Props, Fabrics & Colours
I bring a carefully selected range of props, wraps and fabrics to your home, but because I'm transporting my photography equipment as well, I can't bring my entire studio collection.
For in-home sessions, I generally bring two or three props and a maximum of three posing fabrics.
My newborn photography style is timeless and neutral, with soft tones that allow your baby to be the main focus of every photograph.
If you have particular colours, props or poses in mind, it's important to let me know before the session so I can prepare the appropriate items.
If there are specific poses, props or fabric colours you'd love, please send your requests at least 48 hours beforehand. Requests made on the day may not be possible because I only bring a limited selection of equipment and styling items.
Soft, Timeless Colours
Cream, ivory, beige, oatmeal, soft grey and other gentle neutral tones photograph beautifully and keep the attention on your baby's features.
Share Your Inspiration
If you've seen a photograph in my portfolio that you love, send it through beforehand. I can let you know what may be suitable for your baby and your chosen collection.
How Many Outfits Will Your Baby Need?
One thing I've learnt from years of photographing newborns is that less changing often makes for a more comfortable session.
Every time a baby is undressed, changed and repositioned, there's a chance they'll become unsettled.
That's why I generally work with one main outfit or styling arrangement, creating variety through different poses, angles and details.
If your baby is particularly settled, a second outfit may sometimes be possible, but I don't promise multiple outfit changes.
My priority is always creating beautiful photographs while keeping your little one comfortable.
It's your baby's tiny features, delicate expressions and beautiful little details that make the photographs special.
Preparing Parents & Siblings for Newborn Photographs
If you've chosen my Signature or Legacy in-home newborn collection, your session can include beautiful photographs with parents and siblings.
For clothing, I recommend simple, coordinating colours rather than matching outfits or bold patterns.
Soft creams, beige, white, taupe and other gentle neutrals work beautifully alongside my newborn photography style.
For young siblings, I generally prefer to photograph them towards the end of the session so they don't have to spend a long time waiting while I'm photographing the baby.
There's no need to put pressure on children to smile or pose perfectly. I guide the family photographs and work with their individual personalities.
What About My Maternity Gowns?
My maternity gown wardrobe is available at my South Auckland studio, but I don't bring the full gown collection to in-home newborn sessions.
For family photographs at home, I recommend choosing something comfortable and flattering from your own wardrobe.
If you'd love to use one of my gowns for your family portraits, my Signature and Legacy collections also offer the option of splitting the newborn and family photographs between your home and my studio.
What Should You Have Ready on the Day?
You don't need to prepare anything elaborate. A few simple things will help the session run more smoothly.
The Essentials
Have nappies, wipes, feeding supplies, a spare outfit and anything you normally use to comfort your baby nearby.
A Suitable Space
Clear an area for my photography equipment and ensure the room is comfortably warm without overheating your baby.
Your Preferences
Send any requested colours, props or posing inspiration at least 48 hours before your session so I can prepare.
Preparing for Your In-Home Newborn Photoshoot
Does My House Need Lots of Natural Light?
No. I bring professional lighting for my posed newborn photography, so you don't need a home filled with natural light to achieve beautiful results.
What If My Baby Needs Feeding During the Session?
That's absolutely fine. We can pause for feeding, changing or cuddles whenever your baby needs them.
Can I Choose All the Props & Colours on the Day?
It's best to make your requests at least 48 hours beforehand. I bring a limited selection of props and fabrics, so last-minute requests may not be possible.
Can Parents & Siblings Be Included?
Yes, when booking my Signature or Legacy in-home newborn collection. My Essential collection focuses on baby-only photographs.
Do I Need to Buy Special Clothes for Baby?
No. I bring suitable newborn styling items and wraps. We can plan the look of your photographs ahead of time.
What If My Baby Is Awake for the Whole Session?
We can try suitable awake portraits and wrapped setups where appropriate. Some poses do require sleep, so I'll adapt the session to your baby's comfort.
Relax, Enjoy the Moment & Let Me Take Care of the Photographs
The first few weeks with your newborn can feel like a blur of feeds, cuddles and very little sleep.
That's one of the reasons I love offering professionally posed newborn photography in the comfort of your own home.
You don't need to organise a perfect house, buy special props or worry about knowing how to pose your baby.
I'll bring the photography equipment and experience, guide the session and work patiently with your little one.
All I ask is that you share any styling preferences ahead of time and allow your baby to follow their normal routine.
These precious early weeks pass so quickly, and I want your photographs to be a beautiful reminder of just how tiny your baby once was.
Your home doesn't need to be perfect. Your baby doesn't need to be perfectly settled. These moments are beautiful just as they are.
Ready to Welcome Me Into Your Home for Your Newborn Session?
I offer professionally posed in-home newborn photography throughout Auckland, bringing beautiful newborn setups, professional lighting and a calm, baby-led approach directly to your family.
Explore my newborn collections and discover an experience designed to capture your baby's precious first weeks without needing to leave home.
