Gold Coast Newborn Photographer here, sharing my top tips to prepare for your newborn session at home and why I recommend in-home sessions!

Just imagine you and your precious newborn, in those tender early days where you cherish moments of feeding, sleeping, and healing on a beautiful repeat cycle. Now, envision a skilled photographer arriving at your doorstep, equipped with a selection of adorable outfits and high-quality gear to capture timeless images of your newest family member in the cozy familiarity of your own home.

Now some of you may already believe that this is amazing, others though will question things like “My house is a mess” or “I don’t have enough space” and if this is you, I am here to put those questions at ease.

How to Prepare for your Newborn Photo Session from a Gold Coast Newborn Photographer

With every newborn session that I photograph, I like to assist my client before our session to ensure we plan for a smooth experience and minimize any potential issues that may arise during the shoot. As with every session, we can never predict how children will cope or respond, but these helpful tips will provide a solid framework to guide the session along smoothly.

Preparing the EnviroNment

Newborns love a warm space, if possible ensure the room has a comfortable temperature of around 24-27°C to keep your baby cozy as they are sensitive to temperature changes. If you don’t have a heater ask your photographer if they have one they can supply.
Your house doesn’t have to be clean! If possible only a small area of your house near a window with natural light is best. If you have a few areas that you would like to have photos in this is great too for variety but not essential.

Timing is Key

It is recommended that newborn photography sessions should be held within the first two weeks of birth. This is because babies tend to be sleepier and more flexible to move around. If you are after those sleepy moments then definitely book within the first two weeks but if not anytime within the first 6 weeks is perfect.

Feeding before your Photographer Arrives

I recommend feeding bub just before or on arrival of your photo session, this will help calm your baby and allow a chance for those sleepy shots right at the start. Also if you want some breastfeeding shots this is a beautiful way to start your session.

Dressing your baby

If you want to dress your baby in clothes from your photographer’s closet or some nude shots of bub, dress your newborn in loose easy-to-remove clothes as babies don’t tend to like being dressed and undressed multiple times.

Have Patience

Newborn sessions can be unpredictable due to feeding, diaper changes, and mood changes. It’s best to stay calm, patient and flexible with timing and expectations. Newborn Sessions tend to go longer than a normal family session due to these changes, your photographer won’t be rushed and understand that these things happen.

Take breaks as needed for the baby to feed or be soothed back to sleep during your session, usually, your photographer will ask you if you would like a break and this can be beneficial to you and your newborn.

Other family members

If your newborn session involves other siblings or partners, it’s best to have them all ready for when your session starts as they tend to lose focus the quickest. I tend to photograph all the family and sibling shots first before focusing on solo newborn photos.

Having an in-home newborn session offers a uniquely intimate and personalized experience for capturing the early moments of your baby's life. Unlike traditional studio sessions, which can feel formal and structured, an in-home session allows you and your baby to be in a familiar and comfortable environment. This comfort is crucial for newborns, who thrive in familiar surroundings where they can remain calm and relaxed.

In-home sessions also provide the opportunity to incorporate meaningful elements of your home into the photographs, such as nursery decorations, family heirlooms, or favorite blankets. These personal touches not only add sentimental value but also create a narrative that reflects your family's unique story.

Furthermore, the flexibility of an in-home session allows for natural interactions and candid moments to be captured effortlessly. Whether it's the quiet moments of bonding in the nursery, playful interactions with siblings or pets, or the everyday routines of feeding and cuddling, these authentic moments are beautifully preserved in the comfort of your own home.

Overall, an in-home newborn session offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere where your baby can be themselves, resulting in photographs that are not only stunning but also deeply meaningful as they capture the essence of your family's early days together.

Using these tips for your upcoming newborn session can create a relaxed and enjoyable session that produces timeless and cherished photographs for your family.

These photos were taken from a recent Newborn Session on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Getting Ready For Your In-Home Newborn Session