How to Prepare for an At-Home Newborn & Family Photography Session
Welcoming a new baby is one of lifeโs most magical moments, and an at-home family session is the perfect way to capture these first days. To ensure your session goes smoothly and everyone is comfortable, hereโs a complete guide for preparing your home, baby, and family.
Why At-Home Newborn + FaMILY Sessions Are Special
Newborn sessions are ideal within the first 14 days of life. Babies are sleepiest during this time, making them easier to pose, and it helps us capture their earliest features before baby acne or flaking appears (though we always retouch imperfections!). This session was taken during the first month of life - ideal for those awake, interactive shots.
Newborn sessions typically last about three hours, whereas lifestyle family sessions are about 45-60 minutes.
At-home sessions allow us to:
Capture your family in the comfort of your own home
Incorporate personal touches like your babyโs favorite blankets, nursery dรฉcor, or special fabrics
Create timeless, cozy images that feel authentic and natural
How to Prepare for Your At-Home Session
1. Prepare Your Home
Tidy up the areas where weโll be shooting (nursery, bedroom, living room) to minimize distractions in the background.
Open all blinds and turn off overhead lights to maximize natural light. Artificial lighting can create color casts that are tricky to fix later.
2. Keep Nursing Babies Comfortable & Ready
Avoid spicy foods if nursing 24 hours before the sessionโthey can cause tummy discomfort.
Keep your home warm and cozy.
Encourage baby to stay awake for 1โ2 hours before the session for deeper sleep during the shoot.
Feed your baby just before the session so they arrive sleepy and settled. A small โtop-offโ feed when we arrive is perfectly fine.
3. Feeding & Soothing Essentials for Newborns
Have 2โ3 bottles of expressed milk or formula ready. While nursing is welcome, bottles can help soothe baby quickly between poses and keep the session flowing.
Keep a pacifier handy, even if your baby doesnโt usually use oneโitโs helpful for calming during posing.
Have burp cloths, alternative outfit, and receiving blankets nearby.
4. Outfits & Props
Less is more when trying to pick outfits and props - focus on whatโs meaningful first!
Gather any special fabrics, blankets, or outfits youโd like included in your photos.
Ready to Capture Your Familyโs First Moments?
Your newbornโs first days pass by in the blink of an eyeโletโs preserve these precious moments in the comfort of your home. Whether youโre in Boston, Somerville, or the surrounding areas, I specialize in luxury at-home family and newborn photography that feels natural, cozy, and timeless.
Reach out today to schedule your session or learn more about how we can create images youโll treasure forever.
