Bringing a new baby home is magical, messy, beautiful, and let’s be honest, a little bit chaotic! That’s exactly why I love in home newborn sessions! You get to stay cozy, everyone feels more at comfortable in their own space, and we get to document real moments in the place where you’ve just brought your new baby home to. If you have found yourself reading this blog, then you are likely getting ready to schedule your in home newborn session and are looking for some newborn photography tips!
As a lifestyle newborn photographer, my sessions are calm, baby led, and focused on natural, love-filled moments. That said, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to help your session feel even smoother! These newborn photography tips are simple, practical, and designed to take the pressure off. Let’s get into it!
This is my number one tip for a reason! A full belly helps baby relax, and it works wonders for toddlers and parents too! Feeding your newborn just before I arrive can help them feel settled or sleepy (which is perfect for cozy snuggly photos).
If you have older kiddos, a quick snack before we start can help avoid meltdowns and keep spirits high. And don’t worry, we can pause anytime for a feeding or cuddle break. Your baby and other kiddos in the family set the pace.
Babies love being warm, especially if we’re doing some photos with them swaddled or in just a diaper. If your session is during colder months, turning up the heat a little or using a space heater in the room we’ll be in can make a big difference in keeping baby content.
It also helps everyone else feel a little cozier, which translates beautifully into relaxed, love-soaked images.
You don’t need to overthink wardrobe, but it’s helpful to have a few options ready! For baby, soft, simple outfits or sleepers in neutral tones photograph really well. Swaddles and blankets are great to have on hand too.
For the rest of the family, I always suggest outfits that feel good to wear and coordinate well together. Think soft tones, comfy fabrics, and styles you can move and snuggle in. If you’re not sure what to wear, I’ve got you! I’m happy to help you plan ahead or send over outfit inspiration. I also have my client closet available for mom to wear, and the build everyone else’s outfits around that!
Toddlers do what toddlers do. Babies cry. Dogs bark. Laundry piles exist. That’s real life, and that’s where the magic is! Some of my favourite images come from unscripted, unexpected moments.
You don’t have to clean your whole house, you don’t need everyone to “behave,” and you definitely don’t need to stress. My sessions are relaxed, and I’ll gently guide when needed, but my goal is to capture you as you really are, in all the beautiful, messy, love filled ways that matter most. I also send out a questionnaire prior to our session and there is a spot for you to tell me exactly how much guidance you need. I am here to support you!
When you book a newborn session with me, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know in advance, from timing to wardrobe to how to prep your space. On the day, I bring a calm, go with the flow energy and an eye for the small moments that matter.
Whether baby sleeps the whole time or we’re dancing around snack time and diaper changes, I’m there to tell your story in a way that feels honest, heartfelt, and real. I can’t wait to capture these precious first moments for your family!
If you’re looking for more newborn photography tips or you’re ready to book your in home newborn session, I’d love to connect. You can inquire here!
Let’s create something beautiful!
Meet Kory! Kory is a lifestyle Family & Motherhood Photographer based in the Fraser Valley in beautiful B.C. Canada. She specializes in sessions focused on genuine moments of emotion and connection, and is welcoming to families of all types and abilities. If you are interested in working with Kory, you can inquire about a session here!