A gentle guide to capturing the real, raw beauty of life with your baby
There’s nothing quite like that newborn, postpartum bubble— the quiet magic, the sweet chaos, the blur of hours that somehow feel both fast and slow at the same time. An at-home newborn session is about capturing that magic just as it is — unposed, unrushed, and unmistakably yours.
If you’re getting ready for an at home newborn session, here’s what you can do to prepare — not for perfection, but for capturing your wild, raw, unscripted newborn moments beautifully.
1. Tidy a Couple Areas (Maybe) but Let Your Home Be Lived-In
Your home, as it is — with its baskets of blankets, tea cups, and tiny socks on the floor — tells part of your story. You don’t need a spotless house, but a few minutes tidying up any dirty dishes, clothes or clutter in your bedroom, baby’s nursery and/or family room can go a long way in capturing the beauty of your family and this special season.
I’m here to capture the way your baby fits into the space you’ve made for them. Open the curtains, let the light in, and trust that the realness is more than enough.
2. Feed, Snuggle, Settle
Before your session, feed your baby- but know that if they need to eat during your session, that’s perfect!
If they’re sleepy? Perfect.
If they’re wide awake? Also perfect.
Fussy? We pause. We breathe. We move with it.
You don’t need to “prep” your baby — they’ll lead the way, and I’ll follow. Every stretch, yawn, cry, and snuggle is part of the story.
3. Dress Simply and Comfortably
Soft, neutral tones work beautifully on camera — but ultimately, wear what feels like you. A flowy robe, a favorite tee, a cozy knit — whatever helps you feel at ease in your own skin.
For baby, a simple swaddle or onesie is all we need. Bare skin is also beautiful. Keep it simple- simplicity helps the emotion shine through.
And if there’s a special blanket, heirloom, or item you’d love captured? Keep it nearby and we’ll weave it into your session.
4. Prepare to Do… Nothing
You don’t need to “perform” for this. There are no stiff poses, no scripts, no expectations.
Hold your baby. Feed them. Rock them. Lay on the bed. Sit by the window. Let your partner wrap you both in their arms. These quiet in-between moments are where the magic is.
I’ll guide gently when needed — moving you toward light, suggesting a shift in position — but mostly, I love letting your rhythm lead- this is your story.
5. Involve Siblings — Or Don’t
If you have older children, they’re welcome to be part of the session. Some want to snuggle close. Some may want to show me their toys and bounce on the bed. We embrace whatever shows up — energy, giggles, meltdowns and all.
Want a few quiet moments just with baby? That’s okay too. We can build in space for both connection and calm.
6. Let Go of the Timeline
Newborn sessions are slower by design. We move at your pace, with plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, and diaper changes.
This isn’t about checking off a shot list — it’s about holding space.
For your story. For your baby. For you.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an at-home newborn session doesn’t mean curating a perfect scene — it means making space to be present and capture the feeling of this season.
These photos aren’t just about your baby’s tiny toes or sleepy yawns (though we’ll capture those, too). They’re about your becoming. The way your body holds new life. The way your partner looks at you. The way home feels right now — in all its messy, beautiful truth.
So exhale.
Trust the moment.
And let your story unfold.
