How to Prepare for an In-Home Newborn Session
Bringing home a newborn will no doubt be one of the most memorable times of your life. Whether it is your first baby or your last, there is nothing quite as memorable and nostalgic as those first few weeks. Your life has essentially just changed forever.
So you booked your lifestyle newborn photography session, brought home baby and now you are wondering what’s next? Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your in-home newborn session with Danielle Blewitt Photography.
Planning for The Session
What does a “lifestyle” session mean?
“Lifestyle” is a style of portrait photography that aims to capture specific milestones in a real life setting. My shots will include family connection with baby, baby details, baby in nursery, family together in nursery, etc. And I will always use any space in the home with beautiful light.
With a lifestyle approach, there is a minimal amount of posing for both the family and baby. I will often encourage the families to enjoy each other rather than looking at the camera.
When are newborn sessions scheduled?
My newborn sessions are usually scheduled 7-21 days after birth. Contact me once you have had the baby to schedule. I do most of my newborn sessions during the week between 10 am and 2 pm.
What do we wear?
I recommend keeping wardrobe simple for newborn sessions. You don’t want clothing to overshadow your precious little baby. Neutral colors are perfect for parents. Grey, white, cream, navy, and light blues photograph really nicely indoors. Keep in mind, you will be in the comfort of your home and I want you to feel comfortable.
I offer complimentary, professional styling if desired to take the stress off choosing outfits.
**Film Sessions – Important – Please do not wear stripes as it is difficult to film.**
What should baby wear?
Baby can wear something from home or a swaddle wrap. If you want to use a few options, just have them ready.
Preparing Siblings
Bringing home a new baby is a big life change and often such a period of transition for siblings, especially if they are younger. I recommend talking about the newborn session ahead of time to prepare them for yet another little change in their schedule. If they are younger and you feel they may be shy, I recommend showing them a picture of me and even telling them I am a friend of yours to help ease some of their uncertainty.
Newborn sessions usually begin with the sibling shots when their attention and curiosity is at a peak. I try to keep their moment in front of the camera brief to minimize any stress.
Day of the Session
Let there be light!
Please open all of the blinds and curtains in your home prior to my arrival. This will allow me to see all the possible locations with the perfect light as quickly as possible.
What rooms will be used?
I will always let light determine what the best locations are. I typically hope to shoot in the nursery, in the parent’s room and possibly in a common area like the living room so it is preferably for all areas to be ready the day of.
Nice full tummy.
Please feed and burp baby right before our session. This will ensure a happy and sleepy baby. We can take as many breaks as needed to refuel.
Full tummies apply to mom, dad and siblings too. We want everyone to be comfortable!
Loose swaddle.
Have baby in loose button up or zip up sleeper about 30 minutes prior to the session. This will make a smooth transition for wardrobe changes.
Crank the heat!
I recommend that you keep your home a bit warmer than normal during the session (around 75-80 degrees or so). This will keep baby cozy and warm. Happy baby, happy photo lady! Even if we are all a little sweaty.
What if my baby is fussy? I am nervous.
Relax & Enjoy! We will take the baby’s lead and feed, change, cuddle as many times as needed. DO NOT STRESS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the session last?
Newborn sessions will typically last between 2-3 hours. I know how delicate time is during your first few weeks and I want to make this session as stress-free as possible for you.
Can I still add a Newborn Film to my session?
Yes, you can add a Newborn Film to your photo session at any point up until the day of the session. In addition to your photos, I will deliver a 1-2 minute film showing those first few delicate moments with your baby in full sound, vivid color and in motion.
How does a film session change the session?
I will switch back and forth between photos and video during the session. It could extend the time of the session by a little but not much.
Do you provide props?
No, but I always encourage my families to incorporate items that are special to them. For example, furniture heirlooms, special books/toys, vintage blankets and outfits.
Can our dogs/animals join in?
Absolutely!
If a grandparent/aunt/uncle is at our home during the session can they hop in a photo too?
Yes! My rule is if you are in the house, you are a part of that day, so you should get in the frame too!
I am looking forward to our session and even more so excited for your family as your next journey begins.
xoxo
Danielle
Life moves too fast. Although we can’t slow it down, we can record the moments that fill our hearts and tell our story through photos and films. I am a Pittsburgh family photographer and film maker that helps families record their stories and pause some of life’s greatest moments.
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