How to prepare your home for a newborn photoshoot
Bringing your new baby home is a magical, messy, sleep-deprived blur. So when it comes to capturing those early days with a newborn session, you might be wondering how you can possibly prepare the house. The good news? You really don’t need to do much!
I specialise in relaxed, natural, baby-led newborn photography that takes place in the comfort of your own home. No big studio set-ups, no stiff poses, no pressure - just soft light and real moments. But there are a few simple things you can do to help the session go smoothly and get the kind of artwork you’ll want to keep forever.
With just a few simple tips, your home will be perfectly ready - exactly as it is - to tell your family’s story.
Let the light in.
Natural light is my best friend, and yours too when it comes to soft, natural, dreamy newborn portraits. Before I arrive, open up any curtains or blinds in the rooms that get the best light. We might move around a bit during the session, but I’ll always look for the prettiest spots. North-facing rooms, big windows, or glass doors can be a big help.
If your home is a bit dark (hello, northern winter), don’t stress. I’ll make the most of what we’ve got, and I always bring a back-up light in case we need a little boost.
Tidy a little, not a lot.
You absolutely do not need a spotless house. Honestly, you just had a baby. But if you can, clear clutter from a couple of key areas, like the bed, sofa, or any areas near windows with good light. Think of it like setting the stage, not deep-cleaning for a rental inspection.
I bring a posing pillow and support to help your baby feel snug and get settled, and it’s especially helpful for doing any gently swaddled or close-up portraits. It’s nothing fancy or stiff, just a comfy way to keep your little one cosy and safe while keeping things natural. If you can, clear a space about two square metres near a window so I can set up the support.
I may also ask your permission to gently move a few things around during the session to create calm, cosy backgrounds that feel like you, not a showroom.
Turn up the heat a little.
Newborns love being warm and snug, especially if we do any nappy-only or skin-to-skin shots. About 15 minutes before I arrive, it helps to warm the room a little more than usual. You don’t need to roast yourselves, but a cosy baby is a content baby - and content babies tend to snooze through photos in the most adorable way.
Dress for comfort (and cuddles).
For your baby, soft neutral sleepsuits or similar work beautifully. Nothing with loud logos or overly bright colours - we want to focus on their tiny fingers, sleepy yawns, and that perfect nose. Have a few options to hand in case of spills or changes.
For the adults, pick clothes that feel good and reflect you. Soft, neutral tones like cream, grey, beige, or blush work really well. It doesn’t all have to match perfectly - just avoid clashing bright colours or big graphics. Think Sunday morning, not wedding guest.
Go with the flow.
Newborn sessions should never be rushed. I always allocate a portion of our time for feeds, nappy changes, and cuddles, because that’s all part of the story we’re telling. If the baby is having a fussy day, we’ll take it slow. If your toddler wants to show me their dinosaur plushie collection, brilliant. We’ll work around your life, not against it.
That’s the beauty of at-home newborn photography. You’re in your own space, with all the things and people you need around you.
Bonus tips:
Have a few muslin cloths nearby - they come in handy!
If siblings are involved, a little snack or activity can help them feel included and relaxed.
Trust that your home, your baby, and your story are already perfect for this.
Ready to book your newborn photoshoot?
If you’re expecting a baby or have a newborn at home already and want to capture those early days in a natural, relaxed way, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message and let’s plan to create something beautiful together.
