5 Tips for an Incredible In Home Newborn Photoshoot

In Home Newborn Sessions are such a beautiful way to capture the early days at home with your precious bundle of joy. The sleepy snuggles, the wrinkly fingers and peach fuzz, and my favourite, the sweet newborn lip pout. There is so much to be in awe over at this age.

I also understand that this is a delicate and tender time and the thought of a photoshoot can be stressful. I am a mother of two, I have been there, I understand the array of emotions you are navigating at this time are not always easy.

I have prepared this blog post to help you prepare for our in home newborn photoshoot and assure you it isn’t something that you need to be stressed about.

So let’s dive in, here are my five tips for an incredible in home newborn photoshoot with me:

1. Don’t stress about outfits - I have yours and your baby’s outfit covered!

   If you have booked your In Home Newborn Photoshoot with me, you have full access to my client wardrobe. My client wardrobe includes a number of beautiful items that have been carefully selected to be flattering and photograph beautifully. The last thing I want you worrying about is finding an outfit to wear days after you have given birth. I also bring along adorable and timeless outfits and blankets for your baby.
   
   When it comes to Dad and your other children, I suggest keeping it simple - a nice t-shirt or polo for dad and big brothers and little girls in simple outfits such as a plain dress. You don’t need to buy anything new, what you have available is usually perfect.

2. Feed your baby just before I am due to arrive

   For the session to run as smoothly as possible, we need your baby to be as settled and content as possible. To help, try keep your baby up and plan to feed your baby just ahead of my arrival, so by the time I arrive your baby is ready to be burped, wrapped and settled.
   
   Do not stress if these means you don’t have time to finish getting ready, I will wrap and settle your baby when I arrive, while you finish getting ready. Typically we start taking photos around 20 - 30 minutes after my arrival - there is no rush to do it all ahead of my arrival.

3. Talk me up to your toddlers!

   Is there anything more unpredictable than a toddler? I’ll wait… If you have a toddler or pre-school aged child, you’ll notice that when I arrive I will focus a lot of my attention on them. If I gain their trust, if they know that we’re friends and we’re going to have a lovely time, they will be more likely to participate in the session and follow my light direction.
   
   In the days leading up to our session, talk about me, tell them that I am coming over to take some photos of your family and how fun it will be, and that I love playing and can’t wait to see their favourite toys. There is no need to put any unnecessary pressure on them to smile or perform. My style is very relaxed and we will usually get beautiful and genuine smiles.

4. Don’t worry about mess, or your home being ‘picture perfect’

   Life with a newborn is chaotic, you are adjusting to a new normal in more ways than one. I do not expect you to have an immaculately cleaned and picture perfect home. Before my arrival, have a think about what rooms or spaces in your home get the best natural light and focus on tidying this room. All I need is a little bit of space, next to a window or a door with a good amount of natural light. There is no need to clean and tidy your whole home for my arrival.
   
   Remember, I am there to capture your love, your connection, the beauty of this season in your family story. I am not worried about the dishes in your sink or your unfolded washing.
   

5. Relax, trust me and follow my lead

   Lastly, and most importantly, relax, trust me and follow my lead.
   
   If your baby is unsettled, it’s ok, I am not in a rush to leave. We will take the time to settle your baby together. If your toddler is full of energy, amazing! I will dance around with them while you get ready. I don’t want you to stress about anything at all.

   
   If you are relaxed, at ease and fully present for our session, the result will be incredibly beautiful. Take a breath, soak up this time in your newborn bubble and let the love flow. That beauty and love will shine in your images. I got you x