Let’s set the scene: You brought your new little person home with you just a week ago. Your body is healing and a bit (or a lot) sore. You’re taking on the days slowly, one moment at a time. Baby is never far from your chest. The freezer is full of lasagnas from loving neighbors. You’re getting to know this new little companion who still doesn’t fit their newborn clothes. You’re figuring out that “mom sway” that everyone’s been talking about. They tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, but every time the baby sleeps you can’t help but stare at their tiny little toes. Your little family is tired, but hearts are so full. New mama hormones are taking you on a not so fun rollercoaster ride of feelings. Getting out of the house may seem daunting. Although you are up to your eyeballs in baby wipes and laundry, you know that this newborn stage only lasts a minute. As messy and sleep depriving as it is, the tiny baby details are just to precious to forget. And you won’t forget them, mama. I know this. You’ll hold onto it all very tightly. But photographs certainly help to make those memories tangible.

Sometimes, leaving the house for those photographs is an overwhelming task. You might be worried that baby won’t nap on the way there, or you’ll forget something crucial in the diaper bag. Or, let’s be honest, you just might not want to. If you’re really hoping for authentic, cozy photographs of your first bit of time with your new little one in your own hope, your photographer can come to you.

I know an At-Home Photoshoot can raise some different worries. “But the house is a mess” “Do I have an ‘aesthetic’ enough home?”

Allow me to put your worries to rest. As promised, here are some tips I give to all my At-Home Newborn Session clients to make sure they’ll be happy with their newborn photographs.

Number 1: Let That Light In!

Newborn photos are meant to be soft and cozy. To create that, the more natural light the better! Be prepared to open up the blinds and let that natural light in. If you think of it, pay attention to what time of day the sunlight is the brightest and let your photographer know. Think of which room in your home has the most natural light and expect that most of the photos will be taken there. Your photographer might have other light sources in their arsenal to fill in anywhere that the window light can’t reach.

Number 2: Keep It Simple, Sweetie.

At-Home Sessions are meant to have a tangible authenticity to them. That means when you look back at those photos years from now things should look exactly as you remember. It’s more emotion and less posing. More details and less props. You get it. No need to pull out all the stops. No need for multiple outfit changes, touchups, a spotless house or newborn babies wrapped in little fruit baskets. (If those sound like things you want, I’m not yucking your yum, but this post might not be your vibe!) My advice for keeping it simple are as follows: Put outfits together for all of you that are comfortable, make sense to wear while snuggling at home, that are some sort of soft or neutral color. Basically just steer clear of bright, bold prints or logos. You can pick up the house but don’t feel that it needs to be spotless. We’re photographing reality, remember? Some sentimental things to have as props with the baby are always lovely, but you don’t have to have a hundred ideas. We can just photograph life as it is right now, and that’s always enough. So really what I’m telling you, mama, is that you can relax.

Number 3: Ask Questions and Communicate.

It’s important that you trust your photographerIt’s always okay (encouraged, even) to ask your photographer questions to ease your mind. Some you may think of are “How long should we plan for the session to last?” “What if baby is cranky that day?” “Can we be sure to get a photo of ____?” Communication is the key to you and your photographer creating images that everyone is happy with!

Number 4: Give Yourself Grace.

Your body and mind are going through A LOT right now. Postpartum hormones are nothing to ignore. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay mama. But remember it’s important that you are seen and heard. Same goes for your healing body. No matter how your baby was born, healing takes time. Take good care of yourself, wear loose clothing in a neutral color that you feel comfy in and gives your body the breathing room it needs. Matching lounge sets or flowy knit dresses are my favorites!

Finally number 5: Include your partner.

Often these extra things like cute outfits and photoshoots fall on Mama. Make sure your partner is up to speed on photoshoot details and communicate with them. Same neutral rules apply to their outfits (try to convince dad not to wear a ball cap), hand your partner the baby so they can get some good snuggling photos too.

Those are my tips! Hopefully those help 🙂

xo

-Q