An in-home newborn lifestyle session in Lancaster, PA with baby Izak and his parents and big brother Ezra.
Tips to Prepare for Your In Home Newborn Photo Session
One of my most frequently asked questions from parents for in home newborn lifestyle sessions is how they can prepare for photos. I always start out by saying there is no need to worry about tidying up (you just had a baby!) and if anything needs to be moved around, I am happy to do that when I get there. You would be surprised at the beauty that can be captured in just a small corner with good natural light!
Open curtains and blinds: I typically photograph in the nursery and another space that gets nice light such as a living room or bedroom. If it’s nice outside or you have a sun porch, I’m also happy to take photos outdoors. I do have a light stand I bring to sessions for dark spaces so if your room needs an extra boost of light, I’ve got you covered! Usually overhead lights and lamps cast a yellow glow so typically I will leave the lights off.
Keep it warm: Babies are happiest when they are warm and cozy so make sure the spaces we are in are nice and warm ahead of time. I typically recommend keeping fans off so they don’t make baby cold when/if we do outfit changes.
Feed the baby: If possible, I recommend getting in a feeding before I arrive; however it is not the end of the world if that doesn’t happen because I understand how families are functioning on very little sleep. We will go by baby’s cues and if they are hungry or need a burp or diaper change, we take time for that. If they are bottle fed, perhaps have a bottle on hand ready to warm up.
Choose outfits in advance: I recommend laying aside a few outfits or favorite swaddles that you might want baby to wear during the session. I love using various cozy textures with newborns such as chunky knit blankets or stretchy muslin swaddles. For moms I recommend something comfortable and nursing friendly (if you are nursing). I do not recommend black simply because it shows every hair or speck of dust. I feel that lighter softer neutral colors typically photograph best with baby. This is not a hard and fast rule however, and ultimately you should wear what feels like you! Just keep in mind that the colors you wear will reflect off of baby’s skin so if you wear bright pink for example, their face is probably going to have a pink hue.
Minimal and meaningful props: As a newborn lifestyle photographer, I prefer a more documentary approach to newborn sessions so I don’t prefer to incorporate a lot of props. That said, I do bring along a moses basket and some faux fur mats and swaddles that you may use for your session. I do encourage you to think about any heirloom items that you might want to include such as a stuffy from your childhood or hand knitted blanket from a special family member.
Helpers welcome: If it is helpful to have a family member present during the session to help you get ready, prepare some coffee or lunch for afterwards, or just have an extra set of hands, feel free to invite them over!
If there are older siblings involved, often I’ll ask them to give me a tour of baby’s room, or their room or play room so they can get used to me. I’ve got three children of my own and am very experienced and comfortable with toddlers. I also completely understand the weariness of being newly postpartum and not knowing what day or time it is. I have been photographing newborn sessions in Lancaster for at least ten years now and I can assure you that despite all your worries, I will make your session a calm and stress-free experience.
Below are some photos of this brand new family of four! Little Izak did absolutely great for his session, and he mostly slept and peeked at us for a few photos towards the end. Seeing a tiny baby in an oversized chunky knit sweater is just the cutest! And I love the soft pastel color palette they chose for their outfits contrasted with mom and dad’s tattoos.
Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!
