You’ve probably scrolled through tons of lifestyle newborn sessions on Instagram—gorgeous families in picture-perfect homes.
But here’s the truth: in-home photographers know how to find the best light, angles, and backdrops to make your home look amazing. What you don’t see is the laundry pile or clutter just outside the frame.
As a family photographer, I’ve never walked into a home I couldn’t create beautiful images in. What matters most is what’s in the frame—not whether your house looks like a magazine spread.
Still wondering how to prepare your space for an in-home newborn session? I’ve put together a few simple, stress-free tips to help you get ready—because when you have a newborn, cleaning baseboards should be the last thing on your mind.
There's no need to buy anything.
Before you run off to a HomeGoods to create a "photo-worthy" home-
I ask that you send a few quick photos of the space. Every home is different, so don’t hesitate to snap a few photos on your phone and ask your photographer which spaces might work best.
You’d be surprised how few rooms we actually need—thanks to creative angles, lenses, and swapping out who's in the shot. Most in-home sessions come to life beautifully using just the nursery, the primary bedroom, and the living room.
De-clutter, but don't deep clean.
Minimizing clutter in the few rooms you plan to use is the best way to get your home ready for your session.
Simple things can go a long way, like:
- Clearing off bedside tables and end tables. Keep any artwork or framed photos you don’t mind having in the background, but hide the receipts, paper piles, snacks, stray pacis, and nipple cream in the nearest drawer.
- Take down the baby monitor, stash the diaper caddy full of Huggies in the closet, and think of other practical items that you can temporarily remove to create a cleaner look.
- Put clean, neutral bedspreads on the crib and the master bed. I suggest a cream or white, solid-colored comforter or sheet. Remember, you can always use the inside of a duvet or a white sheet if your regular comforter has a bold or busy pattern.
Please don’t worry if you have a sink full of dishes or haven’t mopped. None of this will make a difference, and no one will judge! (I promise- I'm a mom too and I also have mountains of laundry and dishes.)
DON’T JUST TURN OFF THE LIGHTS; GO AHEAD AND UNPLUG THEM!
Here in Florida, we’re lucky to have plenty of natural light in most homes—hello sunshine! That said, not every room is equally bright, and the light can change throughout the day. As a photographer, I know how to chase that beautiful window light and use it in the most flattering way possible.
Sometimes it’s the nursery with the perfect soft glow, other times it’s a corner of the living room or even a hallway. I simply go where the light takes us and make it work!
Since I shoot exclusively with natural window light, a few quick prep steps can really help. Before I arrive, try turning off any lamps or overhead lights, and open up the blinds or curtains. If possible, unplug lamps and tuck away cords—this keeps the space looking clean and lets us move around safely and easily.
BE PREPARED TO GET CREATIVE.
On the day of your newborn session, the vibe is relaxed, fun, and flexible—we go with the flow to capture beautiful moments you’ll treasure forever.
Every home has its own magic, and part of the fun is getting creative with the space. Here are just a few ways I’ve made the most of different lighting and layouts:
- Sliding the crib near a window to take advantage of natural light
- Turning a glider just the right way to block background clutter
- Bringing the crib mattress into the living room for that perfect soft-light “in the crib” look
- Shooting in unexpected spots like the hallway, stairwell, or even the bathroom!
