How to prepare for your at-home newborn photography session

Aug 6, 2024 | Family

Welcoming a newborn into your home is one of life’s most precious moments, and capturing these early days with a lifestyle newborn photo session is a beautiful way to preserve the memories. If you’re in Essex or Suffolk and have chosen the comfort of your own home for this session, you’re likely seeking a relaxed and authentic style of photography that reflects your family in a natural way. If you have booked your newborn session you might be wondering how to prepare, what to expect, and how to ensure everything goes smoothly. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you get ready for your home newborn shoot.

Newborn photographer answers your questions

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK OUR NEWBORN SESSION?

You can secure your newborn session from your 3rd month of pregnancy, getting all the booking information out the way before little one arrives. When your bundle of joy is welcomed into the world, send me a message and we can book a date. I recommend booking your photo session within 2-4 weeks of your baby’s birth. It goes without saying the earlier I come the smaller your baby will be in the photos. Some parents like a week or so to settle into parenthood and to get used to the new normal before having their shoot.

HOW LONG IS A NEWBORN SESSION?

I am flexible with timings as every shoot is different, I allow 1-2 hours for newborn shoots. It can be closer to 2 hours when there are nappy/outfit changes, feeds and just general settling of little one. I never make you feel rushed with timings.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

For your baby: You want a few options just incase of a poop explosion or any accidents. I would recommend having the following in neutral tones: 

+ A cute onesie where their legs can be out so we can capture their little toes.
+ A full onesie (perfect for cooler days).
+ A blanket to cover them up and make the super snuggly.
+ A muslin to hand, just in case.

For you: I would also recommend neutral tones as well and I would avoid black. Neutral tones go with most home interiors when you get the photos printed. 

 

WHAT ROOMS WOULD YOU USUALLY PHOTOGRAPH IN?

I would always opt for rooms filled with gorgeous natural daylight, this varies from home to home. Typically I would photograph in your bedroom, lounge and baby nursery (if you have one/if it is ready). I would recommend neutral bed sheets (on your bed/baby’s bed) if possible as I sometimes lay baby on the bed for some photos. 

WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR PHOTOS?

As I will be photographing in natural light all baby shoots take place during the day. Ideally we want your baby to be sleeping or sleepy for the shoot so they are nice and settled for photos. I suggest planning the shoot around a feed/nap time.

WHAT DO WE GET FROM OUR NEWBORN SESSION?

2-3 weeks after your newborn session you will receive an email with a link to your private online viewing gallery which you can share with your family and friends. From there you can download all the hi-resolution images (usually between 30-40 images).

COULD WE BE IN SOME PHOTOS?

Of course! Even if you don’t want to be in any I recommend being in at least a couple of photos so you can look back and remember how small they were in your arms. If you have other children be sure to include them on the shoot day, as we can capture some sibling photos.

IF WE CAN NO LONGER MAKE THE SESSION WHAT DO WE DO?

Not a problem, I know situations can change. Let me know as soon as possible as in some cases I leave up to an hour before the shoot depending on where you’re based.

WHAT LOCATIONS DO YOU COVER?

For home newborn sessions, I cover locations within a 20-mile radius of Braintree.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Up-to-date pricing can be found on my family photography page.

READY TO BOOK IN?

It couldn’t be easier. I require 50% of the total amount due at the time of booking with the remaining balance due 1 week before the shoot. You can either book in a provisional date or what most people prefer is to work out a date once baby has arrived. Get in touch via the contact form at the bottom of my family photography page and we can start planning!

We are so incredibly grateful to Gemma for taking our pregnancy and newborn photos. Gemma took the photos in the comfort of our own home and made us feel so at ease and comfortable during both sessions.

We absolutely love our photos and the special memories that Gemma captured, especially that newborn phase which is a bit of a blur!! Thank you again.

THE WALKER FAMILY

Colchester