Preparing for your in-home newborn photography session can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience! You’ll want to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that your baby looks adorable in every photo, but also make it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. When it comes to newborn photography, in-home lifestyle sessions are becoming increasingly popular!

Newborn sessions allow you to capture the first special moments of your newborn’s life in the comfort of your own home (or in a studio) – all while surrounded by the things that you love and memories that were made within those walls. With a little preparation and planning, you can ensure that your first photo session as a family is stress-free and results in beautiful memories that you will cherish forever. Scroll on to read about 7 tips on how to prepare for your in-home San Francisco newborn photography session.

San Francisco Newborn Photography: 7 Tips on How to Prepare for Your Amazing Session

Scheduling and Planning

1. Choose the Right Photographer

As with any photography session, the first step is to choose the right photographer. Look for someone who specializes in newborn photography and has experience with in-home lifestyle sessions. You want someone who can capture the essence of your family’s life and create images that tell a story.

Check out the photographer’s portfolio to get an idea of their style and the types of images they create. Look for reviews and recommendations from other parents who have worked with the photographer to get an idea of their experience!

2. Schedule Your Session Early

Scheduling your in-home newborn photography session early is important for several reasons. Newborns grow and change so quickly, so it’s important to capture those first few weeks of life before they’re gone. Booking your session early ensures that you’ll have the best chance of getting photos when your baby is still in the newborn phase. Photographers often have busy schedules, so scheduling your session early ensures that you can secure a date that works for both you and the photographer. 

Booking your session early gives you plenty of time to prepare your home, choose outfits, and plan any other details for the shoot. By scheduling your in-home newborn photography session early, you can ensure that you’ll have a stress-free and enjoyable experience that results in beautiful, lasting memories.

It’ll make things significantly easier if you’re able to schedule your newborn session with the same photographer who photographed your maternity session! Most photographers offer maternity and newborn sessions together (most often termed “bump to baby package”), so definitely book them both if your photographer offers this! 

Evaluate and Prepare your home

3. Decide on the Location

In-home lifestyle sessions are all about capturing your family’s life in your own environment. Think about the rooms in your home that you love the most and that have the best light. Consider the nursery, the living room, or even the backyard.

Talk to your photographer about the locations you have in mind and how they can work with the available light to create beautiful images.

When it comes to choosing the best rooms to use for an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session, there are a few things to consider. Look for rooms with good natural light, as this will create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the photos.

The nursery is often a popular choice, as it’s a place where many special moments with your newborn will take place. The living room or bedroom can also be great options, as they are often spaces where families spend a lot of time together. Consider any unique features of your home, such as a cozy reading nook or a sunny spot in the backyard, that might make for interesting and personal photos. Ultimately, the goal is to create a comfortable and inviting space where you and your family can relax and be yourselves, so choose rooms that feel most natural to you.

4. Prepare Your Home

Before your session, you should prepare your home for the photographer’s arrival. This includes decluttering the areas where you want to take photos and cleaning up any messes. You want the space to look clean and inviting in the photos.

Start by decluttering the areas where you plan to shoot, as this will create a clean and uncluttered background for your photos. Be sure to tidy up any toys or other objects that might be distracting in the photos. Next, consider adding some personal touches to your home to make the photos feel more intimate and special. This could include things like family photos or keepsakes that have special meaning to you. 

Think about any safety precautions you may need to take, such as covering sharp edges or removing fragile objects, to ensure that the session is safe and stress-free for everyone involved. By taking these steps, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will help you capture beautiful memories with your newborn.

Week before your session

5. Dress for Comfort

Choosing what to wear is a critical part of preparing for your newborn session. Comfort and simplicity are key when it comes to clothing choices. You want to be relaxed and comfortable in your own home, so choose clothing that you feel good in and know that works best for your personal style!

For parents, neutral, solid-colored clothing is often the best choice, as it will not be distracting in the photos. It’s also important to choose clothing that is easy to move around in so you’re able to move throughout the session easily. For babies, simple, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove is the best choice. Consider using blankets or wraps to keep them warm and cozy during the session. Remember, the goal is to capture natural, intimate moments, and clothing should not detract from that.

6. Plan the Shots

Before your session, you should talk to your photographer about the must-have shots that you want to capture. Think about the moments that are most meaningful to you and the images that you want to look back on in the years to come.

Letting your photographer know your must-have shots for your newborn session is a crucial step in ensuring that you get the photos you want. Before the shoot, make a list of any specific shots or poses that are important to you, such as a family portrait or a photo of your baby in a certain outfit. Share this list with your photographer, along with any other details or preferences you may have!

Not only will this help your photographer plan the shoot and ensure that they capture the moments that matter most to you, but it’ll help your photographer navigate through the session at a seamless pace. Communication is key when it comes to newborn sessions, so be sure to keep an open dialogue with your photographer throughout the session. With clear communication and a shared vision, you can create stunning, meaningful photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

On your session day

7. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

One of the most important things you can do for your in-home lifestyle newborn photography session is to relax and enjoy the moment. It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous or self-conscious (after all, you just spent 10 building a human in your body) during a photoshoot, but try to remember that the goal is to capture natural, intimate moments with your family! Don’t worry about posing (that’s your photographers job) or trying to make everything perfect; simply focus on being present in the moment and enjoying the time with your newborn.

Take breaks if needed, and go at your baby’s pace. Trust that your photographer will capture beautiful photos of your family. Remember that the best photos often come from candid moments, so allow yourself to let go and be yourselves. By taking a relaxed and natural approach, you’ll end up with photos that truly capture the love and joy of your family during this special time!

Ready to book your San Francisco newborn photography session?

While preparing for your newborn photography session may seem stressful, using these tips will ensure your experience will go like a breeze! This experience is all about creating a comfortable and inviting space and letting your photographer capture the essence of the beginning of your family’s new chapter! Choose the right photographer, schedule your session early, decide on the location, prepare your home, dress for comfort, plan the shots, and most importantly, relax and enjoy the moment!

Wondering how a San Francisco newborn photography session will look like? Check out my most recent in-home newborn blog post to see the magic we can create! If you are looking for a maternity or newborn photographer in San Francisco, be sure to check out my portfolio and contact me today to discuss your ideal maternity session! Also be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest work!