A Loving Guide for First-Time Mums
Welcoming a newborn into your home is an unforgettable experience, and as a first-time mom, you want to hold on to every precious moment. An at-home newborn photography session is the perfect way to capture the beauty and tenderness of those early days. If you’re wondering how to prepare, don’t worry—I’m here to guide you every step of the way, just like we’re having a chat over coffee.
When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photos?
The best time to schedule your newborn photoshoot is when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old. At this stage, babies are still super sleepy and curl up naturally, making it easier to capture those adorable, peaceful poses. Plus, they still have that newborn “freshness” that fades all too quickly. But don’t stress if you’re outside this window—every baby is different, and we can still create beautiful images if your little one is a bit older.
Preparing Your Space for the Session
Don’t worry about having a perfectly tidy home—your space doesn’t need to look like it’s straight out of a magazine! All we need is a cozy area with natural light. A room with a large window works best, as soft, natural light creates those dreamy, gentle images. If you’re not sure where the best spot is, I’ll help you choose when I arrive.
A neutral-colored bed, a soft blanket, or a comfy spot on the couch can be the perfect backdrop for your newborn photos. But don’t worry, we don’t need fancy props—your home’s warmth and love will shine through in the images. Keep the room warm and cozy for your baby, as this helps them feel comfortable and settled during the session.
What Should Baby Wear?
When it comes to dressing your baby, simple is still best. Soft fabrics in comfortable outfits, such as a cozy onesie or a gentle swaddle, allow your baby’s delicate features to shine. You can opt for neutrals like whites and pastels, or you can go with something colorful if that’s more your style! The goal is to keep it comfortable and let your little one’s personality shine through. Swaddling your baby is always a good idea—it helps them feel secure and calm, which makes for those adorable, sleepy photos.
What Should Parents Wear?
As the star of the show, your baby will be the main focus, but parents and siblings are welcome to join in too! For parents, I typically recommend wearing soft, comfortable fabrics. Flowy dresses or cozy sweaters work great, and coordinated colors can help the whole family look cohesive.
But not everything should be beige and neutral! If you’re a fan of bold, rich colors, then embrace it! Feel free to incorporate color into your outfits, especially if it’s a hue that’s already present in your home. If you have vibrant accent pillows, a colorful piece of art on the wall, or a beautiful throw blanket, wearing clothes in those colors will make your photos feel personal and cohesive with your home’s style. Jewel tones like deep blues, emerald greens, or mustard yellows can add richness and depth to your images, and they can still be soft and comfortable.
Remember, it’s all about what makes you feel good, because when you’re comfortable and happy, that shines through in the photos.
The Morning of Newborn Photography Session
The key to great newborn family photographs is a calm mother. If this is possible, on the day of your photoshoot ask your partner to go for a walk with the baby so you can get ready without the pressure of going in and checking on the baby constantly. Have a shower or a bath, put on some make up and wear comfortable clothes. I usually suggest dresses for mothers, so they are not too restrictive on the belly, especially if you had a C-section.
Have a couple of outfits ready for your baby (accidents do happen quite often), diapers, tissues, a glass of water for you at the ready. You can even put on some of your favourite relaxing music to set the mood and slow down.
The Flow of the Session
My newborn sessions are always slow-paced and relaxed. As a new mom, you’re already dealing with unpredictable nap schedules, feeding times, and diaper changes, and I completely understand. That’s why we take all the time we need to ensure your baby is calm and comfortable. Whether we need extra time for feeding, changing, or just settling your little one, there’s no rush. It’s all part of the experience, and it allows us to capture those authentic, beautiful moments that tell the story of your family.
Must-Have Poses and Pictures
While every session is unique, here are a few must-have shots that we’ll aim to capture:
Tiny Details: Those little fingers, toes, and eyelashes—the tiny details that you’ll want to remember forever.
The Wrapped Baby: A sweet shot of your newborn wrapped snugly in a soft swaddle, showcasing their peaceful, sleepy state.
In Mom’s Arms: These tender moments of your baby cradled in your arms show the pure love and connection you share.
Family Snuggles: Whether it’s on the couch or the bed, snuggling together as a family makes for beautiful, intimate images.
Sibling Love: If there are older siblings, we’ll capture some heartwarming moments of them bonding with the baby.
Dad’s Hands: A simple yet powerful shot of your baby resting in dad’s hands highlights just how tiny and delicate they are at this stage.
These are just some ideas to guide our session, but I’m always open to your preferences and vision. Together, we’ll create images that reflect the love and joy of your new family.
Final Thoughts
Your baby’s first days are fleeting, but through photography, you can preserve those precious moments forever. An at-home newborn session offers the comfort and intimacy of capturing your baby’s first days in the place where your family feels most at ease—your home.
I can’t wait to help you create lasting memories of this special time. For newborn photographs I recommend going with a Bump-to-Baby or "A Chapter in your life" package.
If you’re ready to book your at-home newborn photoshoot or have any questions, feel free to get in touch! Let’s capture the magic of these early days before they pass by too quickly.
Book your session today and let’s document this once-in-a-lifetime moment with love, care, and the attention it deserves.
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