A comprehensive Guide to Getting Ready for your in-home newborn photography session

As you eagerly await the arrival of your newest family member, it's time to start thinking about capturing those precious early moments through an in-home newborn session! Finding the perfect Northern Virginia & Washington DC Newborn Photographer can make all the difference. To ensure a smooth and relaxed experience, I’d love to share a comprehensive guide to an in-home newborn photography session with Sarah Schmidt Photography. From scheduling tips to preparing yourself, family, and home, let’s dive into all the details that will make your session a beautiful and memorable one!

With these preparations, you’ll have just what you need to cherish the early moments, and trust the process of capturing the genuine beauty of these first few weeks with your new addition in the warmth of your home.

book your newborn session early

Schedule a Tentative Date with Me

I like to set a tentative date approximately one week after your due date to hold. We adjust as needed once we touch base after baby is born. I like scheduling any time between 6-18 days old, and am always flexible if you feel you need more time.

Communicate any questions or concerns with me! My goal with every family is to help you feel comfortable, prepared, and at ease so you can focus on your pregnancy and cherishing the early days with your new baby. Let me alleviate any stressors so you can focus on the things that matter most! The pregnancy kicks & hiccups… the way your new baby smells…and the feel of their hands in yours.

Preparing yourself

Choose Your Outfits in Advance

Choosing what to wear for your in-home newborn session can feel daunting! I’ve learned some helpful tips to have you feeling your best for your session, so please check out the blog post for outfit inspirations and ideas!

Pamper Yourself in the Early, Tired Days!

Clean and moisturize your skin.

Remove chipped nail polish before your session. Aim to have neutral polish manicure or clean fingernails since your hands are featured holing your little one.

Getting yourself ready for your newborn photography session can be made easier by hiring someone to help with your makeup and/or hair. Mama’s who can sit back and relax while getting pampered rave about this experience! Consider hiring someone to come to your home, so you don’t have to do anything but focus on your baby.

Stay Calm

Remember to stay calm and trust the process. Newborn sessions can take some time as little ones need to be snuggled, fed and changed frequently. We are never on a time crunch, instead we are focused on keeping you and your baby comfortable throughout. I am here to help guide you through!

Preparing your home

You may be worried your home isn’t picture perfect, but most of the homes I photograph in are not professionally decorated and that’s okay! I’ve photographed in hundreds of homes and know just how to find the best light, decor, and to highlight your family well. The focus is really on you and your loved ones.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to prepare your home:

Prioritize rooms with natural lighting, and be ready for me to adjust lighting as needed. (I.e. turning off all lighting like lamps, nightlights, overhead lights, etc.). I’ll be sure we find the best light. And if your home is a bit darker, let me know and we’ll be sure to prioritize using a day that is sunny for the best possible light to come in.
Open blinds to maximize natural light - the more natural light the better!
Clean only the areas you think will be used during the session – a gently tidied space is perfect. There’s no need to clear out the house before I arrive because we may not use that space in your home. So if you’re not sure, don’t stress about it!
Clear the clutter - For the bedroom for example, clear off alarm clocks, cups, glasses, etc. Clean surfaces help minimize distractions in the images. A great tip and method to do this quickly is to get a laundry basket, fill with all the items, and store in a closet or hallway.
If you have darker bedding, consider placing a white/neutral blanket over top of your bed for a clean and neutral backdrop. If you don’t think we’ll use your room, don’t worry about it!

preparing your family

Preparing Your Baby

I recommend changing & feeding your baby right before I arrive to ensure a full, happy belly. But keep in mind there will always be breaks for feeding during the session – it's a common and expected part of newborn photography. After feeding it can be helpful to swaddle over a white onesie or neutral outfit, so they are content, warm, and able to settle. From here, we will take your baby’s lead and do what’s necessary to get him/her sleepy and happy.

Preparing Your Spouse

Share any helpful tips or encouragement with your spouse as well, so they aren’t left in the dark!

Preparing Older Siblings, if Applicable

If you have a toddler, feed them beforehand or have clean snacks/incentives (fruit snacks, teddy grahams, etc) to keep them happy and engaged during our session. It’s great to have a “treat” on hand to reward each time they smile or kiss the baby for example. If your child is older, you can always incentivize with something fun at the end!

I love starting our session with a focus on the older siblings, as they are often most focused and attentive right as I arrive!

I aim to keep it fun and calm, not pressuring smiles but trying to create them. I encourage letting your child(ren) know I am coming, but that it’ll be a fun time to connect as a family and document your memories!

I have photographed hundreds of older siblings and have tips and tricks for getting them all in the frame!