SPOKANE NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER: HOW TO PREPARE for Newborn Photos AT HOME

SPOKANE NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER: HOW TO PREPARE for Newborn Photos AT HOME

So you’ve booked your newborn photoshoot at home and you might be asking “how do I prepare my home?”Preparing your home for a Newborn Session shouldn’t be complicated or stressful. Your focus should be on your baby during the newborn days, but if you want a little help on getting ready, here’s what you need to know.. Read through this little checklist to find out what to do in preparation for your in-home newborn photos.

1. Dress Comfortably, but cute.

   Check out my guide to styling indoor sessions here. Gather any items like blankets, outfits or other special items before I arrive.

2. Lower Expectations.

   Big changes are happening in your home and body, it’s okay to feel tired or unlike yourself, so go easy on yourself and your family members. Leave the stress of making everyone look good up to me, I have many tricks up my sleeve to help. Let your children be as they are, there’s no need to sweat the small stuff on picture day.

3. Don’t clean your house.

   You should be spending your time with your new baby so please do not feel like you need to clean for me. I see many many homes with new babies and I promise you I am not judging, I have been in your shoes, my furniture got rearranged and wasn’t put back for months. I will help you with tidying the space that we’re in when I arrive.

4. Put fresh sheets on the bed.

   While you definitely shouldn’t clean your house, you may want to plan a fresh set of sheets for your bed for picture day. Breastfeeding, spit up, all the things are a part of every new mom’s journey. So having a fresh and ready to go set of sheets on the bed can help you feel at ease when pictures are being taken. The primary bedroom is one of the most popular rooms for newborn photos at home.

5. Prioritize baby and family wellness over everything.

   If your baby needs a diaper change, a feed, please feel free to take care of yourself, your new baby, and your family. I do suggest getting yourself and everyone else in the house a snack before I arrive just so everyone is energized.

6. Check the thermostat.

   Be sure that your home is a comfortable temperature for your new baby, Sometimes I take nursing photos or nearly nude photos of the baby, so keeping baby warm and comfortable is important.

7. Turn off the lights, open the blinds

   We want as much natural light as possible and to minimize the ambient room lights. It’s okay if you don’t get around to this before your photographer shows up, just know they’re going to do it when they get there.

8. Have a plan for your pets.

   You know your pets best. If they are welcoming to visitors, then you don’t need to do anything, but if they aren’t always, having a place for them to retreat to can be helpful. And in case you're wondering, yes your pets are welcome to join in the photos! They just may not want to be involved for the whole session. So have a plan for them too.

   My hope is that this little checklist is helpful to new parents who want newborn photos done in their home. Focus on your baby and the rest will work itself out.

• Should I clean my house before my newborn session?

  There’s no need to go crazy with cleaning your house or bathrooms especially. If it make you feel better you can tidy up anything that isn’t baby related, like laundry baskets of clothes or dishes on the coffee table. If you don’t get around to it, that is just fine. Your photographer will help you when they arrive. You just had a baby, focus on you and baby instead.

• When is the best time of day for newborn photos?

  Late morning is the best time of day for newborn photos. The sun is high enough to light up most homes by late morning. Most babies are more content in the morning than the afternoon which helps the session go a little more smoothly.

• What if my home doesn't look "Instagram-worthy"?

  All homes are welcome here. Your home does not need to be fancy or instagram worthy to have newborn photos taken at home. Your family and baby are the focus, not your house. A couple of things can help the appearance of homes and that is to reduce clutter and decorate in more neutral tones- so curtains and bedding type items. Any home can be used for newborn photos no matter the size, or amount of light. What’s important is that we are capturing the season your family is in and preserving the real memory of you bringing your new baby home.