As a photographer who offers Wilmington, Delaware lifestlye newborn photography and who specializes in in-home family sessions, I get asked often how family's can prepare thier homes for photos. First, I want to reassure you—I completely understand any worries you may have. You’ve probably scrolled through countless lifestyle newborn photography feeds, seeing beautiful families snuggled up in picture-perfect homes.
But here’s the truth: in-home photographers like me are experts at finding the best light, angles, and backdrops to make you and your space look amazing. What you don’t see in those dreamy images is everything happening just outside the frame (or even behind the families in the images)!
If you're preparing for a lifestyle newborn photoshoot, here are some key tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable session.
Lighting: Let in the Natural light!
Natural light is key! The best time for your session is typically in the morning or afternoon, depending on when the rooms in your home receive the most natural light. While I do bring a flash that I can bounce off ceilings or walls (never directly at you or your baby), I reserve it for especially gloomy days or spaces with limited natural light.
To prepare for your session, I recommend turning off artificial lights, as they can create unwanted color casts on you and your baby. Instead, open up blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. During the session, I'll position you near windows to make the most of that beautiful, soft light.
If you have a room with a gorgeous window—even if it's not the nursery or bedroom—we can absolutely use that space for part of the session. The goal is to create bright, natural, and timeless images of you and your little one!
Home Prep: Keep It Simple
There’s no need for a spotless house! I love working in real, lived-in, loved-in homes, and some of my favorite photos have come from spaces that are a solid “B” in tidiness. I do not care if you haven't wiped your baseboards in the past 6 months, or if your floor needs to be mopped or vaccumed, and frankly, these kinds of things do not show up on camera. None of this makes a difference and I do not judge. You just had a baby!
However, clearing flat surfaces of clutter—such as bedside tables, countertops, and dressers—can help keep distractions out of the frame. If we’re shooting in the nursery or bedroom, consider tucking away phone chargers, books, water bottles, or extra baby gear. Just for the session, consider taking down the baby monitor, stashing the diaper caddy in the closet, and think of other practical items that you can temporarily remove to create a cleaner look. This can be as simple as putting this items in a landry basket in the corner of the room.
Soft, neutral bedding and blankets can help create a clean, timeless look, so if you have light-colored linens, consider using them for the session. If you have colourful or patterned bedding, try to pick out solid outfits that will stand out from your printed duvet and have a couple of solid recieving blankets on hand for baby.
Most importantly, don’t stress! The focus of these photos is on you and your baby, not the state of your home. I’ll guide you in choosing the best spots to shoot, ensuring we capture beautiful, heartfelt moments in the spaces that mean the most to you.
Don't be Shy: Ask for your Wilmington, Delaware Lifestyle Newborn Photographer's Input!
Every home is unique, so don’t hesitate to snap a few photos and ask your photographer for input on the best rooms to use. You’ll likely need fewer locations than you think—by adjusting angles, lenses, and groupings, we can create a wide variety of images in just one or two spots.
The best spaces for in-home newborn sessions are typically the nursery, living room, and parents’ bedroom, but I’ll help you find the best light and settings to bring your photos to life.
Is my Home too Small for Newborn Photos?
When I first started learning portrait photography, I worked on a personal project featuring young moms. Many were living in one or two bedroom apartments and didn't have a nursey. I was still able to create beautiful, meaninglful images for the,
If we have to do your entire session in one room, I can assure you that you will still get a great variety of images. Two of my favorite spaces for a lifestyle newborn session are the master bedroom and the family room. I haven’t yet been to a home that doesn’t have either of those!
Have Meaningful Items Ready
If there are sentimental items you’d like included in your session—such as a special handmade blanket or a family heirloom—have them nearby so we can incorporate them into the photos.
Styling: What to Wear
For parents, I recommend wearing neutral or earth-toned outfits that complement your home’s decor. Soft textures like knits, lace, and relaxed fabrics photograph beautifully. Some families love the cozy feel of elevated loungewear—think a beautiful robe, chunky sweater, or soft pajama set. Others prefer to dress up a bit in a simple dress or linen shirt. The beauty of an at-home session is that you can even have multiple outfit changes!
For baby, I recommend a solid-colored onesie or sleeper to keep the focus on their tiny features. If you love the idea of capturing skin details like baby rolls and dimples, having a diaper-only option is great, too. I suggest limiting outfit changes since most newborns don’t enjoy them.
If you would like more Styling tips, you can find them HERE.
Preparing for the Session
Feed baby beforehand: A full tummy usually means a content, sleepy newborn, which helps create calm, cozy photos.
Adjust the temperature: If you’d like some diaper-only shots, consider keeping your home a bit warmer so baby stays comfortable.
Incorporate daily life: Some of my favorite sessions include capturing real-life moments, such as feeding, snuggling, reading with an older sibling, or even a cozy breakfast together. Think about what feels true to your postpartum experience.
No Need to Pose!
My goal is to capture authentic, intimate moments, so there’s no pressure to pose perfectly. I will guide you with natural prompts to help you feel comfortable, and the love you share as a family will shine through in the images.
Your family, your baby, and your home are already perfect just as they are. Don’t let Instagram’s version of perfection stop you from having the warm, cozy in-home newborn session you’ve been dreaming of. One day, you’ll look back and be so grateful for these beautiful reminders of this fleeting, magical time.
If you’re expecting and would love to capture your family’s story, I’d love to connect with you and plan your session together! Interested in booking a Wilmington, Delaware lifestyle Newborn session? Inquire HERE.
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