Prepping for In-Home Newborn Photos

Lifestyle Newborn

March 26, 2021

mom and dad kiss while holding newborn

I love my job as one of Maryland’s maternity and newborn photographers. I take pride in being able to offer posed (in my studio) and lifestyle (in your home) newborn photos. Offering both options allows parents to choose the style that best fits the memories they want to have of their newborn baby. It is my hope that this post will help you when you’re prepping for in-home newborn photos.

up close and posed shots of baby, prepping for in-home newborn photos

Newborn lifestyle photos are really special because they allow parents to have a particular level of comfort, being in their own home, and they are an especially sweet way of being able to show your baby exactly what life looked like when he or she was freshly earthside. One thing that I love best about in-home newborn photos is that they’re REAL LIFE. Whether that means frequent check-ins by furry family members or older siblings taking a snack break while reading books on the floor with dad, all of it is documented in a way that tells an authentic story of life in that moment. Prepping for in-home newborn photos shouldn’t be a monumental task, either. Here I’ll share some tips that will make the day go smoothly while guaranteeing wonderful memories to look back on.

tender dad pictures with newborn
  1. DE-CLUTTER – this does not have to be an annoying task. Just look around and take note of all the things that you don’t want in your pictures. Any extra baby equipment, coffee mugs and water bottles, discarded burp cloths and laundry baskets…shove all that stuff in a closet and haul it back out when I leave 🤭
  2. EMBRACE THE LIGHT – my goal will be to have as much natural light as possible streaming through your windows. Pull up every shade and open every blind…I will use all the natural light I can get. The opposite is true of artificial light. I’ll ask you to turn off every light switch that may cast color onto our photos – this will save me hours when editing your photos!
  3. PREP THE NURSERY AND THE MASTER BEDROOM – choose neutral, light-colored bedding for each room because most of the photos will take place in those rooms. Be prepared to point out items that are of special importance so that I can document those for your memories. Have the window coverings pulled back and, if you have sheer white curtains hung up to diffuse the light, I’ll be your best friend! Sheers are a gorgeous, dreamy addition to any lifestyle session.
  4. CHOOSE YOUR OUTFITS IN ADVANCE – choose something that you’re comfortable in so that you can pose without risk of a wardrobe malfunction. I always advise clients to choose something comfy on the bottom (leggings, jeans, khakis, etc.) and then, for your top halves, go with a light, neutral color (cream, light gray or light-colored pastels are best) to ensure that you get the style that you were attracted to when you first saw my work. Flowy sundresses photograph beautifully and are super comfortable in the post-partum phase if momma wants to dress up just a little.
  5. BREASTFEEDING PHOTOS – if you want photos documenting this precious life stage, plan to change into something a little more breastfeeding-friendly. Most moms like to pair a nursing tank with a light cardigan-type sweater over top so that they don’t feel quite as exposed.
mom cuddling newborn on master bed

Prepping for in-home newborn photos truly doesn’t have to be stressful. You chose lifestyle photos because you love and feel comfortable in your home and I want that to convey in the images I deliver. Your prep work and my discerning eye will ensure that the newborn photos you receive will be exactly what you hoped for when you chose me as your newborn photographer.

Liz Viernes Photography is based near Kensington, Maryland, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.

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