Welcoming a newborn into your family is such a beautiful experience, and capturing those precious early moments with in home newborn photos is a wonderful way to cherish them forever. As a professional Oklahoma City newborn photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of documenting families in the comfort of their own homes, and I’ve learned that a little preparation can make a big difference in the final outcome. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for a successful in-home lifestyle newborn photo session.

1. Prepping Your Home for In Home Newborn Photos

Before the session, take some time to declutter the areas where we’ll be shooting. This doesn’t mean you need to transform your home into a magazine spread, but removing excess items will help the focus stay on your newborn and the beautiful moments we’ll capture. Tidy up spaces like the living room, nursery, and any other areas we might use. A quick clean can also help the overall feel of the images, giving them a more serene and inviting look.

2. Choose the Right Rooms In Your Home

Think about the spaces in your home that have good natural light. Rooms with large windows or soft, diffused light are ideal. The living room, nursery, or bedroom often work well. If you have a favorite chair or a cozy corner, let me know! We can use these spots to create intimate portraits that feel natural and personal.

3. Lighting For Your In Home Photos

Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of photography – especially for in home photo sessions. When working in my client’s homes, I love to work with natural light. To ensure the best light, I try to schedule the session during the day when the natural light is at its best—typically in the late morning or early afternoon. You can enhance the natural light by opening curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. If your home is on the darker side, consider using soft lamps or even string lights to add a warm glow. If you’re really concerned, I do have studio lights that can work to add extra light as well!

4. Consider Your Decor

Lifestyle sessions are all about capturing the essence of your family, so your home decor plays a key role in that narrative. If you have any sentimental items—like blankets, toys, or books—that you’d like to include, set them aside. Neutral colors tend to photograph well, however if you have a bolder style and use more colorful decor, let’s emphasize that in your photos as well! These images are meant to celebrate your new family, so let’s do exactly that!

5. Comfort In Your Home

A relaxed baby means beautiful photos! Ensure that the space is warm and comfortable for your newborn. If the weather is cool, warm up the room a bit before the session. Keep blankets, pacifiers, and any feeding supplies close at hand to keep your baby calm and happy. Lifestyle sessions are all about your natural environment and day-to-day living, so you’ll spend most of the session holding and snuggling your baby, feeding your baby and even kissing their sweet little toes!

6. What to Wear for In Home Newborn Photos

Outfits play a big role in any photo session, and an in home newborn photo session is no exception. Soft, neutral colors work well and create a timeless look. Avoid busy patterns that might distract from the main focus: your newborn and your growing family. Think cozy sweaters, soft linens, or flowy and comfortable fabrics that move easily. Comfort is key, so don’t feel the need to dress really formal for photos in your home!

7. Candid over Posed

Finally, remember that lifestyle photography is about capturing genuine moments. Be yourself, and don’t stress about posing perfectly. The best images often come from candid interactions—kissing your baby’s forehead, cuddling on the couch, or simply enjoying each other’s company. I’ll guide you through poses, but your love and connection will shine through when you’re relaxed and having fun.

In Home Newborn Photographer

Preparing your home for a lifestyle newborn photo session doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little decluttering, a focus on natural light, and an emphasis on comfort, you can create a beautiful environment that showcases your family’s unique story. I look forward to capturing these special moments with you and your little one!

Newborn Photographer in Oklahoma City

Whether you’re expecting your little one any day or you just found out about your little miracle, now is the time to think about your newborn portrait experience. If you’re a new mama or welcoming a baby soon and want to know more about the iconic Photos by Ashleigh experience, I’d love to share my Newborn Portrait Welcome Guide with you. Just click below, fill out a quick form and the guide will be sent directly to your inbox!

Don’t forget to keep following the Photos by Ashleigh blog for more exciting updates about past sessions. Start collecting ideas now so you’ll be ready for an unforgettable session later! Find fantastic ideas on my Pinterest and Facebook socials, and when you’re ready to make the magic happen visit my website. Let’s celebrate this beautiful moment in your life with portraits that are equally beautiful.