One of the most important parts of my job as a full-service lifestyle newborn photographer in the National Capitol region is to ensure families enjoy the experience. A big part of that is helping you prepare for your in-home newborn session- that way on the day of your session you can just take in these sweet moments with your baby.

The most beautiful sessions, like the one below, are when you can just relax knowing that every single detail will be taken care of for you.

By this point if you’ve booked with me, you’ve already been through some of the newborn session process. We’ve likely completed your styling and have gotten to know each other more! Now, we just wait on baby! I know this can be such an anxious time waiting to meet your little one. That’s why I’m sharing some of my tried and true tips to help you prepare for your in-home newborn session.

How to prepare for your in-home lifestyle newborn session | newborn photographer in DC, MD, and NOVA

Embrace the natural light in your home

On the morning of your session, open the blinds in your home and turn off interior lights. Natural light ensures the very best colors in your portraits.

Declutter tables and nightstands

Please do not stress over cleaning every inch of your home! I know that newborn life well! Simply declutter nightstands, the coffee table, and remove any items from the nursery that you don’t want photographed.

I also suggest purchasing a solid white coverlet for your bed if you don’t already own one. It’s a simple hack to help with low light situations as it acts as a reflector. White bedding also allows the focus to be on baby without distractions!

Keep your home warm

I recommend keeping your home a bit warmer than usual. This helps ensure baby is comfortable when it’s time for clothes to come off and be swaddled. If you prefer, I also bring a space heater with me to help with this!

Feed about 30 minutes before I arrive

Feed shortly before I arrive and burp baby well. This ensures he or she has a full belly for the session and will likely be more sleepy! Otherwise, keep baby on their normal schedule if you have one. We can take as many feeding breaks as needed. Modeling is hard work!

Patience and Relaxation

While the session can flow more easily when baby is sleepy, please don’t stress if he or she doesn’t fall asleep right away! Babies can sometimes feed of of your energy so the calmer you are, the calmer baby will be too. I plan the session in the late morning, before the typical fussy part of the day for newborns, and when light is usually best.

If you’re expecting and would like to book an in-home newborn session in the Washington DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area, reach out here!

Lauren from LRG Portraits is a maternity, newborn, family and baby photographer based out of the Washington, DC area. She specializes in timeless outdoor and in-home lifestyle portraiture and offers a full client experience from a curated client wardrobe to custom-designed heirloom albums and framing. Service area includes Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD and Arlington, VA, and surrounding areas. 

If you’re interested in booking an in-home lifestyle newborn session for your baby, contact me here! I’d love to work with you!