How to Prepare Your Home for an In-Home Newborn Session

If you’re wondering how to prepare your home for an in-home newborn session, let me start with the thing that almost every family is surprised by:

You do not need to clean your entire home.

I know that’s usually the first thought. You just had a baby, things feel a little all over the place, and the idea of someone coming into your home for photos can feel a little stressful.

But I promise, we are not photographing your whole house. We are looking for light.

Focus on the Light, Not the Whole House

When I arrive, the first thing I’m doing is looking for the areas in your home with the best natural light. Usually that means spaces near large windows or doors where the light is soft and even.

That might be:

• your bedroom
• the nursery
• the living room
• or even just one small corner you’ve never thought twice about

And honestly, that’s all we need.

One good spot with beautiful light is enough for your entire session.

What to Tidy (and What to Ignore)

Instead of trying to clean your whole house, just focus on the few areas near windows where we’ll likely shoot.

In those spots, you can:

• move things like phone chargers, baby monitors, or cords
• clear off nightstands or surfaces
• remove anything that feels a little distracting in the background (i.e. bright orange toys on the floor)

That’s it. Truly.

You don’t need to deep clean. You don’t need to organize everything. And you definitely don’t need to worry about rooms we won’t even use.

You Do Not Need a Big or “Perfect” Home

I hear this all the time. Clients will say they feel like their home isn’t big enough or isn’t “nice enough” for photos.

And I always tell them the same thing.

That is the furthest thing from the truth.

Some of my favorite sessions have been in smaller homes, cozy spaces, and rooms with just one window. Because it’s not about the size of your home. It’s about the light and the feeling in it.

Trust Me on This

Part of my job is walking into your home and seeing it in a way you might not. I know how to find the light, where to place you, and how to create images that feel soft and elevated without needing a perfectly styled space.

You don’t need to overthink this.

You don’t need your home to look like a magazine.

You just need to be there with your baby, and I’ll take care of the rest.

I hope this post helps you with how to prepare your home for an in-home newborn session. Need more help preparing for your newborn session? Read this post I wrote on how to prepare your older children for a newborn session.

Marie Elizabeth Photography | Newborn Photographer in DC

Marie is a DC Newborn Photographer and creates a luxurious, full-service portrait experience. From planning your session to delivering custom fine artwork to your home, Marie takes care of all of the details. All Marie Elizabeth Photography clients are pampered with the newborn photography experience, which includes professional hair and make-up and an array of whimsical dresses from the client wardrobe. Marie then will create exquisite works of art, such as heirloom albums and fine art matted prints to grace your home and lay your legacy.

Interested in both a maternity and newborn session? Marie offers a luxury membership to best document that first year with your little one. With perks such as birth announcements and album credit, the luxury membership is the perfect way to remember this special time. Reach out to learn more.