As a Kitsap County in-home newborn photographer, I’m not aiming for photographing airbrushed perfection. I am driven by capturing each family’s story. The best place to capture your story and all the connection and the chaos that goes with it is in your home. But with that, I know that you may have many questions about how to prepare your home for an in-home newborn session, so I’m sharing all the goods.
Enlist Help
I’m a mom too, which is why I know just how hard it can be to ask for help. But, in preparation for your Kitsap County in-home newborn session, I urge you to do so. As the one who is your baby’s primary caregiver, and most likely also doing the lion’s share to prepare for your photo session, you need to have PLENTY of time to get yourself ready – and also relax – before the session begins. This includes making sure someone is on hand to hold the baby for you while you shower, do hair, makeup, and get dressed. If you have older kids and your husband is in the trenches with them, enlist a friend or grandparent to come help. It will be well worth it!
Don’t Let Yourself Go Hangry
In the newborn days, we can so easily get sidetracked, so make sure to take time to eat! We all get hangry, especially if you’re breastfeeding. The day before, prep yourself a nourishing meal or snack to eat on session day, and drink lots of water so your blood sugar is steady and your mood is, too. While you’re at it, try to plan a feeding for baby just before the session begins. It will also help with the baby’s mood, and to encourage that sleepy, calm demeanor that so many of us love about newborn photos.
Do a Little Home Prep
I know the thought of professional photography in your family home can strike a bit of fear into people, but there is no need to worry. A little home prep goes a long way. My top recommendations are to open all the shades and window treatments to let the light in, and clear surfaces – particularly coffee and bedside tables in your primary bedroom, living room and nursery – of cups, wires and other clutter that can distract in photos. And to keep baby comfy and warm, turn the temperature up just a few degrees.
Have Wardrobe Options at the Ready
When prepping baby’s outfit options for the session, pull your favorite onesies, swaddles and bows, etc and have them ready. When I arrive, we’ll go through and decide what will be best together. Neutral onesies work best for under swaddles, so the simpler the better.
Give Yourself Grace
You just made and birthed a whole human. Your body is not meant to “bounce back” immediately. In fact, it’s beautiful just as it is right now. One of the ways to combat any potential self-criticism is to order a few outfits ahead of time and choose the one that makes you feel the most beautiful and comfortable in the skin you’re in right now. Bonus points if you’re breastfeeding and it’s easy to nurse in, which will make your life easier, too!
Expect the Unexpected – and Know that I Do, Too
While I’m all about prepping and planning for the best possible outcome, in photographing so many babies and families in-home, I also expect the unexpected. And everyone is much more down to go with the flow if you do, too. The newborn stage is so unpredictable. We’ll always stop when baby needs a break to feed, be changed, or just have a little extra snuggle time – and then I’ll pick back up when the moment is right. I come with all the patience and understanding about this – so give yourself a little bit of these things, too.
If I can answer any other questions about how to prepare your home – and your family – for an in-home newborn session, please reach out.
