How to prepare for your in-home newborn session
The biggest tip I have for you before we get into some more practical things - DON’T STRESS. As a mother first and foremost, I know that newborns can be unpredictable and that you are in the middle of a huge life change - be it your first baby or one of many children. Sleepless nights, fluctuating hormones and sometimes barely keeping afloat. Trust me, I’ve been there too. And whilst I don’t claim to be an expert on babies, I do hold an immense amount of understanding for what you’re going through and how babies can be. That’s why I allocate plenty of time for newborn shoots and we will calmly go about our session, respecting the flow of you and your baby.
Here are some of my best practical tips to ensure you have a calm and enjoyable session at home.
PREPARE YOUR HOME IN ADVANCE
If you’re a mum of multiples you might be laughing. Please know that I do not expect to arrive to a spotless display home! I understand that in the space of 10 minutes our children can make it look like we’ve never cleaned. However as much as possible, try to declutter the best-lit areas in your home. I also understand if you’re a first-time mum, getting anything done can feel so hard when we are learning our new roles as mothers. Please do not worry! Just focus on the key areas of the house that are the brightest.
I am looking for the best natural window light, providing a bright space. Often this can be in the main bedroom. So to prep this space, place a light-coloured, neutral doona on the bed and clear any clutter from the room. Sentimental objects can be placed on the bedside tables, and fresh flowers are always a beautiful touch. Tidying up the couch is also a great way to prepare for your shoot, and provides images that reflect the heart of your home back to you.
KEEP THE HOUSE WARM AND TAKE ME ON A TOUR
Babies do like warmth, so do please ensure the house is as warm as possible, using heaters if necessary. Warmth helps bubs to sleep and stay settled. So make it a little warmer then feels comfortable for you. When I arrive, I’ll ask that you show me the rooms of your house and I’ll choose the best lighting situation. Whilst you finish getting ready, I might arrange some furniture and set things up to get the best possible images for you.
BE ORGANISED
Organise your outfits and anything else you need for your shoot well in advance of the shoot day. Make sure everything is ironed and organised so that you can have a calm process in getting ready. Don’t get into your outfit though until I have arrived so that there are no accidents, spills (or baby voms!) on your outfit.
Get yourself ready early so that if your baby needs you unexpectedly, you feel calm and happy that you are ready to go. Perhaps you might think about booking someone to do your hair and make up for you! These are forever photos and you deserve this for yourself.
PREPARE BABY
Please know that is all very loose advice and after 3 babies of my own, I know things rarely go to plan! As much as you can, here are some ways you can prepare bubba for the shoot.
Everyone loves some beautiful, sleepy images of baby. Ideally this will happen at the start of our session. So about 1/2 an hour before I arrive, change their nappy, and pop them in the outfit you have for them if you have chosen your own outfit. If I’m dressing baby, please just have them in a nappy and wrap them up warmly in blankets so we can dress them when I arrive.
Once they are ready - feed, feed, feed. Even if they aren’t ready for a full feed, it’s best to give them a nice big top up feed so they are full and content. Afterwards, keep them upright and make sure to burp them thoroughly.
WHAT ABOUT IF NONE OF THIS GOES TO PLAN?!
Please, do not worry or stress. I will make sure I stay with you until we have beautiful imagery of your darling bubba. Sometimes this might look different to what you have in mind - perhaps there will be more cuddles in your arms than placing them down? That’s ok! We can still get beautiful images. You want to see your life in your images when you look back. My style is candid and natural, so do not feel pressured for your baby to sleep for the session and pose perfectly for pictures.
MANAGING TODDLERS
If we have siblings, especially toddlers! we will start with them first. We will work quickly and do the best we can to grab sibling shots. It’s best to set realistic expectations of what the sibling shot might look like - as it’s a big time of change for the older babies of the house. But we’ll play, cuddle and love on them and focus on doing things they love doing in order for them to have fun and join in.
Most importantly, please don’t get stressed or upset with toddlers if they aren’t cooperating. That will just result in everyone ending up flustered and I am completely understanding of little ones. There is zero pressure so just focus on being as present as you can and maintaining a smile.
Once we have siblings captured, they are free to go - perhaps with dad to the park or for a treat so that we can carry on with the newborn portraits in a calm manner.