Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most magical experiences, and I absolutely love capturing those fleeting moments in the comfort of your home. There’s just something special about photographing you in your own space—where you’ll rock your baby to sleep, snuggle on the couch as a family, and soak in those early newborn days. But I know what you’re thinking… “My house isn’t picture-perfect! How do I even prepare for this?” Don’t worry—I’ve got you! Here’s my expert advice on how to prepare your home for an in-home maternity or newborn shoot in Louisville (and spoiler: it’s way easier than you think!).
1. Find the Best Natural Light
Light is everything in photography! Before your session, take note of the rooms with the best natural light—big windows and bright spaces are ideal. If you’re considering an in-home session, I’ll have you send me photos of those spaces first. If the lighting isn’t ideal, I’ll be honest—your images won’t match my portfolio, and I want you to love your photos! It’s not about how gorgeous your home is; it’s simply the way light and cameras work. In those cases, I’ll suggest we use the private studio instead!
2. Tidy Up (But No Deep Cleaning Required!)
Let me be clear: You do not need a spotless home for your session! Trust me, I’m a mom too, and I know life with kids (and pregnancy) is messy. Instead of worrying about a deep clean, just focus on clearing clutter from the areas we’ll be using. That means tossing extra blankets, diapers, or random items into a laundry basket and tucking them in a closet. Simple, right?
3. Neutral Colors Work Best
Soft, neutral tones make for dreamy, timeless photos. If you have brightly colored bedding or busy patterns in the background, consider swapping them for whites, creams, or pastels. This helps keep the focus on you and your baby, rather than the surroundings.
4. Set the Scene for Cozy Moments
I want your session to feel natural and relaxed, so think about what makes you feel cozy. Soft blankets, textured throws, and even a favorite mug of coffee can add a warm, lived-in feel to your photos. For newborn sessions, a simple white or light-colored swaddle and a cozy baby blanket are all you need. Maternity sessions? A flowing dress and a comfy couch make magic happen.
5. Keep Outfits Simple and Comfortable
Speaking of outfits—comfort is key! Stick to neutral, solid colors, and avoid anything with bold logos or busy prints. Bare feet, cozy knits, and soft fabrics always look beautiful in home sessions. And yes, pajama snuggles with your newborn are totally encouraged!
6. Warm Up the Room for Baby
Newborns love warmth, so I always suggest bumping up the thermostat a little before your session. A cozy baby is a happy baby, which means more sweet, sleepy poses!
7. Expect to Go with the Flow
One of the biggest perks of an in-home maternity or newborn session is how relaxed and natural it feels. There’s no rush, no pressure—just genuine moments with your family. Newborns might need extra snuggles, diaper changes, or feeding breaks, and that’s totally okay. I’ll guide you every step of the way, making sure we capture the most heartfelt moments, no matter what the day brings.
8. Embrace the Imperfection
Here’s my biggest piece of advice: Don’t stress about perfection. Your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread, and your baby doesn’t need to “behave.” Some of the most beautiful moments happen in the in-between—your toddler kissing the baby’s forehead, a quiet moment of you rocking your newborn, or laughter over a spilled coffee (yes, it happens!). These are the memories you’ll cherish forever.
Ready to Capture the Magic?
I hope this guide on how to prepare your home for an in-home maternity or newborn shoot in Louisville helps ease any stress and gets you excited for your session! I promise, it’s all about embracing the love, the chaos, and the realness of this season in your life. If you’re ready to book or have any questions, reach out—I’d love to chat!
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