How to Prepare Your Home for In-Home Newborn Photos

Bringing a new baby home is a big transition, and the idea of preparing your house for newborn photos can feel overwhelming, especially when you are tired and adjusting to a new routine. The good news is that in-home newborn photography does not require a perfectly styled home or a full day of cleaning.

As a Plymouth, Minnesota newborn photographer, my approach is simple, relaxed, and baby-led. This guide will help you focus on what actually matters so you can enjoy the experience without added stress.

You do not need a spotless home

This is the most important thing to know. Your home does not need to look like a magazine. I am not photographing every room, and I am not looking for perfection.

Before your session, I recommend doing a quick tidy of just a few areas:

• The main living space where your family spends time together

• The primary bedroom

• The nursery, if you would like photos there

Clearing nightstands, counters, and floors of visual clutter is usually more than enough. If something does not photograph well, I will simply adjust angles or move small items during the session.

Light matters more than space (with a little room to work)

Natural light is the foundation of in-home newborn photography, but having a bit of open space does help. You do not need large rooms or a perfectly styled home, but enough space to comfortably move around a window or bed makes a big difference.

On the day of your session:

• Open blinds and curtains

• Turn off overhead lights

• Let in as much natural light as possible

I will guide you to the areas of your home that offer both good light and enough space to work comfortably. This is often a bedroom or living room, but it can also be a nursery or another quiet area with a window. We will choose spots that feel natural and work well for your home.

Keep your home warm and comfortable

Newborns love warmth, especially during winter months in Minnesota. A slightly warmer home helps keep your baby comfortable and relaxed.

If your baby is cozy, they are more likely to settle easily, which leads to calm, natural images.

About bedding and blankets

Simple bedding photographs beautifully, but there is no need to buy anything new or change what you normally use. Whatever bedding you have is part of your home and part of this season of life.

If your bedding happens to be busy or darker in tone, that is completely okay. I work with it as is and adjust angles, light, or composition to keep the focus on your family and your baby.

If you already have a neutral throw blanket or lighter layer you love, we can incorporate it naturally, but this is always optional. Your home does not need to be styled for photos. It just needs to be lived in.

What to wear for in-home newborn photos

What you wear plays a bigger role than your home décor. Soft, neutral clothing keeps the focus on connection.

I recommend:

• Creams, soft grays, warm browns, or muted tones

• Simple textures like knits or cotton

• Clothing that feels comfortable and relaxed

For babies, one or two simple outfits is plenty. Limiting outfit changes helps sessions move more smoothly and keeps your baby warm and cozy, which is especially important during the winter months.

Babies are often photographed in simple sleepers, wraps, or even just a diaper with a cozy blanket. Bare feet indoors are always welcome.

Plan for flexibility

Newborn sessions are slow and baby-led. Feeding, diaper changes, and soothing breaks are all part of the process.

There is no rush and no pressure for everything to go perfectly. Some of the most meaningful images come from quiet, in-between moments.

A calm approach to in-home newborn photography

In-home newborn photography is meant to feel easy and personal. Your home is part of your family story, exactly as it is in this season.

If you are expecting a winter baby and considering newborn photos, I would love to answer your questions and help you decide what feels right for your family.