How to Prepare for an In-Home Newborn Session

Originally published in 2023. Updated May 2026.

If you’re expecting a baby and searching for a more relaxed approach to newborn photos in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, or St. Augustine, an in-home newborn session may be exactly what you’re looking for. The early days of bringing home a new baby can feel beautiful, exhausting, emotional, and overwhelming all at once, and the thought of packing everyone up for a photo session often feels like one more thing to manage.

In-home newborn sessions allow your family to slow down and settle into the experience naturally. There is no pressure for your home to look perfect or for your baby to sleep through the entire session. Instead, the focus is on documenting this season of life in a way that feels calm, connected, and genuine.

This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare your home, what to wear, and a few simple ways to help your session feel relaxed from start to finish.

Preparing Your Home for an In-Home Newborn Session

Many Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra families are surprised by how little space is actually needed for beautiful newborn photos at home. I typically look for rooms with the best natural light rather than large or perfectly designed spaces.

Prior to your session, I will ask you to send me photos of the rooms in your home in which you think you would like to be photographed. Because I am a natural light photographer, I always ask that these photos be taken in the morning hours with the blinds open and the overhead lights off. I will be able to gauge from these images which rooms are best for your session. We don’t always shoot in every room of your home, but rather in the rooms that have the most natural light. Typically the rooms we use are: the living room, master bedroom and nursery, but really we will shoot wherever there is good light.

Do not stress about your home being perfect. You only need to focus on the rooms that we will be using. Those rooms do not have to be spotless, but ideally you should put away the clutter so we have clean backgrounds for the images. Don’t worry, if I see something that needs to be moved or put away, I will do so for you.

Keep the Home Warm

Newborns are coziest and sleepiest when they are warm. You want to make sure your home is a comfortable temperature for your session. I suggest that the home he 75-80 degrees. Here in Florida, families tend to blast the AC in Spring and Summer. You will want to turn off the AC and allow the house to warm up for our session. This is especially true if you want to dress your baby in those cute sleeveless outfits. We will change the baby’s outfits often throughout the session, so it is necessary to keep the baby comfortable. The heat will also encourage sleepiness so we can capture those sweet sleeping images of the baby. I know that this can be tough for new moms, but it is important to keep the baby cozy.

HYPE UP THE FAMILY

I try my best to get all of the family images requiring siblings and dads done first. So, even though the newborn session lats anywhere from 2-3 hours, I won’t be photographing dads and siblings the entire time. I do this because Dads are then able to keep other children occupied for the remainder of the session and sometimes Dads need to leave to get to work. It is really important to prep younger children and tell them ahead of time that a photographer is coming to take their photos. Get them excited about being photographed as a big brother/sister.

Moms, I know it can be hard to get ready with a new baby in the house, so make sure you give yourself extra time. If you are borrowing something from the client closet, you can get dressed once I arrive.

Make sure that your baby has a full belly before I arrive. You should plan to feed your little one about 15-20 minutes before I arrive. You should also change the baby’s diaper. If you are using outfits from my client closet for the baby, you can just swaddle the baby in some warm blankets or dress the baby in a loose fitting onesie.

I know that this can be challenging when getting ready, but try and keep baby awake and stimulated an hour before our session. This helps to make sure that he is tired and sleepy during our session. Upon my arrival or gith before I arrive is the best time for feeding and diaper change. 

What to Wear for Your Newborn Photos

Since many newborn sessions in Jacksonville and St. Augustine take place during the warmer months, lightweight fabrics and softer neutral tones tend to photograph beautifully while also helping everyone stay comfortable.

I am a big fan of neutral tones for newborn sessions. You want to choose colors that will not creat color casting and are soft in hue. Prior to your session, I will help you choose your wardrobe and will suggest colors based on the photos you send of our home. I want to make sure that your wardrobe coordinates with your home and is not jarring against the backdrop. Neutral colors like nude, white, camel, grey, light pin, and tan work well.

Moms: If you want to go casual, you can wear jeans paired with a blouse or cami and a loose flowing kimono. I find dresses are always easiest to wear post pregnancy and I have a clinet closet of dresses from which you can choose.

Dads: Jeans or khaki shorts paired with a neutral toned t shirt or henley.

Siblings: Natural colors. You can pair jeans with a t for boys. Jumpers are always great options and dresses are easy for little girls.

Tips: Have extra outfits on hand and avoid patterns and logos.

Keeping your hands moisturized and nails trim and tidy is key; hands are great props of their own.

Please take off watches and funky bracelets if possible– simplicity is beautiful.

What to Expect During Your Session

Planning

I will arrive with my camera gear, dresses from the client closet, any props requested and a bag filled with outfits and swaddles for the baby. I will first walk around your home to gauge the light and get a game plan together. Next, we will go through the outfits, swaddles and props and choose the items we will use during your session. Last, we finalize your wardrobe. If you are borrowing something from the client closet, you will have time to try on the options you selected and I will happily give you my input. So, if you are not done getting ready when I arrive, please don’t feel rushed. All of the above will take about 20 minutes, so you have plenty of time.

Photographing Begins

I don’t really have a set plan, I photograph based on the baby and children. I try to start with family photos and then images of Dad with the baby, but sometimes siblings need a little bit of extra time and other times, if the baby is sound asleep, I start with any requested posed images.

Afterwards, we move through the rooms of your home and I try to get a variety of images for your gallery. It all varies and is based on each individual family and the light in the home. There have been times when I have spent an entire session in one room because that room has the best light. I am still able to get a diverse gallery.

Much of the time during the session will be spent keeping baby happy and cozy. Many times this requires breaks, extra feedings and comforting. Don’t stress. I am never in a rush. My goal is to keep the baby happy comfortable and safe.

SPECIAL PROPS/OUTFITS

Although I bring along everything that you need, if there is anything special or significant you want included, just let me know. Sometimes this can be a handmade blanket, an heirloom, a special outfit or really anything that has meaning to you. If you don’t have any special requests, that is fine too.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN IS THE BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS?

I recommend that you take your newborn photos between 5-21 days. This is during the time period when babies are sleeping a majority of the day which makes it easier to get them into poses. In addition, because baby hasn’t been out of the womb long, he is more likely to stay asleep longer.

WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?

When babies are usually the sleepiest in the morning. I prefer to start between 9:30am-11:30am.

HOW LONG WILL MY NEWBORN SESSION TAKE?

Newborn sessions tend to last around 2-3 hours. I allow for a range of time and work on baby’s schedule. Sometimes we finish early and sometimes we run over. If possible, it is best to leave extra room on your schedule so no one feels rushed. I realize that is not always possible, so if someone has to leave for work or school, I will photograph those members of the family first and the remainder of the session will be focused on the baby’s portraits and moms.

WHAT DO I DO TO HELP PREPARE MY BABY FOR THEIR NEWBORN SESSION?

If at all possible, try and keep baby awake and stimulated an hour before our session so that he is tired and sleepy during the session. Upon my arrival is the best time for feeding and diaper change. If parents or siblings would like to be in the photos please have outfits ready to change into. If possible, avoid any baths 1-2 days prior to the session , as sometimes this can lead to dry skin. If you are nursing, avoid spicy foods the few days before the session so that the baby’s stomach is settled.

Why Families Love In-Home Newborn Sessions

Many families throughout Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville choose in-home newborn sessions because they allow everyone to stay comfortable at home during those early postpartum weeks instead of rushing out the door with a brand new baby.

Families love in home newborn session because they are simple, classic and do not use props. They love being able to document this special time format he comfort of their own home without the stress of bringing their baby out of the house. there is also the added benefit of documenting exactly what it felt like to be in your home for those first moments with your child.

Ready to Book Your Session?

I photograph newborn session in homes throughout Jacksonville, St Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the entire North Eastern Florida area.