Since moving from Chicago, I have loved meeting new families as I bring my business into Ann Arbor! At-home lifestyle newborn sessions are always such a beautiful, fun experience. They’re also among my favorites to shoot, but I know they can seem overwhelming. I want to make the process as stress-free and fun as possible! Let’s get into how to prepare for your at-home newborn session. 

1. Get Your Home Ready 

I offer at-home newborn sessions, and I can promise you having the session in your home is the absolute best place for it. Before the session, just tidy any areas of the home that we’ll be photographing! You don’t have to panic about everything being in its perfect place– the goal of at-home lifestyle newborn photography is to make sure the photos represent your life as a family. Besides, if you need to throw things into a closet before the session, who would ever know?

2. Choose Your Outfits

Since we’ll be in your home, make sure that the first thing you keep in mind when choosing your family’s outfits is the color of your decor! You don’t need to match as a family, and of course you don’t need to blend in with your paint colors. The goal is to have a cohesive style that blends well together, and with your home. A few other pro tips: 

• Stay comfortable! You won’t feel your best if you’re constantly fidgeting with or worrying about your outfit
• Pick two to three base colors to carry through all your family’s outfits for the session 
• Mix and match! Play around with colors and textures to see how everything looks together
• Barefoot is best! Since we’re in the comfort of your own home, you get to be relaxed. Especially for couch and bed photos, you wouldn’t want your shoes on.

3. Don’t Stress If Your Newborn Is Not Sleeping

The beauty of an at-home lifestyle newborn session? There is so much flexibility! Your newborn can be sleeping or awake, there doesn’t need to be extra pressure on making sure your baby is sleeping the whole time. There are, of course, so many classic photos to get with a snoozing newborn. But I love getting photos of their curiosity and little yawns. If we ever need to take breaks for feedings or diaper changes that is completely okay! Sessions are an hour, give or take, and it’s no problem if we go a little over.

4.  Treats For Your Toddlers 

It’s not a secret in photography that sometimes you need to have treats on hand to reward toddlers for all their hard work. I recommend teddy grahams or mini marshmallows. Anything not chocolatey or gummy and could potentially make a mess! Most of the time, toddlers are so excited to be spending this special time with mom, dad, and their new little sibling, but it never hurts to be prepared. I have a few other tricks I’ve learned over the years to help make your toddler feel comfortable and happy so they can be themselves and enjoy this time with you!

5. Relax and Have Fun! 

My main goal is to take any stress out of this whole experience, and leave you and your family with beautiful photos celebrating your newborn. Being in your own home helps so much with feeling comfortable and calm. Of course, I can always provide any guidance you need! I just want to photograph your family as you are, so you can see what your life and your newborn looks like through my lens. I can help with styling decisions if you need, and am here for the whole process from beginning to end!

If you’re looking for Ann Arbor photography, let’s get in touch! I am currently taking bookings for the Winter and Spring. Make sure you follow me on Instagram for the latest posts and updates. Also, check out my Pinterest for inspiration for our session together. Message me with any comments or questions you could have. I can’t wait to work with you!