How to prepare for your in-home New Jersey newborn photography session: 5 easy tips for a successful session

Session day is almost here! You’ve reserved your New Jersey newborn photography session, baby has arrived, and everyone is home and ready for their close up. If you’ve decided that an in-home newborn session is the best fit for your family, there are a few things you’ll want to consider as you prepare for the session. Keep reading for 5 important time to ensure a successful New Jersey newborn photography session!

1. Choose two rooms to prepare for the session.

Your newborn photographer will be able to help you decide what rooms are the best fit for your session; clients are always welcome to email me some pictures of their home during the best-lit time of day (and don’t you dare go cleaning up for these – these pictures are just a way to gauge lighting and give you ideas as to what rooms to prepare!) and I’ll give feedback from my professional perspective as to which rooms to prepare. Most clients choose a bedroom – and it doesn’t have to be the primary bedroom, just a bedroom with great light – as well as a common living space or the nursery.

2. Declutter, declutter, declutter!

If your nightstands are anything like mine, they’re covered in books, water bottles, maybe a late night snack wrapped. Once you’ve made the bed (light linens or a light colored blanket is always a good idea), remove any extras from the nightstands. You’ll also want to push the bassinet, if you’re using one, out of the room and into the hallway or bathroom. Remember – no one is going to photograph your bathroom so throw allllll the extras in there.

3. If pets will be included during your newborn photography session, take them for a long walk ahead of the session.

Are your pups as wild as mine? If so, consider taking them for a walk (or having a dog sitting service) ahead of the session. Tiring them out a bit can help ensure those precious dog and baby portraits that I know I’m obsessed with. I always like to come to my in-home sessions with a plan for the day; generally I’ll photograph baby first, which gives time for one parent to take the pup out for a walk around the block.

4. Let loose and allow older children to climb and explore your home in a new and different way.

As a mom of two and with ten years of elementary teaching experience under my belt, I can tell you that a new baby can be a big adjustment for older siblings. Approach the session with a fresh set of eyes for the space. The kitchen counter is a new and exciting place for toddlers to sit or stand, and allows them to see the session more as play than as work. Jumping on the bed a no-no for everyday? Take this time to make an exception to the rule, as there’s nothing sweeter than the big genuine smile’s you’ll get from a kiddo who just flopped on the bed.

5. Full bellies are the best way to start a newborn photography session.

Hangry toddlers and parents who need some sustenance after a night with their baby? No way! Make sure that your older children have finished up a filling breakfast ahead of the session, and that you’ve had a chance to eat as well. I like to avoid snacks and drinks during the session with toddlers unless absolutely necessary because we want to avoid stained clothing and it can be difficult to get them back on track once the food is out. It’s also a good idea to have baby fed right before the session start time so they’re sleepy and full for the session.

I hope these tips were helpful as you prepare for your in-home New Jersey newborn photography session!

If you are search for a photographer, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Most families reserve their New Jersey newborn photography session early in their second trimester to ensure availability.