How to prepare for your Philadelphia In Home Newborn Session: 5 Top tips from Philly’s Best Newborn Photographer

Baby’s almost here and you’re ready to go – carseat installed, newborn session photographer booked, dresser drawers organized. All that’s left for baby to do is…arrive! As you wait for your little one to make their arrival, here are 5 tips to prepare for your Philadelphia in home newborn session.

Evaluate the light in your home – even the rooms that aren’t the nursery

I lived in a Philadelphia rowhome (South Philly gang rise up) for years – and fun fact, this particular newborn session was at a home on the same block as the house I lived at in college. During your Philadelphia in home newborn session, we’ll want to hang out in the rooms that have the most light. Sometimes that’s the nursery, sometimes that’s the kitchen, sometimes that’s the primary bedroom. Really depends on what time of day and where the sun is located!

If you’re stuck on what rooms are best in terms of lighting, I always encourage clients to email me pictures of their home and I’ll give an honest answer as to what rooms we’ll want to hang out in.

Think about your outdoor space – that means the back patio, roof deck, or even the street out front.

I love bringing the outdoors into a newborn session when the weather permits, and that can take place in all different ways. For this particular newborn session, we had some really lovely open shade on the back patio and decided to hang out in the doorway – framing the family perfectly – to bring some greenery and outdoors into their portraits.

Prep your pup for your Philadelphia in home newborn session with some exercise.

Many of my families opt for a Philadelphia in home newborn session because they want to include their pets – and as a dog owner, I completely get it. If your dogs are anything like mine – loveable but unhinged when company comes over – you might want to consider having your partner or a dog walker take them for a long walk before the session. We’ll definitely being doing pet + baby portraits and sometimes some exercise can help them relax during the session. Having treats on hand is also a great idea!

Worried about what to wear for your Philadelphia in home newborn session?

Alrighty – this is a two part answer.

My clients don’t need to worry about wardrobe – I’ve got it covered. With a Client Closet of over 220 dresses and tons of options for children, it’s the biggest stressor that my clients don’t need to worry about. The Client Closet isn’t available just for in-studio sessions! I bring options for Philadelphia in home newborn sessions so that my families can spend their time loving on their baby instead of frantically searching the internet for outfits.

If you need to style your own family, I’d suggest something comfortable and relaxed in a neutral color palette. Working in 3-4 colors can add visual interest and make sure everyone isn’t too matchy-matchy!

Open all of the shades and turn off the overhead lights

I know, it sounds nutty – however, we’re gonna want alllll the lights off for your Philadelphia in home newborn session. Mixed lighting isn’t the look we’re going for so feel free to turn everything off and open up all of the blinds and shades to let that sunshine in.

I hope these tips are helpful as you prepare for your Philadelphia in-home newborn session! Photographing your baby at home is so special – I’ll never forget bringing my son home and how our house suddenly felt more alive than ever. We’ve since moved, but it holds such a special place in my heart because it’s the first place I became a mother. If you’re looking for an in-home Philadelphia newborn photographer, I’d love to hear more about your family!

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