NATURAL AT-HOME NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
CLIENT GUIDE
Gentle, Natural, Timeless memories in the comfort of your home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Firstly, massive congratulations on your new baby and thank you so much for trusting me to capture these first few precious days with your family. My style is very natural and relaxed. I don’t expect perfectly posed babies or a picture-perfect home. Instead, I’ll guide you into gentle, natural interactions that reflect your family just as you are — cuddling on the bed, soothing your baby, or enjoying quiet moments together on the sofa. The focus is on storytelling, capturing the love and connection between you and your new baby, so all you have to do is relax and do what you have been doing since the second they were born - loving them.
Sessions usually last between 60-90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to work at your baby’s rhythm. We’ll pause for feeds, nappy changes, or simply to give cuddles whenever needed. There is no rush — these sessions are designed to be calm, comfortable, and stress-free for you and your baby. Above all, I want this experience to feel enjoyable and memorable for your family. I’ll take care of the details and guide you every step of the way, so you can relax and simply enjoy this special time together.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
One of the beautiful things about at-home sessions is that they take place in the space where you are most comfortable. Your home becomes the backdrop for your family’s story, and I promise it doesn’t need to look like a show home to photograph beautifully. Here are a few simple things you can do to get ready:
Light: Natural light is my favorite tool, so on the day of your session please open blinds and curtains to let in as much daylight as possible. We’ll use rooms with the best light — often the bedroom, living room, or nursery.
Tidy Up (just a little): Please don’t stress about cleaning. All I ask is that you clear away everyday clutter from the spaces we’re most likely to use — things like nightstands, coffee tables, or the floor near windows. A few quick touches can make a big difference in your photos.
Warmth: Babies are happiest when they’re cozy, so it helps to keep your home a little warmer than usual (around 26–28°C). This way, your baby will stay comfortable even if we photograph them without clothes or swaddled lightly.
Bedding: If the light in the master bedroom is good, then we'll probably get some photos of you all snuggled on the master bed. If possible make sure you like the bedding and that the colours don't clash with your outfits and if possible run an iron over the top if there are lots of creases.
Remember, the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable. I’ll guide you when I arrive, and we’ll work with whatever space and light you have.
WHAT TO WEAR
Clothing makes a big difference in creating timeless, natural photographs, but there’s no need to overthink it. The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and to keep the focus on your family and your new baby.
Here are some tips to help you choose outfits:
For Baby:
Soft, simple onesies, swaddles, or neutral-toned rompers work beautifully.
Have a least one outfit where baby's leg and feet are out (because who doesn't love photos of cute little baby toes?!)
Avoid bright colours, bold patterns, or big logos that can distract from your baby’s sweet features.
Have a couple of options ready — sometimes a quick change helps if there are little accidents.
I will bring a few cute neutral outfits for back-up, as well as some wraps and blankets in case we need them.
For Parents & Siblings:
Stick to neutral or soft tones (whites, creams, pastels, muted earthy shades). These photograph beautifully and keep the look timeless.
Solid colours work best. Subtle textures like knits, linen, or lace can add interest without taking attention away from your baby.
Try to coordinate as a family, but don’t feel you need to match. Think in terms of a soft, cohesive colour palette.
Bare feet often look more natural and relaxed for at-home sessions.
Above all, choose clothing that feels good to wear. If you’re comfortable, that ease will shine through in your photos.
PREPARING BABY
Newborns set the pace of the session, and that’s exactly how it should be. There’s no need to worry about having a “perfect” schedule — I’ll work gently around your baby’s needs. Still, a few little preparations can help the session run smoothly:
Feeding: Try to feed your baby just before or as I arrive. A full tummy often means a sleepy, content baby, which makes for beautiful, relaxed photographs. But please don’t worry if they need extra feeds — we can always pause.
Nappies & Clothing: Have nappies and a spare outfit or two close at hand. Small accidents are part of the process, and changing breaks are completely normal.
Comfort: If you use a pacifier, keep it nearby. Even if your baby doesn’t usually take one, sometimes it can help settle them during the session.
Unsettled Moments: It’s completely normal for babies to cry or need cuddles throughout. I allow plenty of time for feeds, nappy changes, or soothing, and I’ll capture those tender moments too.
The most important thing is to relax and let your baby lead the way. Every pause, cuddle, and feed is part of your family’s story, and those in-between moments often create some of the most meaningful photographs.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SESSION?
Your newborn session will feel calm, unhurried, and very natural. There’s no strict plan — instead, I’ll gently guide you through moments that reflect your family just as you are.
Here’s what you can expect:
Natural Interactions: I’ll suggest simple ways for you to hold, snuggle, or soothe your baby so the photos capture genuine connection rather than stiff poses (we'll also get a few posed ones too for the grand parents Christmas cards!!)
Family Moments: We’ll capture a mixture of images — parents with baby, siblings with baby, the whole family together, and individual portraits of your little one.
Details & Spaces: I’ll also photograph the little things that make this stage so special — tiny hands and feet, stretches, yawns, and the details of your home or nursery that tell your story..
Think of the session as a time to simply be together as a family, with me quietly documenting it in the background. My goal is to make it an enjoyable experience that leaves you with heartfelt memories as well as beautiful photographs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if my baby cries the whole time?
Please don’t worry. It’s completely normal for babies to fuss or cry — in fact, most do at some point during the session. We’ll take breaks whenever needed for feeding, nappy changes, or cuddles, and I’ll gently work around your baby’s needs. These pauses often create some of the sweetest, most natural moments to capture.
What if my house isn’t “Instagram perfect”?
Your home doesn’t need to be spotless. I only need good natural light and a few uncluttered areas, like a bed, sofa, or by a window. I’ll guide you when I arrive and help choose the best spots. What matters most is the love and connection within your family, not how tidy the house is.
Can grandparents or other family members join in?
If you’d like grandparents or other close family members to be part of the session, just let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. Please note that sessions are designed to focus on your immediate family and new baby, but I’m happy to include a few special shots with extended family if you’d like.
What should I do if we’re running late or the baby isn’t settling?
Life with a newborn is unpredictable, and that’s absolutely fine. I allow plenty of time for feeds, changes, and settling, so there’s no need to rush. If you’re running a little late, just keep me updated — I’ll always work with you.
When will we receive our photos?
You will receive a gallery of all unedited photos with 48 hours of your shoot. You can take your time looking through the gallery and selecting your favourites photos. Once I have received your final selection I will edit your favourites and have them back to your private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your images within 2 weeks (usually a lot quicker).
