Bringing your new baby home is such a special time. A newborn photoshoot is a beautiful way to capture these tiny details and the connection you share as a family. The best part is that I come to you, which means you can stay comfortable in your own space. This is especially helpful during the hotter months in Cairns when the weather is hot, humid and wet. You have everything you need on hand, so no need to pack a bag and you can leave the air conditioning running.
Preparing your home for a newborn session does not need to feel overwhelming. The focus is not necessarily on your home, unless you want it to be. These simple steps will help everything feel relaxed and ready for your newborn session with me.
1. Choose a Warm and Comfortable Space
Newborns love to be warm. Keeping your home slightly warmer than usual helps your baby stay settled. I bring a newborn posing beanbag for natural and safe poses. All I need is a small space to set it up near a window or wherever lighting is best. If natural light is limited, I can use my professional lighting equipment to create soft, flattering light. Note: If the window has a patio or something similar outside of it, it likely won’t let in enough light. You can send me photos of your home prior to your session so I can help you with an area that may need furniture moving if that is where the best light is, or somewhere suitable for my beanbag and lighting equipment.
2. Keep One or Two Areas Tidy
Your whole home does not need to be spotless. Nor does it need to look like a show home. The focus is on your baby and your family. Choosing a space you can sit and be comfortable is ideal. This can be on your couch or on a bed or nursing chair. A quick tidy of surfaces and removing distracting items is all that is needed. A messy corner can be easily avoided in camera. I am not focusing on the dust in your home! Close ups and connection are a large part of my work, so often you can’t even tell where people are sat. If you are really worried about the aesthetics, I can bring a white backdrop and professional lighting.
3. My Baby Led Approach
My style is natural and baby led. I only use natural posing and am guided by your baby. There are many factors to consider. Some babies like being on their tummy’s, others don’t. Some may be experiencing colic. I follow your baby’s lead. Feeding breaks, cuddles and settling moments are expected and encouraged. Have anything your baby might need close by, including spare nappies and a dummy if you use one. I will provide blankets and clothing unless you have something special you’d like to use.
4. Neutral Clothing Works Best
For newborns, soft, neutral colours photograph beautifully and highlight your family connection rather than bright distractions. Keep outfits comfortable and true to your style. I provide a growing client wardrobe for my Mums and newborns or I can help you choose something of your own to wear.
5. Include Your Baby’s Nursery if You Wish
If you have set up a nursery, it can be lovely to include a few images in that space. It tells part of your family story. If the nursery is still a work in progress that is completely fine. We can focus on cuddles on the couch, your bed or wherever you feel most at home. Many of the families who book me worry about the aesthetics of your home. It is not essential to have a large, beautiful home. If there are areas you wish to include, we can, and if not, the focus stays on your family and new baby.
6. Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Your home does not need to be the star of these photographs. You and your baby are. With almost a decade of experience, I can work in many different home layouts and lighting conditions, so you can trust that beautiful images will happen no matter what.
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Bringing your baby home is the beginning of so many memories. A newborn session in your own home keeps those memories honest, personal and meaningful. If you would love to freeze these early days forever, I would love to chat with you about a session. You can contact me here.
