If you’re looking for perfectly posed newborn studio inspiration with props and styled set ups you have landed on the wrong website ( and blog post )BUT  if you are are a little curious about what  in home newborn photography is , how it can look  and if you want to preserve  something beyond a pose because you want  something easy, meaningful and deeply connected to your real life and how you really are- this is EXACTLY what an in home newborn photographer does. 

Maybe you’re undecided and need to know the difference other than aesthetics. 

I offer ease, real , honest imagery as you are , always unique and not someone else’s idea of how a newborn photo should look. 

While beautiful posed studio newborn photography has been popular for many years ( and IS incredibly artful ) , there’s a quieter shift happening. Another way. Another way that is kinder to us mums who are so often overwhelmed with… everything. We do it all , somehow perfectly and in our own way. More families are choosing to stay at home. To slow down . And savour this is time and create images that actually mean something to them – images that feel like life – not a production. 

As a photographer who has only ever offered in home newborn AND has personally experienced studio newborn sessions as a new mum -I can offer a unique perspective.I understand both sides , have the gift of hindsight and what was missing for me at the time.   

What I have learned over the years- from mine and my own clients feedback is this  : it needs to fit into your life , and what’s meaningful to YOU. Whether that’s in home or studio. A well lit space is just as beautiful as studio light in the hands of a photographer who knows how to see it and capture something easy and honest. 

In Home Newborn Photography vs Studio : What new parents need to know

he first 6 weeks passes by in SUCH a blur . 

You’re adjusting to a new little human , your married and family life is quite honestly turned upside down for just a little bit as you question everything ( ‘ am I doing this right “ or “ will I ever get a good night sleep again” ) navigating feeds , sleep , schedules , hormones  – its endless I don’t believe putting pressure on capturing perfect newborn photos should be another on the list. 

That pressure alone can be overwhelming. 

And that’s why I’m drawn to in home newborn photography ( or life style newborn photography as its sometimes called) 

When I look back at my own experience with Studio Newborn Photos, I’m grateful – but they no longer reflect us . The experience and logistics of getting out the door , feeding in an unfamiliar place and an unfamiliar environment is what I see and feel when I look at our newborn photos. And they are beautiful. But they aren’t on our walls and they don’t give me the emotional warmth that they should.  Instead I reach for the Iphone photos that aren’t perfect but give me that nostalgia of that time. I wish I could have had beautiful images AND the emotional nostalgia. And thats why offer In Home Newborn. 

Is In Home Newborn Photography Safe ?

For my newborn shoots , I don’t pose your baby , or take them out of your arms . You feed , you cuddle  and settle your baby instinctively. I photograph what’s happening instead of interrupting it. It is about comfort and the intimacy that’s already there. This keeps everything calm , safe and pressure free. And THIS is what will warm your heart in years to come. And YOUR baby is safely in your arms and in their usual surroundings and rythymn.

Its important to know that in home newborn photographers ( myself included) generally dont handle or pose babies in the way newborn studio photographers do  – unless explicitly asked to lend a hand. I will ask you to position your baby in the perfect light , if your baby fusses I may lay a gentle hand to soothe but I’ll more than likely encourage you to do the soothing. 

Studio newborn photographers are trained in posing and handling babies safety in a controlled environment. My work is different by design . I take a hands off approach so you remain the one holding and cuddling your baby. This is intentional and often reassuring for new parents who prefer to handle their own baby and a more natural low intervention experience at home. 

While studio newborn photographers are trained in safe posing and handling within a controlled environment, my expertise lies elsewhere. Which is  in seeing and shaping beautiful light everywhere and  in everyday spaces, and in creating calm, refined images without taking parents or babies out of their natural rhythm. In-home newborn photography requires a different kind of awareness: working with available light, reading moments as they unfold, and knowing when not to step in. That’s where my experience sits, and it’s very intentional. 

What happens during an In home Newborn Photoshoot

An in home newborn session feels like time at home , don’t expect to be “posed” or tense list of expectations. Its having tea while chatting about parenthood and photos in between OR its laughing at toddler antics while mumma feeds baby on the couch. There is some structure BUT because we are in your home my workflow will mould into your needs and available light. 

In home newborn Photos are baby led, we will fit into baby’s schedule and my workflow easily mould into this. 

In a studio consistency comes from control. And for the right person that’s a good thing. A highly skilled studio photographer can produce the same pose , the same image every time. 

Why In Home Newborn Photography Looks different for each Family

Stepping ito any new space where the lighting is unknown is daunting for any photographer – you don’t know the space , the light or how the session will unfold . But this is where my heart sings. 

I work with what’s there – a basic framework or session flow  in my mind that adapts to any situation. I look at the light , how you hold your baby or snuggle your unsure toddler – I guide gently when needed and I respond to whats in front of me and what I see and can feel in the moment. 

As a result every newborn in home photoshoot is different – and thats a good thing! Because its ALL about YOU. Yor images wont look like anytime elses , they are shaped by you , your home , your family , your story and your love. 

Years from now THATS the sauce that wil make you feel those moments again. 

Your newborn photoshoot should feel easy with some guidance , if you have toddlers ( or pets) they should be included in an easy way, your photoshoot should feel like home. 

How I photograph Newborn In Home sessions 

I have already mentioned ,I wont handle or pose your baby. I will lend a helping hand if asked. And I’m happy to , I am well aware that some mums don’t want their baby handled , if that’s you ; an in home newborn session is for you.  

We work in rooms that have lighting that works , we work on baby’s schedule and sometimes that could mean time spent settling your baby , feeding your baby or burping you baby – do as you do instinctively , no show just be yourself and Ill always encourage this. Its pressure free , calm and safe. 

I do have a framework of how I like to photograph details – I love something minimal and timeless and like to intentionally set time aside and find an area in your home where I can do this. Every home has a space for this- you may not see – but I do. I feel these images in their simplicity in beautiful light can have the same refined feel as a studio. The simplicity has a timeless element , I love paring small hands and toes inside a parents hands – for context.

I have a few go to prompts and each family interprets this differently and also depends on lighting and YOUR comfort in front of the camera ( and for some families it depends on the toddler mayhem too.

Contact me here for more of how this looks or see my portfolio here When My new mums book with me , I send prep and encourage collaboration too- from wardrobe prep and styling to telling me about your family

What if my home isn’t perfect ? My home is too messy for In Home newborn Photos?

I get it , my home isn’t perfect.

My perfect home lives on my Pinterest Board titled ” Dream Home”

My actual home is filled with lego projects , school bags , unfolded laundry , shoes everywhere – craft projects. But is lived in and its ours. 

No ones home is perfect. Thats not what I see when I come into your home. I see love , I see enough light and shadow in a room that where you maybe never noticed it before. Maybe that light dancing on your kitchen floor where your toddler scribbles pictures of you in the afternoon and where the light spills just so.  We only need a window , often its one or two rooms which we can quickly declutter and most often the case Ill move around and the clutter is out of the frame. We don’t need perfection , we don’t need a sleeping baby in a Pinterest worthy nursery . We don’t need any of that. 

In home photography doesn’t ask for permission , it doesn’t need everyone else’s idea of perfect- because perfection for YOU is different to some else. All that really matters is how it feels and that it feels true in that moment and that is pure gold perfection 

Still Unsure if an in home Newborn Session is for you ? I have put together common questions below , please get in touch with me and we can chat through if this will work for you – my contact is here and pricing is here . This season passes so quickly and its worth preserving. 

Frequently asked Questions for Newborn Photography

How old should my baby be for Newborn Photos? 

Within 10 days is best as the baby sleeps easier – these sessions are usually quicker. But up to 6 weeks or even 2 months – the older babies tend to be awake more which can create beautiful images too – a newborn intent gaze is magical!

What if my baby cries or needs to feed ? 

Your baby will cry. It doesn’t affect me or the photoshoot in any way. I am a mum , I expect your baby to cry, and you are free to cuddle , feed, settle as needed – there is NO RUSH. This type of photoshoot is baby led. It is free from any pressure. I will probably take photos too of you feeding your baby or soothing your baby – and those could become your favourites. 

Can we include siblings and grandparents in our Newborn Shoot ?

YES ! If we need co ordinate schedules for this to happen , that’s the beauty of in home shoots. They are so flexible and free from rules.

How do I prepare my home for an In Home Photoshoot

Rooms – we usually shoot in one or two rooms ( or three depending on the flow of the season flow) 

Tidy not perfect- Ill help position things , maybe a quick declutter ( only because its distracting on camera ) or straighten a lampshade. I prefer neutral colors for those detail shots so Ill usually ask for that or look for a neutral base. 

Temperature  – warm in winter – turn heaters on if needed and if it’s a hot humid morning – adjust to your baby’s needs. Sometimes a screaming baby is too hot / too cold. 

Props – Only meaningful items – a blanket kitted by granny or plushy toy from a best friend – or maybe the family heirloom chair that your mom nursed you in, Not required but I LOVE finding these gems in your home

Can we have Pets for our In Home Photoshoot

Bring them ! They are welcome and I think a key difference in home newborn photos. Some studios don’t allow this ( understandably) . I love incorporating fur babies. And most often we can work this in.

What do we wear to a newborn Photoshoot? 

Mums – something neutral you can feed in . If that’s your PJs that’s great too !Choose comfort. Something flowing and unrestrictive, if you need to feed or hide bra straps – consider that too. If you want to dress up or down that’s entirely up to you ( and the energy you have!)

Babies : Neutral , natural breathable and non branded, I prefer no patterns ( simplicity ages better )  . I also love bare , nappies only or no nappy whatever works ( just be prepared for accidents) 

Other family Members : Comfortable , I don’t need you to be  coordinated. I have a blog post for this and a pinterest board for inspiration too.

Any other questions – lets chat ! My contact is here , I go into much more detail in my info packs and session guidance.