Welcoming baby home: how to prep for a cozy newborn session


There’s something really special about photographing your family right where life is happening—at home, in the newborn bubble, where everything feels a little slower (and a little more magical). My approach to in-home newborn sessions is relaxed and natural, focusing on connection over perfection. Think snuggles on the bed, rocking in the nursery, and those tiny in-between moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Here’s how to prep your space so we can make the most of your session—without adding any extra stress to your plate.


Create a Space That Feels Like You

Your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine—it just needs to feel calm, cozy, and lived in. The goal is to keep the focus on your family, not the “stuff.”

  • A quick tidy goes a long way:
  • Clear off surfaces like nightstands, coffee tables, and dressers (think: remotes, snacks, receipts, random odds and ends).
  • Tuck away everyday clutter—laundry piles, diaper bags, extra gear.
  • Keep bedding simple with light, neutral tones like whites, creams, or soft greys for a clean, timeless look.

Pro tip: pick one “drop zone” room, corner or closet to stash anything you don’t want in photos. Easy, done.


let the light in!

Open up curtains and blinds to bring in as much natural light as possible—it helps create that soft, airy feel. Go ahead and turn off overhead lights so we’re not mixing lighting sources.

And if your home doesn’t get a ton of light? No stress at all. I come fully prepared with professional lighting so your photos will still look beautiful and natural.


keep it warm & cozy

Newborns love to be warm (honestly, who doesn’t?). Turning the heat up to around 75 degrees helps keep baby sleepy and comfortable—perfect for those snuggly moments. You can also switch off ceiling fans so the room stays nice and toasty.

focus on key areas

We typically use just a few spots in your home, so no need to worry about the entire house.

  • Master Bedroom: Perfect for those cozy, cuddled-up family moments. Light, neutral bedding works best.
  • Nursery: Clear off the changing table and make sure we have space near the crib or glider.
  • Living Room: We’ll likely hang out here for relaxed, everyday moments—especially if there are siblings involved.
  • Front Porch/Yard (optional): If the weather is nice, we might step outside for a few quick, fresh-air shots.


Key items

Having a few key items within reach helps keep things flowing smoothly:

  • Diapers, wipes, and burp cloths
  • A pacifier (even if baby doesn’t always take one—it can help in a pinch)
  • A bottle, if you’re using one
  • Any meaningful blankets or keepsakes you’d love included


shoes off


We’ll keep things relaxed and comfortable—so go ahead and kick off your shoes. Barefoot, cozy, and connected is exactly the vibe we’re going for. I can't tell you how many in home sessions I go to and half of the family has shoes on and they ask, should I keep my shoes on?

most importantly,

let go of perfect

This season of life is beautifully messy, emotional, and fleeting. There may be laundry in the corner or a toddler running wild—and that’s okay. Truly.

You don’t need a perfect home or perfectly behaved kids. You just need to show up, love on your baby, and be together.

I’ll take care of the rest 🤍


XO, Samantha