A stress-free checklist for in-home lifestyle newborn sessions


The newborn days are beautiful, but let's be honest...they're also a blur. If you booked an in-home newborn photo session and you're second guessing all of life's choices, don't fret! You don't need a spotless home or a picture-perfect nursery to still capture beautiful moments of your newest addition. All you need is a few quick tweaks to help your home feel calm on camera.


Here's my simple, realistic guide on how to prep your home for newborn photos in 15 minutes or less.


What matters most (so you don't overthink it!)

For lifestyle newborn photography, the photographer and the camera focuses on:

  • Faces and connection
  • Hands, feet, and all the teeny details
  • Soft window light
  • Simple backgrounds

That means we're not photographing your whole home! I usually work in only 2-3 areas:

  • The master bedroom
  • The nursery (or wherever baby will sleep)
  • The living room


Here's where my checklist comes in. Set a timer, put on a comfort show, and get 'er done. It's quick and doable!


First 5 minutes: Clear the "visual clutter" in the main photo locations

Walk through the bedroom, living room, and nursery to do a quick sweep.

  • Toss laundry into hamper (or stuff in the closet until later)
  • Water bottles, cups, snack wrappers
  • Chargers and remotes
  • Extra pillows you don't want included in the photos
  • Packages and mail
  • Bags and purses


Minutes 6-10: Make the bed (full discloser, it doesn't have to be perfect!)

The bed is one of the most common newborn photo locations because it's cozy and naturally an intimate space.

  • Smooth the comforter/ duvet
  • Remove all but 2-4 pillows
  • Choose a neutral bedding (white, cream, gray, tan)
  • If your bedding is bright or patterned, it's all good! We will just throw a neutral blanket over the top.


Minutes 11-13: Light check and quick wipe down

If you didn't already know, light matters more than decor!

  • Open curtains/ blinds in the photo locations
  • Turn off overhead lights as they can tint skin tones
  • Wipe down nightstands if they are dusty or crowded


Minutes 14-15: Temperature and baby station

  • Set the thermostat slightly warmer than it usually is (newborns like cozy)
  • Choose one surface for "baby essentials"
  • If you're bottle feeding, have one ready just in case


Optional if you have more time:

  • Clear the top dresser in baby's nursery
  • Remove super bright toys from the crib area
  • Hide extra diaper boxes and large baby gear temporarily
  • Pick one meaningful item to include (quilt, name sign, heirloom, book)


DO NOT worry about these things. Seriously, let them go.

  • Deep cleaning the bathrooms
  • Mopping, vacuuming everything, scrubbing baseboards
  • Perfectly styled shelves
  • A Pinterest worthy nursery
  • Dishes in the sink


***The MOST important thing to remember during your newborn session: plan for flexibility.

Newborn sessions are baby-led. If we need to pause so you can feed, soothe, or change baby, it is totally fine and completely normal!


Ready to book your newborn photos? I would love to be a part of capturing your little one's first days earth side.


XOXO,

Taylor