In Home Photography Session: How to Prepare
By Emily O Photography
Simple baby girl
There is something incredibly special about photographing a newborn in the place where your story is just beginning—your home. Right now, Emily O Photography is exclusively traveling to clients’ homes while my studio is under construction, and honestly, it has been such a beautiful shift. These sessions feel more personal, more relaxed, and deeply meaningful.
If you’re wondering how to prepare for an in home photography session, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. My goal is to make this experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible so you can focus on what matters most: loving on your new baby.
Why In Home Photography Sessions Are So Special
One of the biggest advantages of an in-home session is comfort. You don’t have to pack a diaper bag, load up the car, or worry about arriving on time with a newborn (which we all know can feel like a miracle in itself). Everything you need is already right there.
Your home also tells your story. Whether it’s the nursery you thoughtfully designed, your cozy living room, or simply the way you naturally interact as a family—these are the details that make your images uniquely yours.
How to Prepare for an In Home Photography Session
The beauty of these sessions is that they don’t require perfection. I’m not walking into your home expecting it to look like a magazine—I’m there to capture real life in a beautiful way. That said, a little preparation can go a long way in helping your session run smoothly.
Here are some simple tips:
- Focus on a few key spaces
You don’t need to clean your entire house. I typically photograph in the nursery, master bedroom, and living room. A quick tidy-up in those areas is perfect. - Let in natural light for an in-home photography session
Open blinds and curtains in the rooms we’ll be using. Natural light is everything for soft, timeless images. - Keep outfits simple and neutral
Soft tones like creams, whites, pastels, and earthy colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your connection as a family. - Feed baby right before the session
A full baby is a sleepy, content baby—which helps us capture those dreamy, snuggly moments. - Warm up your home
Babies are happiest when they’re warm. Setting your thermostat a little higher (80 degrees) helps keep them cozy, especially for swaddled or lightly clothed shots. - Have meaningful items nearby
Blankets, heirlooms, or special gifts can add a personal touch to your images. - Relax and trust the process
Babies can be unpredictable, and that’s okay. I allow plenty of time for feeding, changing, and soothing.
A Note About Studio-Lit Portraits
If you’re hoping to include those classic, posed newborn images with props, I can absolutely bring a studio setup into your home. For these studio-lit portraits, I’ll need a space approximately 6ft by 6ft where I can set up my lighting, bean bag, and backdrop.
Ideally, this space should be in a room with little to no natural light so I can fully control the lighting and create those soft, polished images you love. Don’t worry—I’ll handle all the setup and styling. I just need a small, cleared area to work my magic.
A Personal Note
While my studio is being built, traveling into your homes has truly reminded me why I love what I do. There’s something so intimate about documenting your family in your own space—the place where late-night feedings happen, where tiny yawns fill the room, and where your new life together is unfolding.
If you’ve been considering a newborn session, this is such a beautiful season to embrace the comfort of home.
And remember—when thinking about how to prepare for an in home photography session, the most important thing isn’t perfection. It’s presence.
I’ll take care of the rest.
