Newborn baby sleeping peacefully in a dark wood crib wearing white outfit and hat with decorative pillow.
Parents arranging a dark wood crib in a blue nursery with carousel art, sconce lighting, and a white glider chair.

What to Expect

during your in-home newborn session

One of my favorite things about in-home newborn sessions is that they aren't about perfection—they're about preserving this beautiful season exactly as it is.

Your session is designed to feel more like a slow morning at home than a traditional photoshoot. There is no rushing, no strict posing, and absolutely no expectation for your baby (or toddler!) to perform. We'll take our time, follow your baby's lead, and create images that feel natural, connected, and true to your family.

Throughout the session, I'll gently guide you into flattering light and natural interactions rather than stiff poses. My goal is for you to focus on loving on your family while I document all of the little moments in between.

A mother with dark hair gently kisses her swaddled newborn baby girl wearing a white bow headband.
A couple sitting on a bed, smiling and kissing their newborn baby wrapped in white.

A Typical Session

Every family is different, but here's what you can generally expect.

We'll usually begin in the room with the best natural light—most often the primary bedroom or nursery. We'll turn off all the lights, and only use window light. I know that feels weird. But I promise it's what's best.



We'll start with family portraits while everyone is fresh, then move into individual moments with each parent and baby.

If you have older siblings, we'll include them early on while they're still excited and engaged. Once we've captured those family moments, they're free to play, have a snack, or simply be kids while we continue photographing baby.

Throughout the session, we'll naturally move through different spaces in your home, documenting cuddles on the bed, rocking in the nursery, feeding, soothing, tiny details, and all of those beautiful everyday moments that make this season so special.

Most sessions last about an hour to an hour and half, but there is never a rush. If baby needs to eat, we'll pause. If they need a diaper change, we'll pause. If your toddler needs a little break, we'll pause for that too. Some of the sweetest photographs happen during those quiet in-between moments.

YOUR HOME DOESN'T NEED TO BE PERFECT

This is probably the biggest concern I hear from new parents, so let me put your mind at ease.
A smiling couple sits with their newborn baby and golden retriever dog in a cozy nursery setting.

Your home does not need to look like it belongs in a magazine.

I'm looking for beautiful light and genuine connection—not perfection.


Before I arrive, I simply recommend:

  • Open all blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.
  • Make the bed in the primary bedroom with neutral bedding if you have it.
  • Clear off nightstands, dressers, and countertops of any unnecessary clutter.
  • Give the nursery a quick tidy if you'd like to use it.


That's truly all you need to do.



If something needs to be moved once I arrive, I'm always happy to help. I promise I'm not judging your home—I've photographed families in every stage of life, and I know exactly what life with a newborn looks like.

A newborn baby yawning while swaddled in a white knit blanket, lying in a wicker Moses basket.
A blonde mother in a striped dress tenderly holds her swaddled newborn baby close to her chest.

Baby Doesn't Have to Sleep

 

One of the biggest misconceptions about newborn photography is that babies have to sleep through the entire session.

The truth is—they don't.

Some of my favorite images happen when babies are wide awake, stretching, yawning, looking around, or simply snuggled safely in their parents' arms.

Every baby is different, and I fully embrace that. There is no "perfect" way for your little one to behave during our time together.

 

Mother changing baby on black dresser in nursery with gold mirror and frames on beige wall.

 

FEEDING & DIAPER CHANGES

 

IF POSSIBLE, I RECOMMEND FEEDING YOUR BABY SHORTLY BEFORE I ARRIVE

A full tummy often helps babies feel content at the beginning of the session.


That being said, newborns make their own rules.


If your little one gets hungry, needs a diaper change, or simply wants extra snuggles, we'll stop whenever they need. There is absolutely no pressure to stay on a schedule.

Bright modern living room with white sofa, green pillow, wood sideboard, framed art, and large window with natural light.

 

Timing Matters

 

When does your house receive the most light?

In-home newborn sessions are typically scheduled around 10:00 AM or 12:30 PM because that's when your home receives the most beautiful natural light.

Natural light is what creates the soft, timeless, airy look you see throughout my portfolio, so choosing the right time of day allows me to create the best possible images for your family. If the rooms you want to photograph in, have great light coming into them at certain times I'd love to know!

A joyful mother laughs while holding a newborn on a bed, surrounded by her young children in a cozy bedroom.

 

If You Have Older Siblings...

 

Toddlers and young children are wonderfully unpredictable—and I absolutely expect that.

There is no need to worry if they aren't interested in photos right away or don't want to smile for the camera.

I never force children into poses or expect them to sit perfectly still. Instead, we let them warm up naturally, play, cuddle, and interact in their own way.

Some of my favorite sibling photographs are the ones filled with genuine curiosity, laughter, and little moments that couldn't have been planned.

Black and white photo of a woman standing in a hallway with an arched doorway, holding a bag in a modern home.

 

What to expect:

In-Home NEwborn

 

A couple sits on a couch, lovingly gazing at their newborn baby in a bright, cozy living room.
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What I'll Bring

My approach is what I like to call coached candid.

I'll gently guide you into the good light and natural movement while allowing your family to simply be together.

Rather than focusing on perfectly posed images, I want your gallery to feel like memories—full of movement, connection, laughter, tiny details, and genuine emotion.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in white bassinet with pink blanket, teddy bear, and headband, named Isabella Grace.
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My Photography Style

I keep things simple.

Rather than bringing large props or elaborate setups, I bring a small wicker basket with a wrap and a blanket and we can use if needed. This keeps the focus where it belongs—on your baby, your family, and the home where your story is unfolding.

A smiling couple holds a newborn baby and an orange tabby cat in a cozy living room with a fireplace.
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Before I leave

Before wrapping up, I'll always double-check to make sure we've photographed everything that's important to you.

Whether it's a meaningful heirloom, the nursery you spent months preparing, or a special moment you don't want to forget, I want you to leave your session knowing we've preserved this season beautifully.

A mother sits in a cozy armchair cradling her newborn baby, sharing a tender moment by a bright window.
A newborn baby lying in a wooden crib, reaching up with tiny hands toward a parent standing nearby.

Most Importantly...

 

Take a deep breath.

Your house doesn't have to be spotless.

Your toddler doesn't have to cooperate perfectly.

Your baby doesn't have to sleep.

You don't have to worry about knowing what to do.

Just love on your family.

I'll take care of the rest.

These first days are fleeting, and it is truly an honor to preserve them for you in a way that feels timeless, genuine, and beautifully you.


Can't wait to see you :)


xo,

Rachael