When families ask me about newborn photography, the first question is usually the same: studio or in-home? Both are beautiful. Both produce images families treasure. But in-home newborn photography and studio newborn photography are genuinely different experiences — and understanding that difference makes it easier to choose the one that’s right for you.
At my studio on Saint Asaph Street in Old Town Alexandria, everything is already in place — warm light, a calm quiet space in a historic building, lots of neutral wraps and a room kept exactly the right temperature for a sleeping baby. It’s a consistent, cozy, and unhurried space that’s perfect for new parents and babies.
In-home newborn photography is more personal and intimate: the nursery where the crib has been waiting for months. The dog who has already decided she’s in charge of the baby. The details that belong only to this family, in this home, at this exact moment.
Some families know immediately that in-home photos are the ones they want. This one was extra-special — a first grandchild for a dear friend, a nursery in sage green and soft pink, and windows that let in the most gorgeous light.
What Made this House Work for In-Home Newborn Photography
One of the first things I do when I arrive for an in-home session is walk through the space and find the light. Every home is different, and the light is everything. I always bring a flash just in case we need it, but this home had a bedroom with large windows that let in the most beautiful, even natural light — the kind that wraps around a newborn without any harsh edges. That’s where we spent a good portion of the session.
Then there was the nursery. Sage green walls, soft pink accents, the kind of space that had clearly been thought through with care. It felt cozy and intentional — more intimate than the bedroom, a different mood entirely. New parents (and sometimes grandparents!) pour themselves into a nursery before a baby arrives, and there’s something worth documenting in that.
The Baby and the Dog Who Had Opinions
Baby Hadley slept a lot, with a few wide-eyed moments scattered through the session. For the most part I was able to move her, settle her into different positions, and take my time with the light and framing.
Millie the dog, however, didn’t sleep at all, was very cautious, and watched me with the side eye for about 30 minutes as I worked. But then something shifted — and from that point on, she wanted to be in every single photograph. She planted herself next to the baby, leaned into frames, and generally made it known that she was also a member of this family and should be documented accordingly!
Some of those images are among my favorites from the day. Pets are part of the family, and I love when they are included.
How to Prepare
One of the most common questions I get is how to prepare for a session at home. Here’s what I tell every family:
Your home does not need to be spotless. Focus only on the areas where we’ll be photographing — typically the nursery, sometimes the master bedroom or a room with good window light. Clear away anything you wouldn’t want to see in the images, but don’t stress about the rest of the house.
For what to wear: light, neutral tones photograph best at home. For parents, I love khaki, gray, camel, or linen — soft fabrics, nothing busy or heavily patterned. If you have an outfit for baby, be sure to dress them in that before I arrive. If you would like for me to swaddle them (I bring studio wraps in whites and creams), you can just have them in a diaper and loose blanket. Pulling outfits over their head can disrupt them a lot so I try to avoid that if possible.
The morning of the session: a bath tends to use up a lot of baby’s energy, which means a longer sleep during the session. Keep baby awake as much as possible in the hours before I arrive, and feed as much as you can right beforehand. A full, sleepy baby is the best possible starting point.
And most importantly: don’t stress! We will take our time and follow baby’s lead to get the best photos to document this amazing season.
Book Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session
I’m based in Old Town Alexandria and photograph newborns both in my studio and in families’ homes throughout Northern Virginia and the DC area. For in-home sessions, I’m also available for travel up to an hour from Alexandria.
Newborn sessions are best in the first two weeks, so reaching out during pregnancy gives us the most flexibility. If you have questions about whether in-home newborn photography or a studio session is the right fit for your family, contact me here… I’m glad to help you think it through.
It’s almost that time again! Christmas mini sessions will be here before you know it. This year I have two options: November 14-15 will be the classic Christmas photos with a green wreath in my studio, and November 21-22 Santa Bob returns to Sarah’s studio to visit with your children!
If you’re considering an outdoor Christmas session this season, my friend and fellow photographer Charis in Oklahoma City has a wonderful guide to what a Christmas tree farm mini session looks like — worth a read before you book.
5 thoughts on “In-Home Newborn Photography: What a Session Looks Like”
I love the organic natural feel that at home newborn sessions have. Gorgeous and also very helpful details for perspective parents.
Thank you Charis!
Beautiful photos! I really love the tip for parents about avoiding outfit changes where it is pulled over their heads, this can be a big disruption and so easily avoided with a little planning ahead!
This are so beautiful! And I love how practical these tips are. Outfit changes are just too much in a newborn shoot. thank you for the reminder to keep things simple.
The bath. So often overlooked but such a great way to stimulate then sooth your baby to a deep sleep. These are wonderful tips for an in-home newborn session and of course, the most beautiful and natural images that I’m sure these parents will cherish always!