Welcoming a new baby into the family is such a joyous occasion. It’s usually followed by making a decision about whether or not to schedule an infant photo shoot at home. A newborn photoshoot allows you to be fully present in these cherished moments when your baby is still so small, and the world is so big. But deciding whether or not an infant photo shoot at home is right for you can quickly bring up concerns. Questions such as ” What if my baby cries during the photoshoot?” And, what if they are too fussy to capture any images? These are both valid concerns that can be remedied. Through the information below, I’m detailing my top 6 newborn photo tips that will allow you to make the most of your session, enjoy a relaxed pace, and come together as a family to honor your new baby.

1. Quick Feed & Change Before Our Scheduled Time

Throughout the booking process, we’ll discuss a day and time that works best for your in home newborn photoshoot. In order to prepare, the families I work with receive a prep guide upon booking. The guide details important information like how to easily ready a corner of your home and outfit ideas. It also covers specifics like opening all the blinds and creating a calm environment. One of the many things I advocate for as an Edina newborn photographer is also a quick feed and change before we get started. About 10 to 15 minutes prior to my arrival time, you’ll want to change baby’s diaper and make sure they have a full belly. This will allow your darling little one to feel content and settled, giving us the best start to your session.

2. Keep Your Baby Cozy

I touched on this very briefly above, but my newborn photoshoot prep guide details suggestions for attire that will make you and the rest of your family ready to step in front of the camera. But when it comes to baby, one of my top newborn photo tips is keeping baby in a simple outfit. A monotone swaddle or a well-loved blanket works great. It’s easy enough to change or navigate throughout the session, and it photographs beautifully. The added bonus of keeping your baby in a swaddle, wrap, or blanket is that they will feel warm and snuggled, allowing them to fully relax in your arms as we begin to capture your infant photo shoot at home.

3. Create a Calm Environment

Welcoming your sweet baby into the world is a joyous occasion for everyone in the family. As a lifestyle newborn photographer in Edina, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, newborn photoshoots are often a chance for the whole family to come together in front of the camera.

My top newborn photo tips include creating a calm environment that works best for everyone. It’s an amazing way to make the most of your experience. I always advocate for turning on your favorite music or sounds to set the tone for your session. This isn’t just for your sweet baby, it’s for you and your other littles as well. Babies are so adept at picking up on the energy around them. If you create a relaxing, welcoming environment, it will put everyone at ease. Thus allowing you to soak up the snuggles and be present in the moments that will soon become memories, all to the tune of your favorite sounds.

4. We’ll Follow Your Baby’s Lead

Time constraint is not a driving factor in creating a welcoming experience throughout your in home newborn photoshoot. There is no rush. We will follow your baby’s lead, each step of the way. If they need to be fed on demand, changed, or just need some extra snuggles and reassurance from the ones they love the most, then we can pause, take our time, and allow the narrative of your photoshoot to be driven by your baby. In fact, some of the most tender images can occur throughout those in-between moments. Whether you need to nurse your baby or just bring them in close to soothe them, with your express permission, we will capture those private moments as part of your session.

5. Movement, Reset, and Calming Tricks

Sometimes baby may need a bit more than a feed and diaper change to help them soothe during the shoot. As a Minneapolis newborn photographer, I have more than a few newborn photo tips at my disposal when it comes to helping baby feel calm. Part of my approach throughout a newborn shoot will be to work on different groupings, such as baby with parents, baby with siblings, baby with each individual parent, and, of course, baby by themselves.

We will follow your baby’s lead when it comes to the pace of your session, including how they adjust to being moved. But sometimes a few calming tricks might be needed in order to help them transition with ease. Depending on your baby’s needs, we can work with white noise, adjusting the temperature, or moving to a different location within your house that provides a change in light. Each of these environmental changes works to create a positive impact in the overall sense of calm that permeates the session.

6. Your Comfort Matters Most

As a mom, I am all too familiar with the cycle of sleepless nights, feedings, and changings. Finding the joy in those moments can sometimes be a struggle, especially when you feel as though all you need is an uninterrupted shower and a warm cup of your favorite drink. Those early days with your newborn can feel arduous, but I know all too well that those days are also fleeting.

Taking the time to schedule a newborn shoot in your home will allow you to set the pace, slow down, and just be in one another’s presence.

I highly recommend that, as you prepare for your in home newborn photoshoot, you try to approach it from a place of relaxation. All too easily, your baby can pick up on what you’re feeling. If you carve out time for that shower, or even a blowout (it’s always ok to ask for help when you need it), and you feel like the best version of yourself, everyone else will take pleasure in the session. You’ll be ready to capture the moment with your family, with everyone gathered to create the unforgettable images of your beautiful family.

What if my baby cries during the session?

Babies cry as a way of communicating their needs to us. I fully expect this to happen at any point during the photoshoot. When it does, we will use the above infant photo tips to help them soothe. As a lifestyle newborn photographer, my focus lies in capturing you and your baby in your natural state. This deemphasizes posing and ‘picture perfect moments’, allowing you to rock or bounce them as needed. All in all, curating stunning images of you and your little one in their natural daily state.

What if my baby is so fussy during the session that we don’t capture any photos?

In all my many years as a newborn photographer, I can assure you that this has never been the case, even when a baby is fussy. For example, there are there are plenty of tender moments that unfold throughout the soothing process where we can capture the ‘in between moments’ of you gently rocking or shushing your baby as they melt in your arms.

In Home Newborn Shoot in Edina, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Beyond

I’m Kristen, a newborn photographer who captures in home lifestyle photos in Edina, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond. As a mother and a local photographer, I understand all too well how precious these sweet early days are in your baby’s life. Those tender cuddles and soft finger grabs are all moments to be celebrated and captured through images you can look back on over a lifetime. My top newborn photo tips are centered around following your baby’s lead while photographing your entire family in a calm and relaxed environment. You can find more details on working with me for in home newborn photos when you visit this link.