How to Prepare Your Home for a Lifestyle Newborn Session | Tips on Lighting, Decluttering, and What to Expect
Welcoming a newborn into your home is one of the most beautiful, fleeting seasons of life—and it’s my honor to help capture it for you in an honest, heartfelt way. As a lifestyle newborn photographer in the Maplewood, Westfield, and Summit NJ area, I’m often asked: “What should I do to get my house ready for our session?”
The good news? You don’t need a magazine-ready space. Your home is perfect just the way it is—with all the signs of new life and love within it. That said, a few small steps can help us make the most of your session and your natural light. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Let the Light In
Lifestyle photography is all about capturing connection in natural, meaningful spaces—your home being one of them. I typically photograph in your:
Living Room
Primary (Master) Bedroom
Nursery
But I’m flexible! If there’s another room with beautiful light—or simply a space that means something to you—we’ll adapt.
Quick Tips for Light:
Raise the blinds and open the curtains in the main rooms before I arrive. Natural light helps create the soft, dreamy look you see in my portfolio.
Cloudy day? No problem. I always bring an external flash and use it in a way that mimics natural window light. I’ll never point it directly at your baby—only toward a wall or window for a soft, flattering effect. I actually used external flash in all of the photos in this post but you really can’t tell.
2. No Need to Deep Clean
You just had a baby. Your home doesn’t have to be spotless.
I repeat: You don’t have to clean like company is coming. If things feel a little messy, that’s perfectly OK. Your focus should be on snuggling your baby, not scrubbing baseboards.
That said, if you do have time:
Try to clear surfaces in the areas we’ll use (nightstands, coffee tables, dressers).
Tuck any clutter into drawers or baskets.
If your nightstand is packed, slide everything into the drawer—I promise, I won't judge!
I’m always happy to gently move things as needed during the session.
3. Bedding Makes a Big Impact
The master bed is one of my favorite places for cozy family cuddles and solo baby shots.
Light-colored bedding (white, ivory, pale gray, or beige) works best. It reflects light and keeps the focus on you and your baby.
Don’t have anything light? No worries—I can place a neutral sheet or swaddle over the bed for clean, timeless shots.
I also bring a Moses basket for individual newborn portraits, adding variety without props that feel unnatural.
4. Gather Any Special Items
While I don’t use traditional props, I love incorporating meaningful heirlooms or sentimental items into your session. These small touches make your photos even more personal and unique.
Some ideas:
A hand-knit blanket from Grandma
A quilt passed down through generations
A toy or stuffed animal from your own childhood
A personalized swaddle or name blanket
If you have anything special, just set it aside before the session—I’ll thoughtfully work it into our time together.
5. What to Expect During the Session
The session will feel relaxed, baby-led, and low-stress. I’ll gently guide you and your family through the experience while leaving room for genuine connection and real moments.
Expect:
A session length of 1.5 to 2 hours
Time for feeding, changing, and soothing your baby—no rush
Direction when needed, but space to just be yourselves
We’ll capture:
Snuggly family moments
Sweet solo portraits of your baby
Tiny details like toes, fingers, and sleepy yawns
Interactions with siblings or even pets if you’d like
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your home tells the story of your family. That’s what lifestyle newborn photography is all about—capturing you just as you are, in the place where your love lives and grows.
If you're located in Maplewood, Westfield, Summit, or the surrounding NJ areas and are expecting a new arrival soon, I’d love to help you preserve this season. It goes by so fast—but these photos will last forever.
Let’s tell your story.