Welcoming a photographer into your home for an in-home newborn session is a big deal. Your home is your sanctuary, especially in those early postpartum days. My approach to newborn photography is slow-paced and baby-led, which means I take the time to ensure both you and your baby are comfortable before I ever pick up my camera.

Here are the first five things I do when I arrive for your session—none of which involve taking pictures.

I Take My Shoes Off

This may seem like a small gesture, but it’s one that matters. Removing my shoes is both a sign of respect for your home and a practical step in keeping baby’s space as clean as possible. Newborns spend so much time on soft blankets, beds and couches, and I want to do my part to minimize germs in your environment. Not tracking the outside in helps!

I Have You Show Me the Spaces You’re Considering

Before we begin, I ask you to walk me through the areas you’re thinking of using for your session. We’ll take a quick look together, and I may suggest small adjustments—like decluttering a nightstand, shifting pillows for a cleaner look or opening up space near a window for the best natural light. These tiny tweaks make a big difference in creating a clean, cozy backdrop for your photos while still keeping your home feeling like your home.

Oftentimes, I’ll have your send me photos of your home or text with me about spots your considering so this parts goes quickly once I arrive!

 I Seek Out the Best Windows (or Available light)

Lighting is everything in photography, and natural light creates the warm, organic feel that defines in-home newborn sessions. I’ll take a moment to identify the best light sources in your home, whether that’s a nursery window, your bedroom or a cozy spot in the living room. For newborn sessions, I offer naturally posed and wrapped baby portraits in addition to lifestyle family images, so finding the perfect light is essential to creating a mix of intimate family moments and timeless baby portraits.

I also bring supplemental lighting and am flexible when it comes to where we work. I’ve done entire sessions in kitchens, in a corner of the master bedroom where light could filter in from the bathroom skylight … you get the picture.

I Talk to Mom About Her Birth Experience & Comfort Level

Every postpartum journey is different. Before we begin, I check in with you—not just as a photographer, but as a mama. Whether you had a smooth delivery or are recovering from a C-section, I want to make sure you feel comfortable during our time together. If you’re experiencing discomfort, we’ll adjust how we position you and your baby so you never feel strained or uncomfortable.

I Wash or Sanitize My Hands

Your baby’s health is always my priority. Before I handle your newborn, I take the time to wash or sanitize my hands. As a newborn photographer trained in CPR and infant safety (and as a mom to young children myself), I take every precaution to ensure that your baby is safe and cared for throughout our session.

The Quiet Work of Showing Up Well

Before I even take a single photo, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes.

I know what an honor it is to be welcomed into your home during those early days—when everything is still fresh and shifting and tender. It’s a beautiful time, but it’s also a big one. And I don’t take that lightly.

While I may joke about rearranging your living room or leaving you with a freshly unswaddled, slightly offended baby (it’s always done with love!), there’s a lot of thought and intention that goes into every session I do.

The night before, I’m carefully pulling together a handful of styled looks based on your preferences, your home’s light, and what will feel most like you. I reread your family questionnaire. I revisit our emails or texts to remind myself of anything you’ve shared—whether baby came early, if you sent over inspiration photos, or if there’s something important you want me to keep in mind.

When I walk into your home, I’m not rushing to set up or snap a picture. I’m arriving with space—mentally and literally—to let things unfold. These sessions are designed to be slow, quiet, and fully baby-led. They’re meant to feel less like a photoshoot and more like spending a calm afternoon with someone who truly cares about your family’s comfort.

Because I do.

Yes, I’m here to document beautiful images—but I’m also here to create a peaceful, respectful experience for you and your baby. Your child’s safety is always my top priority, and I want you to feel like you can breathe, exhale, and just be. Whether that means pausing to feed, talking through your birth story, or quietly observing while your toddler shows me their favorite toy, I’m here for all of it.

So while I may not come in with a clipboard or make a big deal of it, I take this work seriously. Not in a stuffy or over-the-top way—but in the way you do when you love something, and you know it matters.

And this? These moments with your brand new baby?
They matter.