Prepping your home for your north Alabama newborn session


I can guarantee that the reader of this post is the momma to be, so mom, send this to your husband, sister, mother - any of the people who will be helping you in the postpartum days - because they need this information more than you!


ok, now that we have that cleared up, let's get down to it!


  1. Open up those curtains/blinds let that natural light in!: Lighting is by far the most important factor when it comes to photography - so getting that part right is critical to the success of our session. Mixed lighting (i.e. recessed lights, lamps, fan lights, etc) can be challenging during a photo session since different light sources can create varying temperatures of light that appear differently on camera. To ensure consistency, it's best to rely on natural window light only. Before your session, open the blinds and switch off all overhead lights and lamps. This simplifies the lighting setup and removes potential distractions.
  2. Feed that baby: Since our newborn sessions are baby-led, we have plenty of time for feeding and changing the baby if necessary, so no need to worry about that. However, it can be helpful if the baby has a full feed and a solid burp shortly before we begin. This not only ensures their comfort but also increases the likelihood of them being relaxed and milk drunk -aka- sleepy. But please remember, lifestyle newborn sessions can feature awake babies as well, Regardless of an alert or sleepy baby, the aim is always to capture the bond between your new family and your little one.
  3. Make the beds: While it may not be a top priority in the postpartum days, on the day of your session, it's advisable to have someone make the beds and change the crib sheet. This provides a fresh backdrop for lifestyle portraits within your baby's new environment.
  4. Clear the clutter: Your home doesn't need to be immaculate for the session (after all, you have a newborn!), but it's beneficial to have someone go around with a laundry basket and gather any clutter, such as misplaced shoes, clothes, or toys. This allows us to utilize your space in the best possible way for portraits. Nightstands, often filled with postpartum and nursing items, are a common area to declutter temporarily by placing items in drawers or baskets. As a general rule, if you don't want something to be visible in the background of your images, move it out of sight (I can also help spot these items). I often remind my clients, the house doesn't need to be perfectly cleaned - it just needs to appear that way *cough* shove things in closets *cough, cough*


And it really is that simple! By following these 4 tips, you can create a welcoming and tidy environment for your photo session while ensuring the comfort of your baby and your family.