NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY AT HOME

When your new baby arrives, your family’s newborn cocoon is precious and venturing outside might not seem very appealing. Visitors come to you, online shopping is delivered right to your door and bonding and sleep are the top priority.

But what if you want professional photographs taken of your little one when they’re still so tiny and new?

Rather than making an expedition to a local studio, why not have your newborn photography in the comfort of your own home.

Read on for a useful guide on how you can have those precious early days captured on camera by an experienced newborn photographer without leaving the sanctuary of the family home.

Sarah Whyte from Purple Kite photography, happily sitting outside holding her camera

Hi! I’m Sarah, the creator behind Purple Kite Photography.

As a mum of two, I know how important it is to capture those special moments, so you can relive them time and again as the memories fade.

I began my photography journey when I had my first child, taking thousands of photos to try and preserve their perfect tininess forever. Pretty soon I was taking photos of my friends' children too, and it naturally evolved into a business. And I've never looked back!

Since then, it has been my privilege to photograph families, events and special occasions as well as weddings. I feel so lucky to call this work!

I hate having my own photo taken, so I totally get it when people say they feel awkward in front of the camera, but it is my job to put you at ease and get great results.

A newborn baby sleeping on a long haired blanket with a nursery woodland scene on the wall behind

WHEN IS THE PERFECT TIME TO CAPTURE YOUR NEWBORN BABY?

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on a soft surface, wearing a light blue striped outfit. Serene mood with a light background.

Man gently holds newborn close to his face, both smiling. The baby wears a gray onesie with a small tiger. Soft, intimate moment.

To capture that tiny baby newness I would suggest booking your newborn photography as soon after baby is born as you can! I appreciate that in those first few days, when you're sleep deprived and still adjusting to the new arrival, you barely know which way is up, but you'll soon notice how quickly your newborn is changing. To capture the brief time when your baby sleeps deeply for long periods and their limbs are still scrunched up in the foetal position, you really need to try and schedule your photography within the first few weeks.

Days four, five and six after their birthday are the perfect time to schedule a newborn photoshoot, but definitely within the first six weeks. Most parents book the session before their baby is born to get it in the diary. And all photographers will be flexible on moving this date backwards or forwards, depending when your little one chooses to make their arrival.

If you’d prefer not to make any plans before your baby is born, get in touch with your chosen photographer as soon as you’re home and most will try to fit you in if they can.

Man gently kisses baby's feet, holding them tenderly. Close-up shot, soft lighting, conveying warmth and affection in a calm setting.

As your newborn develops during those early weeks, the opportunities for pictures change. When babies are tiny in those first few weeks it's all about capturing moments that might otherwise fade away in the haze of sleepless nights: those tiny curled fingers and toes, how they easily fit in the palm of your hand, the special rock you used to do to soothe them to sleep.

In the initial few days babies often slip into deep milk-sleep meaning you can reposition them and get shots of them being held without disturbing them.

There is a brief period after about 6 weeks until they get to about 3 months when it's not ideal to photograph babies. During this time they've lost that special newness, but are still not able to giggle and interact or not yet strong enough to hold their neck up for tummy time, meaning you're limited to capturing them either being held or lying on their back. If you miss the newborn stage for your professional photographs, I recommend waiting until they're at least 3 months to ensure you have the best experience and get a wonderful set of photos.

Newborn in a gray knit hat sleeps peacefully on a soft, textured blanket. The setting is tranquil with muted gray and white tones.

WHY CHOOSE AN AT-HOME NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?

If you search online for newborn photography, you can be overwhelmed with choices. Do you want your photos to be taken in a studio, or at home? Do you want posed images with co-ordinated outfits and props, or more natural photos? It's all down to personal preference, so it's important that you find a photographer who is right for you.

A woman kisses a baby's head. The baby lies on a white blanket, wearing a floral outfit. The scene is calm and intimate.

There are many reasons to choose to have your newborn photography at home, possibly the biggest incentive is that you don't need to leave the comfort of your home!

Your photographer will bring all the equipment they require to your house, while you have all you need within easy reach - changes of clothes, food, hot drinks and other essentials.

The session is guided by the needs of your baby, so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves, knowing that there's no time pressure if they need to do an emergency nappy change, or administer a monster feed! There's no rushing back to the car before the traffic warden comes by, or worrying whether you'll be back in time for Grandma's arrival - though if Grandma does visit during our session, then we can include her too - the more the merrier!

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY AT HOME FOR MEMORIES

A woman cradles a sleeping newborn in white, against a gray background. She wears a floral-patterned outfit. Peaceful and tender moment.

For me, the most valuable reason for having your newborn photos at home is for the memories you capture. They immediately transport you back to a place and a time and the feelings you had at that moment.

Because memories are such an important part of these newborn photos, it's perfect to have them taken in the place where all of those precious early memories are made - your family home. Nobody has a memory of being dressed like a cute animal, posed on a fluffy cloud unless that was part of their photoshoot. I want to focus on real life, on what's important.

Instead of props and costumes, let's concentrate on the here and now. Let’s capture you rocking your newborn to sleep in the chair in the nursery where you sit and feed. Let’s capture your partner soothing your baby to sleep as they walk around the living room. Let’s capture you snuggled together on your sofa, happy and proud of your little one or sharing a yawn as you reminisce about the distant memories of a full night’s sleep.

These pictures will evoke treasured memories and will transport you straight back to that sense of wonder at your tiny baby, the overwhelming love and incredible euphoria of bringing a new person into the world. They'll only increase in value when used as triggers to tell your child about their earliest days as they grow up.

Woman in a leafy-patterned dress bottle-feeds a baby in her arms, sitting on a green chair. Bright, cozy room with a dresser in the background.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER STYLES

Every newborn photographer has their own style, whether they work in a studio or at home. It’s important to understand what your photographer offers to ensure you’re happy with the results. Look at examples of their work and see if their style aligns with yours.

Details

I love to capture the small details. The newly decorated nursery, tiny fingers curled around yours, little downy ears, impossibly long eyelashes, a small head cradled in a safe pair of hands. They all help tell the story of those early days which are soon forgotten.

A sleeping baby holds an adult's finger. The baby wears a white outfit with animal prints, lying on a striped blanket in soft, warm lighting.

Hands gently cradle a newborn's head. The baby wears a light outfit. The background is soft, with muted colors, conveying warmth.

Newborn sleeping peacefully on a soft, fluffy surface. Dressed in a white onesie with adorable patterns, conveying a serene mood. Black and white.

Black and White images

I specialize in natural photography, focusing on family connections and emotion. I always offer my newborn images in natural colour but also in Black and White. Shooting in your home can introduce distracting elements, but black-and-white images eliminate worries about toys or colourful walls. This timeless style is perfect for newborns and will look just as beautiful for generations to come.

Black and white image of a woman and two children bonding closely. Warm expressions, gentle embrace, and soft background setting.

Adult hand gently holding a baby's hand, close-up. Background shows textured fabric. The image emits a warm, tender mood. Black and white.

A LIFESTYLE APPROACH TO NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY

Man in plaid shirt holding smiling baby in colorful onesie, sitting beside a gray dog in a pink sweater on patterned couch. Cozy setting.

Newborn photography at your home offers a relaxed, lifestyle approach, capturing both sleeping and awake moments. While posed sleeping shots are beautiful, awake pictures often showcase more personality and connection. Over time, many parents find themselves drawn to these interactive photos, even if they initially loved the sleeping shots.

I love this approach of taking both types of image during our laid-back session. Sleeping shots capture peaceful moments, but nothing beats the charm of siblings interacting or the adorable expressions babies make, mimicking their parents or nibbling on their noses.

Baby wearing a striped onesie is held by an adult, looking surprised. Background shows a patterned pillow and gray couch. Cozy setting.

A lifestyle approach also prioritises your newborn's comfort. We’re not focused on perfect poses, so there's no pressure if their hand isn't just right. While posed images can be stunning, they’re often composites with extensive Photoshop work behind them.

If you're opting for highly stylized poses, ensure your photographer is trained to safely execute them, as some poses can be risky if done incorrectly. Lifestyle pictures don’t carry these risks as you’re not propping up your baby in unnatural poses. Instead, you’re enjoying them as they are, happy and safe in your own family environment.

Baby yawns while lying on a person's lap, wearing light gray clothing. A hand gently holds the baby's foot. Warm, cozy atmosphere.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY AT HOME FOR SIBLINGS

Two young children lying on a crocheted blanket. Both wear matching white shirts with rainbow designs, labelled "Big Sister" and "Little Sister."

Photographing your newborn at home is a great way to include older siblings who may feel a bit left out. The first few weeks with a new sibling can be overwhelming—there’s a new person to love, but also someone who takes up a lot of their parents' attention.

Shooting at home helps older children feel secure in their own space, with the option to participate or take some quiet time with their toys or books. They often love showing off their new sibling and favourite toys, though some may feel a little wary. Being in a familiar environment makes them more comfortable and involved.

Smiling child wrapped in a soft gray blanket, lying on a carpet with a subtle pattern. Bright and cozy indoor setting.

Boy in yellow dinosaur shirt and woman smiling at table with cereal bowls and purple cups. Background features world map and bright window.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY AT HOME FOR FAMILY PETS

Newborn baby sleeping in a furry basket, wearing colorful pajamas. A gray French Bulldog in a red sweater sits nearby on a beige carpet.

A great benefit of having your newborn session at home is being able to involve the whole family - including the furry members! It's great fun to include the family pets in your shoot, and sometimes they get involved without being asked!

Baby sleeps next to an ginger cat in a cosy basket with a patterned blanket. Peaceful setting with soft colors and textures.

A couple and their baby sit on a bed with a dog in a red sweater nuzzling the baby. A lion mural is visible in the background. Cozy mood.

GETTING OUTSIDE DURING YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

Two smiling kids outdoors, boy in blue stripes and a girl in red dress, hold a sleeping baby in a peaceful, leafy setting.

Taking some of your newborn session outside, whether in your garden or a nearby park, can be a

lovely change of pace. It’s often the first time parents leave the house with their new baby, and a bit of fresh air is always uplifting.

Being at home offers the flexibility to stay indoors, go outside, or mix both. Going outdoors is especially great if you have older children, as it gives them space to run around and relax. These moments, where parents juggle both newborns and older kids, capture the real essence of family life.

Family of five stands in a sunny field of yellow flowers; the mother holds a baby, and everyone smiles at the camera, exuding warmth.

Smiling couple holds a bundled baby outdoors in a frosty, wooded area. The man wears a gray hat; the woman sports a green coat.

"WILL MY HOME BE BIG ENOUGH OR TIDY ENOUGH?"

This is a common question, and the answer is simple: a skilled photographer can create beautiful newborn photos in any space.

A couple sits on a green rug in a nursery, holding a baby. They're beside a white crib, with a tree and woodland mural in the background.

Most homes have a bit of chaos, especially with kids around—Lego can get everywhere! Photographers can work around clutter like piles of laundry or nappies. It's part of the job, so don't worry about it.

If you’re concerned about lighting, especially in a darker space, just let your photographer know. They can bring extra lighting if needed and will know how to make the most of the natural light in your home. When they arrive, they’ll likely take a quick tour and find spots you might not have noticed, creating stunning images in any setting.

Baby in floral dress cradled by adult hands, lying on a textured white blanket. Peaceful, caring atmosphere.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN AT-HOME NEWBORN SESSION

You don’t need your home to look perfect, but a little preparation helps. Tidy up surfaces in the main areas where you'll be taking photos, like your bedroom and living room. Clear bedside tables of items like water bottles and books for a cleaner look.

Newborn photos are often taken on the bed, so a clean, plain duvet cover works best. If you prefer no wrinkles, iron it beforehand; if not, don’t worry about it.

Having a few blankets or throws ready for different backgrounds can add variety to the photos. Dark and light options create different moods. Soft, large blankets are great, and if you have special heirlooms or knitted items, have them nearby to add a personal touch.

Sleeping newborn baby lying on a colourful striped blanket in his cot, his hand resting on the arm of a Peter Rabbit soft toy

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT

Family of four with a newborn. Parents hold baby; older child leans in, smiling. Cosy indoor setting with bright and neutral colours.

Since you’ll be at home, you don’t need to pack a lot of outfits. For newborns, less is often more. A simple nappy cover shows off how tiny your baby is and allows the photographer to capture beautiful details like their hands and feet. A plain bodysuit or vest works well too, keeping the focus on your baby.

Babies often change outfits throughout the session, giving you variety. However, it’s best to choose simple, timeless pieces. While cute outfits may seem fun now, you might regret overly themed choices later. Stick with simple, classic looks that highlight your baby rather than their clothes.

For adults, plain colours work best. Ultimately, wear what makes you feel good. Since you’re at home, it’s easy to change if something isn’t working or if you want a different look for your photos.

Newborn baby sleeping on soft white blanket, wearing a fluffy grey hat with ears. Peaceful and cosy atmosphere.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY IS FUN!

Remember, these photos are for your family. They’ll be full of memories you can share together as your child grows up.

A joyful family with two parents and two children on a bed. A baby in blue lies on pink bedding while everyone smiles and interacts warmly.

My newborn sessions last up to two hours to allow plenty of time to stop and feed or settle baby as necessary. No matter whether your baby has just had a monster feed before I arrive, they usually need a top-up during the session. It's like they know! Babies work to their own schedule, so please don't be worried if they don't sleep, or need to feed multiple times, or need soothing.

Just focus on the important things: you, your newborn, your family and the love you have for each other and let your photographer handle the details like light, angles, and composition. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the moment with your family at home, stress-free and without time pressures.

This simple, at-home approach will create beautiful, timeless photos for you to enjoy for years to come.

Two young children lying on a fluffy white blanket, smiling. The setting is a cozy indoor room with soft lighting and a relaxed mood.

If you have enjoyed this blog post and would like to book a baby or family session for your own family in Hertford or surrounding area, then do get in touch via the contact form. Drop me a line and we can get your session in the diary. I look forward to meeting you!

Black and white photo of smiling lady in floral dress holding a camera

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY AT HOME - A GUIDE