When Rowan was born, I tried taking my own newborn photos at home. They were fine, and I’m grateful I have them. But when Piper joined our family, and knowing she is our last planned baby, I really wanted photos we could truly treasure.
When Piper was just over two weeks old, Helene from Grace by Two Photography came to our house for an in-home lifestyle newborn session. It was relaxed, real, and honestly just what I needed during that postpartum season.
Here are a few things I learned along the way.
Just Get the Photos Done
My number one tip is simple: don’t wait for everything to be perfect.
We moved into our house two years ago, and our home decor is still a work in progress. Some things take time, and some things take budget. Piper’s nursery wasn’t even finished, and honestly, it still isn’t. But I didn’t let that stop us.
These photos are meant to capture a moment in time. Someday, it will be fun to look back and see how our home looked then and how it changed over the years.
Keep Your Expectations Low (You Just Gave Birth)
Going into this shoot, I had zero vision. I didn’t have a mood board or a plan. All I wanted was a few sweet moments of us loving on our new baby.
I waited until the last minute to figure out outfits and ended up using what we already had in our closets. At two weeks postpartum, I was still adjusting to sleepless nights. I tried to do my hair, but let’s be honest, it probably could have used some help.
Rowan was also in a rough mood that day. No amount of bribes fixed it. Brady and I smiled through it, and now those photos remind us exactly what that stage of life felt like.
Keep Outfits Simple
For me, newborn photos aren’t about the outfits. They’re about the baby.
Many moms wear long, flowy dresses for newborn photos, which can be beautiful. I chose jeans and a button-down. I already owned maternity jeans that fit, and I didn’t feel like shopping for a new outfit for my two-week postpartum body.
I wanted to wear something that felt like me. Dresses just didn’t sound comfortable at that stage, and comfort mattered more than anything. Wear what feels good. If that’s pajamas, wear the pajamas.
We also stuck to neutral colors that matched our home. Grays, blues, and whites worked well and kept the focus on Piper. Don’t feel pressure to buy new outfits. Picking clothes is stressful enough, and you don’t need that stress with a newborn.
Newborn Photos Are a Great Time for Nursing Photos
If you’re nursing and want to capture that season, newborn photos are a great opportunity. Covered or uncovered, just do what feels natural and comfortable for you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Outside
Just because your session is at home doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Step outside, take a short walk, or use your front yard. Changing it up can add variety and keep things relaxed.
A Few More Helpful Resources
Over the years, I’ve shared more tips for working with photographers, and I’ll link those posts here if you want more ideas.
If you’re in the Fresno area and looking for a photographer, I can’t recommend Helene enough. You can check out her work on Instagram and see more of her beautiful, natural style.
