Are you in San Francisco, Napa, or the Bay Area and dreaming of an in-home newborn session but feeling a bit overwhelmed about the state of your home? If so, this blog post is just for you.

I understand the apprehension you might be feeling. It’s easy to get caught up scrolling through the seemingly flawless homes featured by newborn photographers on Instagram or Pinterest. But let me share a little secret with you: we, as in-home newborn photographers, we have a touch of magic. We have a knack for selecting the perfect angles and backdrops that showcase both you and your home in the most stunning light. What remains unseen is everything that lies outside the frame of the shot.

In my decade-long journey as a California newborn photographer, I’ve yet to encounter a home where capturing beautiful photographs was challenging. Always remember, it’s what lies within the frame that truly matters. Now, if you’re still wondering over how to spruce up your home for your in-home newborn session, don’t worry. I’ve compiled a list of easy-to-follow tips to prepare your home without adding any unnecessary stress. After all, with a newborn to look after, there are far more important things than dusting off the baseboards!

Photographer Hacks to Get Your House Picture Ready

In-Home Newborn Session

Considering an in-home newborn session and wondering how to prepare your home? Let’s delve into how you can get your photographer’s insights to make your home photo-ready. It’s a tale as old as time, a new parent is stressing about the state of her house and not having it picture perfect for her newborn session.  But an easy way around this is to just consult your newborn photographer (that’s me)!  Before you go head out on a shopping spree, text your photographer pictures of the room!  We can give tips on adjustments, what to add or remove, or little tips such as a well placed curtain to get your home ready to be the perfect backdrop for those intimate family photos.

Each home is unique, so don’t hesitate to take a few quick snaps on your phone and share them with your photographer. This will allow us to provide guidance on which rooms are likely to photograph best for your in-home newborn session. Contrary to what you might think, you won’t need a multitude of locations within your home. With the strategic use of different angles, lenses, and combinations of people, we can create a wide variety of shots. Typically, the nursery, living room, and parents’ bedroom turn out to be the best options.

Declutter Before Your In-Home Newborn Session

Welcoming a newborn into your home is an exciting, albeit exhausting time. As a newborn photographer and mother myself, I understand that you’re likely juggling sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and diaper changes. Amidst all this, prepping your home for an in-home newborn session may seem like a daunting task. But, let me assure you, it’s easier than you think!

For an in-home session, the focus is on capturing the natural beauty of your family’s love and connection. This means there’s no need for a spotless, magazine-worthy home. You’re new parents, after all! Your energy should be spent on healing and bonding with your little one, not on deep cleaning your home.

Here are some simple tips to prepare your home for a newborn photography session:

Declutter: The key to a successful in-home session is to minimize clutter in the rooms we’ll be using. This doesn’t mean scouring every inch of your home. Just clear off bedside tables, end tables, and other visible spaces. Keep the art and framed photos that you love, but tuck away papers, receipts, snacks, and baby items.

Simplify: Temporarily remove practical items like baby monitors or a diaper caddy full of Huggies. These everyday items can be easily stashed away for the duration of the session, creating a cleaner look.

Neutralize: Opt for clean, neutral bedspreads on the crib and master bed. A cream or white, solid-colored comforter or sheet works best. If your regular bedding is patterned, consider using the inside of a duvet or a plain white sheet.

Most importantly, remember that your home doesn’t need to look perfect. The beauty of an in-home newborn session lies in its authenticity – it’s about capturing your life as new parents in the Bay Area, not about showcasing an immaculate home. So, if your sink is overflowing with dishes or the floors need mopping, don’t sweat it! The focus of these photos will be your beautiful baby and the love that fills your home.

Getting Creative With Your Space

for Your In-Home Newborn Session

Preparing for an in-home newborn session in the Bay Area, from San Francisco to Napa, can be a fun and creative experience. As a professional newborn photographer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that we capture those precious early moments in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. During your newborn photography session, we’ll experiment with various settings within your home to achieve stunning images that you’ll treasure forever. Here are some innovative techniques that I’ve used in the past to make the most out of any home:

Repositioning Furniture: If the crib is in a darker corner of the nursery, we can move it closer to a window to take advantage of natural light. Similarly, we can swivel a glider or other pieces of furniture to mask any background clutter.

Adapting to Lighting Conditions: Sometimes, the best lighting isn’t in the nursery. On such occasions, we can relocate the crib mattress to the living room or another well-lit space to create that perfect ‘in-the-crib’ look.

Utilizing Unconventional Spaces: Don’t limit yourself to traditional rooms! Unique spaces like the kitchen, hallway, stairwell, or even the bathroom can serve as interesting backdrops for your in-home session.

Remember, your family, your baby, and your home are beautiful just as they are. You don’t need to adhere to unrealistic Instagram expectations to have a cozy, memorable home newborn shoot. Embrace the uniqueness of your space and let it add to the charm of your photographs. Trust me, your future self will thank you for capturing these invaluable memories of this incredibly special time.

The Jessica Kay Newborn Photography Experience

The Jessica Kay Newborn Session Experience is truly a celebration of life’s most precious moments. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jessica Kay specializes in capturing the intimate and sweet moments that make your family unique. Her photography goes beyond just taking pictures – Jessica creates timeless artwork that will adorn your walls for years to come, each image a cherished memory of your growing family.

With over a decade of experience in the field, Jessica has a passion for creating beautiful imagery out of authentic moments. She is known for her ability to create a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for natural interactions and genuine emotions to shine through in her photographs. Whether it’s a tender moment between parents and their newborn, or the joyous laughter of a family playing together, Jessica masterfully captures every detail.

Jessica’s photographic style is elegant and timeless, capturing the beauty in everyday moments. From the quiet serenity of a sleeping newborn to the warm, loving glances between family members, her images are a testament to the love and connection within a family. Whether you’re based in San Francisco, Napa, or any other surrounding area, Jessica is available to document your family’s journey.

In addition to providing stunning images, Jessica Kay also offers styling tips to ensure that your session is as seamless as possible. With her guidance, you can feel confident that every detail, from clothing choices to props, will work together to create beautiful, cohesive portraits. So, if you’re dreaming of a newborn session that perfectly captures the love, joy, and wonder of this special time, consider the Jessica Kay Newborn Session Experience. It’s not just a photoshoot – it’s a celebration of your family’s love story, captured in beautiful, timeless imagery.