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HOW TO PLAN FOR A PHOTOSHOOT AT HOME

HOW TO PLAN FOR A PHOTOSHOOT AT HOME

Nicole + geoff’s AT HOME NEWBORN PHOTOS:
AUTHENTIC AND COMFORTABLE

An exterior view of a home featuring a manicured lawn, a tree with leaves changing color, and a person standing on the steps of the porch.

I documented a maternity shoot with Nicole + Geoff earlier in the year. I have worked with Nicole + Geoff four times (!) for their engagement photos, their wedding, their maternity shoot and now their in-home newborn photos. They know what to expect when working with me and appreciate my style and approach. They were comfortable avoiding the typical shoot ideas floating around the internet (the kind that I have become somewhat allergic to) and wanted something that felt real and simple. Despite my insistence that I really only document weddings, the girl got me! I’m a sucker for my past photo subjects and know how much it matters to feel comfortable with someone entering your most personal spaces. And almost immediately after editing their photos, I was reminded how wonderful at-home photoshoots can be.

Close-up of a baby's feet, partially obscured by a soft white sweater, captured in a cozy, intimate setting.
A woman cradles a newborn baby in her arms, standing by a window with natural light streaming in, wearing a floral dress that adds to the cozy and intimate atmosphere of the setting.
A peaceful newborn wrapped in a soft blanket, wearing a white knitted hat, sleeping soundly.
A mother gently placing her newborn baby in a crib adorned with playful animal-patterned bedding, surrounded by soft toys.


So I wanted to share with you all some helpful tips to getting prepared as either the photographer or the one being photographed – whether you are interested in an at-home shoot with just the two of you or with a new babe too!

A couple gently gazes at their newborn baby, lying on a textured blanket. The parents are close together, with expressions of love and joy as they focus on their child.
A smiling woman in a floral dress holds a baby in a nursery, standing near a crib decorated with a mobile and colorful bedding.
A close-up image of a newborn baby being cradled in hands, wearing a cozy knitted outfit and hat, with a soft focus on the gentle expressions of the baby.



Alright! Let’s get right into it.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

WHICH ROOMS TO USE

HOW TO PREP YOUR HOME

A joyful couple sitting on their bed, sharing a tender moment while holding their newborn baby in a cozy, softly lit bedroom.
A close-up black and white photo of a parent holding the tiny feet of a newborn, emphasizing the connection and tenderness between them.
A black and white portrait of a couple gently holding their newborn baby in a softly lit room. The mother looks affectionately at the baby while the father leans in, creating an intimate moment.
A black and white image of a couple sitting on a bed, gazing down at their newborn baby. The woman has long hair and is wearing a patterned dress, while the man is dressed in a light shirt and shorts. The room is softly lit, featuring a window nearby and cozy decor.

Which Rooms Will We Use for the Photoshoot?

Ultimately, the best rooms for a photoshoot depend on the vibe you are going for, but spaces with good natural light are most important, with any room with personal significance are the next most important for capturing intimate and authentic moments:

A close-up of a couple holding their newborn, with the father seen from behind and the mother kissing the baby's forehead, creating a warm and intimate family moment.
A father holding a newborn baby while a mother interacts nearby in a cozy nursery setting, featuring a crib and soft natural light.

Living Room:

This is a space that is often larger than the other rooms and has more natural light – and if that is the case, we’ll use it! But if it has busy backgrounds or we can’t find good light for the time of day I am there, we’ll likely rely on getting close to windows and using that natural light pouring onto you two. What to capture: Cozy moments on the couch, playing games, or a relaxed cuddle session.

A close-up of a newborn baby in soft, light-colored attire, being gently cradled by adult hands, showing a tender moment of connection.
A joyful couple smiling while holding their newborn baby in a cozy home setting.
A wall featuring two framed artworks: a sketch of a couple and a colorful vintage-style poster of a cat wearing a hat.

Bedroom:

Why it’s great: The bedroom offers a more intimate, cozy vibe, perfect for capturing quiet moments together. Soft, natural light from windows or lamps can create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. The bed: the bed allows for a neutral, flat, comfy space to align you two. We can put you two under the blankets in a cuddly way that captures those little moments before getting out of bed that are very mundane and regular, and for that reason, genuine to you two.

A close-up black and white image of two parents playfully interacting in a nursery. The mother is smiling and leaning in close to the father, who is gently kissing her forehead, while their newborn lies peacefully in the crib, grasping the father's hand.
A father holding his sleeping newborn in a cozy, intimate setting, showcasing a moment of tenderness between them.
A mother holding her newborn baby in a cozy indoor setting, wearing a floral dress and smiling gently.

Nursery

Why it’s great: The nursery is a special space for families with young children or babies. It’s intimate, personal, and often beautifully decorated, making it a great backdrop for capturing moments of bonding. What to capture: Cuddling with the baby, rocking them to sleep, or feeding time.

Close-up of a baby's face and hand, wrapped in a cozy, soft sweater, conveying a warm and intimate moment.
A woman in a floral dress joyfully holds a newborn baby while sitting in a comfortable chair in a softly lit room. A man stands in the doorway, looking at them, creating an intimate and loving atmosphere.
A peaceful, sleeping newborn wrapped in a soft blanket, wearing a white knit hat, captured in black and white.

Bathroom :

What to capture: Relaxing in the bathtub, getting ready for the day, or morning routines – this is usually a room more dependent on the artificial light available so it can vary greatly for what comes from it. But ultimately, a fun, well-used space that adds a storytelling element to your photos

Close-up of a small baby's foot resting on an adult hand, symbolizing tenderness and connection.
A loving couple gazes down at their newborn, who is swaddled and lying on a patterned bedspread, as they share a tender moment together.
A joyful couple holding their newborn baby, smiling and embracing each other in a cozy at-home setting.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Photoshoot

Turn off all artificial lighting

Mind the backgrounds

Declutter

Open blinds and curtains

Clean bathroom (we might use that space)

Keep the space cool – you will be a little nervous and warm up very quickly. Keep the temps low to avoid any sweating, flushed faces or self-consciousness over sweat marks

A black and white photo of a couple gently holding their newborn baby in an intimate moment at home, with soft natural light coming from a nearby window.

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

Hi! I’m Britt! I am a wedding photographer based in Connecticut and will travel anywhere. I specialize in film-inspired wedding photography and documenting weddings. I AM inspired by vintage photoS of lovers, PLAYFUL LIGHT, 90s fashion, photojournalism and music.


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