Why I Chose In-Home Newborn Photography

When my first daughter was born, I had Bell’s Palsy. If you’re not familiar, it’s a condition where a virus attacks your facial nerve, leaving part of your face completely paralyzed. Needless to say, photos were the last thing on my mind. In fact, I think I have only two pictures of myself with her before she was two months old.

Once we realized how quickly time was passing, we booked a session with a chain photographer at the mall (remember those?). By then, I had regained enough facial movement to feel okay being in photos. But the experience? It was stressful.

I remember frantically packing up everything we might need—diapers, extra outfits, nursing gear—while also trying to time a feeding just right so my daughter wouldn’t scream in the car. She hated the car. Naturally, she cried the entire drive.

When we arrived, we rushed in, flustered and late. And, of course, she was immediately hungry again. The staff was kind, but I felt pressured to keep things moving. I hurried to nurse her, hoping it would be enough. It wasn’t. A half-full baby cries. So I tucked away in a bathroom to feed her a little longer, all while watching the clock, worried we’d run out of time.

We managed to get through three setups, leaving us with nine reasonable photos to choose from. I went home and cried. The entire process had been overwhelming. As a first-time mom with a fussy baby, I was anxious. My husband did everything he could to support me, but the stress of making it all come together made it clear—I would never do that again.

When we had our son, a dear friend and photographer took his newborn portraits in our home. The difference was night and day.

I was in my own space, with everything I needed right there. If my toddler got restless, she could go back to playing. When my baby needed a break to eat, I wasn’t rushed. My photographer encouraged me to take my time. The process was relaxed, the photos were beautiful, and I knew in that moment that if I ever took on newborn photography myself, I would do it the same way.

Sixteen years in business later, I still love the look of studio newborn photography, but I’m absolutely in love with photographing families in the comfort of their own homes.

What In-Home Newborn Photography With Me Looks Like

Booking Your Session

Whether you’re booking a posed or lifestyle session, we start by putting your estimated due date on my calendar. Since babies have their own schedules, we’ll finalize a date once your baby has arrived. All you have to do is send me a quick text, and we’ll choose a day that works best for your family.

Not sure when to schedule your newborn session? Click here to read more about booking options.

Session Types: Posed vs. Lifestyle

Posed In-Home Newborn Sessions

If you choose a posed session, the focus is primarily on your baby. I bring everything needed to create a small studio setup in your home—blankets, wraps, a posing bed, and professional lighting. As long as I have a 6’x6’ area, I’m good to go.

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions (or a Combination of Both)

For lifestyle sessions, we use the natural spaces in your home—typically the living room, bedroom, and nursery (if you have one). If you love a particular spot in your home with great light, we can incorporate that too.

Regardless of which session type you choose, you do not need a spotless house for me. I have five kids—I get it. Just clear the spaces we’ll be using, make your bed if we’re shooting in the bedroom, and declutter the nightstands. If there’s laundry out of sight and your kitchen is a mess, leave it. Your home doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect.

I’ve photographed in 600-square-foot homes and 10,000-square-foot homes. Both were beautiful.

What to Expect on Session Day

When I Arrive

I’ll come to the door with just my camera bag (for posed sessions, I’ll scope out the best space before bringing in my setup). I’ll take off my shoes, wash my hands, and chat with you for a few minutes before we get started.

If you’re ready to go—great! If not, that’s totally fine. You’re my only newborn session for the day. There’s no need to stress.

How the Session Flows

Lifestyle Sessions

We’ll likely start with full family photos first, especially if you have young siblings or pets. Once the kids are over it (because let’s be real, it happens), they can go back to playing while we move on to parent and baby photos, then baby alone.

We’ll take breaks as needed for feeding, diaper changes, or just a few quiet moments. Typically, I’m in and out in about 90 minutes.

Posed Sessions

We’ll also start with family and sibling photos first. Once those are done, you can feed the baby while I set up my posing area. I’ll wash my hands again before handling your baby, then spend 60-90 minutes capturing those beautifully posed newborn portraits.

I bring a variety of backdrops and wraps to ensure you have plenty of options for your final images.

When You’ll Receive Your Photos

After the session, I’ll carefully edit your images and deliver your full gallery within 3-4 weeks. I know waiting is hard, so I do my best to send a few sneak peeks within a week so you have something to hold onto in the meantime.

Final Thoughts

Your newborn session should be a calm, enjoyable experience—not something that adds stress to an already overwhelming time. By choosing an in-home session, you get the flexibility, comfort, and ease of being in your own space, with no need to rush out the door or worry about what to bring.

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Colorado who prioritizes a relaxed experience and beautiful, timeless images, let’s chat. I’d love to help document this incredible chapter in your family’s life.