Affordable newborn photography.

Preparing for Your In-Home Newborn Photoshoot

At P PRO MEDIA, we understand that bringing a newborn into your home is an excellent yet busy time. We know about the chaos after having a baby because we have worked in a hospital setting. To help you prepare for a seamless and memorable in-home Fresh 48 photoshoot, we’ve compiled some tips for preparing your home and baby.

Home Preparation:

  • The 1st week of birth is the absolute best time to catch that fresh-from-birth look. Every week, your baby’s looks will change in some way, and we highly recommend capturing these memories between the first 24- 48 hours or during the 1st week of birth. Remember, we are used to shooting in a hospital setting 24 hours after birth. We know how hectic it can be after giving birth, and our professionalism, safety, and patience are why we make your first photography session the best it can be for you and your baby.

  • Choose the Right Room: Select a room with plenty of natural light, preferably with large windows, as natural light enhances the softness and beauty of newborn photos. We add safe, professional light when needed. There is no need to worry about bright flashes in babies’ eyes, as we redirect the light off the baby as needed.

  • Declutter the Space: We only need a small space to work with, so there is no stress in preparing your whole home after coming out of the hospital. Just clear the area where the photos will be taken of any unnecessary items. A clean, uncluttered space keeps the focus on your baby and creates a calm, serene backdrop.

  • Temperature Control: Keep the room warm to ensure your newborn is comfortable. Newborns are sensitive to cold, so a cozy environment helps them stay relaxed and sleepy, which is ideal for photos. A suitable temperature is 75 to 80 degrees. We provide a space heater to provide extra warmth during the winter.

  • Consider Backgrounds: While we focus on capturing the natural ambiance of your home, we provide backgrounds for the baby coordinated with swaddle blankets and mini prompts to enhance some shots.

  • Props and Personal Items: To add meaningful touches to your photos, have a few personal items ready, such as special blankets, a favorite stuffed toy, or family heirlooms. Props are selected in advance during the consultation and appointment setup.

  • Noise and Distractions: Minimize noise and distractions to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. This will help keep your baby calm and focused during the shoot.

  • Pets: We know how much your furry friends are part of the family and how exciting it is to welcome a new baby home. With all the new sights, sounds, and our presence as visitors, it can be a lot for your pets to take in. For everyone’s comfort and safety and to keep our equipment secure, we kindly ask that you place and secure your pets in a separate area during the photoshoot.

  • If you’d love to include your pets in the family photos, we can make that happen! Just let us know during the booking so we can plan for those special moments together.

Baby Preparation:

  • Feeding and Sleeping: Plan the session around your baby’s feeding and nap schedule. The most profound, longest nap time is the best. A well-fed, rested baby is likelier to be content and cooperative during the shoot. Feeding your baby right before the session often helps them stay calm and fall asleep.

  • Diaper Change: Ensure your baby has a fresh diaper just before the session starts. This helps prevent any discomfort and reduces the need for interruptions.

  • Clothing Choices: Dress your baby in something simple and easy to remove to avoid disturbing them too much when changing outfits. A simple pamper and blanket will do in between changing outfits. We allow one outfit of your choice and provide swaddles for various backgrounds unless you prefer different attire or clothing. Clothing choices and props are discussed and arranged beforehand during the consultation and appointment setup, ensuring everything is ready for the photoshoot day. Since we come to you on location, we try to limit the items used only for your custom photoshoot.

  • Items Sanitation: All items used are cared for under the strictest hospital-standard sanitation procedures. All props are Sanitized with hospital-grade sanitation and care. We use sanitized gloves to handle your baby throughout the photo session. All swaddles and blankets are disinfected and sanitized for each session. Masks are happily worn by request.

  • Comfort Items: Have a pacifier, favorite blanket, or any comfort item to soothe your baby if they become unsettled during the session.

  • Baby’s Health/Circumcisions: If your baby is experiencing any health issues or you feel they are too unsettled for a photo shoot, please let us know. We can always reschedule to ensure the best possible experience for you and your baby. We have experience conducting photoshoots on the same day, shortly after a circumcision. It is generally safe to proceed with a photoshoot on the day of the procedure as we follow safety protocol with a background in hospital baby photography. We handle the baby with the utmost care, avoiding the affected area. Babies often sleep well after circumcisions, which makes it a perfect time to capture these photos, helping to keep the photoshoot smooth and quick. Pampers are left on, and the area is left undisturbed.

  • If you or any other family members are sick or contagious, please reschedule. Non-Contagious, please inform that I may opt-in for wearing a mask for added protection

Session Duration and Setup:

  • Setup Time: Upon arrival, we’ll take about 20 minutes to set up our equipment and arrange the space to capture the best possible images. This includes adjusting lighting, preparing backgrounds, and ensuring everything is ready for a smooth session. It takes about 20 minutes or less to take down and load up.

  • Flexibility: We understand that newborns operate on their schedules. The more the baby sleeps, the faster the session will go. Our typical session can last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and up, depending on the package you are requesting. This allows plenty of time for feeding, changing, and soothing as needed. We go with your baby’s needs to capture those precious moments naturally. If the session is taking more time than usual (Beyond our estimated scheduled hours, and the baby is just not cooperating, excessive, unusual crying, etc., due to the baby being
    “unsettled,” we will be happy to reschedule the remainder portion of the session.

  • Patience and Comfort: Our experience with newborns in a hospital setting means we work with patience, safety, sanitation, and gentle handling, ensuring your baby remains safe and comfortable throughout the session. We take breaks for you within reason, as needed, to keep your baby happy and relaxed.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable in-home newborn photoshoot. At P Pro Media, we are committed to capturing these tender early moments with care, fun, and creativity. Contact us to book your session ahead of time and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.