Tips from a Utah County Lifestyle Newborn Photographer
Part 4 of 10 in The Newborn Session Guide
This post is Part Four of a 10-part blog series created to help new and expecting parents prepare for their in-home newborn session. I’m a lifestyle newborn photographer based in Highland, Utah, and I specialize in relaxed, baby-led sessions that take place in the comfort of your home.
Preparing your space doesn’t need to feel overwhelming
One of the most common questions I hear is, “Do I need to clean my whole house before our session?” The answer is: absolutely not.
When I arrive for your in-home newborn session, I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for light, emotion, and connection. You just had a baby—this isn’t the time to deep-clean or redecorate. A little light prep goes a long way.
Choose a few rooms with good light
You don’t need to prep your entire house. I typically photograph in 2–3 rooms where your family naturally spends time. That often includes:
- The nursery
- The master bedroom
- The living room or any space with good window light
Look around those rooms during mid-morning or early afternoon. That’s when we usually get the best soft, natural light. Open your blinds or curtains before I arrive to let the light in. If you’re unsure which rooms to focus on, I’m happy to help you decide based on your home’s layout and light.
Clear just enough to avoid distractions
Please don’t feel like you have to remove every trace of real life. Your home should look lived-in. That said, it can help to tidy the areas we’ll be using.
Here are a few quick things to do:
- Clear clutter from nightstands, dressers, or countertops
- Make the bed with a solid or neutral-colored blanket
- Put away any brightly colored items that may distract from your photos
- If you have pets, a quick vacuum can keep stray fur to a minimum
It’s less about “clean” and more about “calm.” Think of it as creating a peaceful space to relax with your baby.
Keep a few essentials close by
We’ll follow your baby’s lead throughout the session. Sometimes that means pausing for a feeding, a change, or a little extra cuddling. Having a few basics nearby can help:
- Swaddles or wraps in neutral tones
- Pacifiers (if your baby uses one)
- A burp cloth or two
- Extra onesies just in case
You don’t need to have everything perfectly lined up—just keep what you use daily within reach.
Set the mood for a slow, peaceful session
Before I arrive, turn up the heat slightly so baby stays warm and cozy. If there’s music you love or a sound machine you normally use, feel free to leave it on. Your baby is used to your space, so let’s keep it familiar.
If you have older kids at home, feel free to let them play nearby while we ease into the session. I’ll gently guide them into photos when the time is right—no pressure, no rush.
Trust that your real life is enough
Your house doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread. You don’t need a perfectly calm baby. And you definitely don’t need to stress.
The beauty of lifestyle newborn photography is that it honors what your life looks like right now. I’ll work with whatever space you have and follow your baby’s lead the entire time.
Ready to book your newborn session?
I offer in-home newborn sessions in Highland, Utah, and the surrounding areas, including Lehi, Alpine, and American Fork. These sessions are relaxed, real, and baby-led—no fancy props, just your family and your love.
Click here to inquire or send me a message on Instagram. I’d love to help you tell your family’s story.
