Preparing Your Home for a Documentary Newborn Session

One of the biggest worries new parents have is this:

“Our home isn’t picture-perfect.”

But here’s the truth — and I promise this with my whole heart:

Your home does not need to be spotless, styled or worthy of Pinterest for your newborn session to be beautiful.

Documentary newborn photography celebrates real life.
The softness of your sofa.
The comfort of your bedroom.
The way your home cradles this new chapter for your family.

So, instead of “prepping your home,” think of this as creating a calm, gentle space where your baby feels safe and where your love can unfold naturally.

This guide will take you through everything you might want to do — no pressure, no stress, just simple steps to make your session feel relaxed and meaningful.

1. You Don’t Need to Tidy the Whole House

Let’s take the pressure off immediately.

You only need to tidy two or three small areas, not the entire home:

– your bedroom
– the living room
– the nursery (optional)

That’s it.
Truly.

Most of the session happens near good natural light — usually a window in one of these rooms.
Baby blankets, wipes, bottles, muslins, breast pumps… they belong in newborn photos. They’re part of your story.

A little bit of decluttering is helpful, but perfection isn’t the goal.

Aim for lived-in, not spotless.

2. Light Matters More Than Anything Else

Natural light is everything in documentary newborn photography.

When I arrive, the first thing I look for is:

– the softest window light
– the room with the most natural brightness
– places where shadows fall gently
– cosy pockets of warmth

Your home doesn’t need to be bright —
I know how to make even the softest light work beautifully.

But you can help by:

– opening blinds and curtains
– turning off overhead lights (they create shadows and orange tones)
– pulling furniture closer to the light if needed

The goal?
Soft, flattering, natural light that wraps around your baby gently.

3. Your Bedroom Might Be the Most Important Space

Most newborn sessions involve a lot of cuddles on the bed — it’s safe, comfortable, warm and intimate.

Here’s what I recommend:

– a neutral or lightly patterned duvet if you have one
– pillows fluffed and arranged simply
– no need for fancy bedding — just clean and cosy
– remove clutter from bedside tables if it feels distracting

Your bedroom becomes a little cocoon for family moments.

Baby on your chest.
Partners curled together.
Soft morning light from the window.
Quiet moments you’ll never get back.

4. Your Living Room Can Stay Lived-In

Your living room is where so much early-life bonding happens:

feeding
rocking
cuddling
soothing
napping
talking softly
holding your baby on your chest

You don’t need to transform it.

A quick tidy is enough:

– fold blankets
– move larger clutter out of the way
– straighten pillows

But leave toys, books, baby bits — they’re part of your real story.
Documentary photography honours honesty.

5. The Nursery Doesn’t Need to Be Finished

So many parents apologise when the nursery isn’t fully styled yet.

But think of it this way:

Your baby will never remember the nursery being incomplete —
but they will appreciate the photo of you holding them in the room you imagined for them.

If it’s too unfinished or too dim, we may skip it.
But often, even a corner with a cot or nursing chair is enough for meaningful images.

6. Keep Baby Comfortable and Unrestricted

Your baby doesn’t need fancy outfits.
Simple is always best.

Suggestions:

– a plain sleepsuit
– a neutral vest
– bare feet
– a muslin or soft blanket

We avoid anything stiff, frilly or distracting.

A comfortable baby photographs beautifully — their natural movements, curled toes, sleepy expressions and soft stretches shine in simplicity.

7. Your Clothes Matter Less Than You Think

Wear something you feel relaxed and warm in:

– soft knits
– neutral tones
– cosy, comfy fabrics
– nothing too tight or shiny

What photographs best is comfort and tones that don’t compete with baby.

You don’t need to dress up.
These photos are meant to feel like real life — soft, gentle and emotional.

8. Expect Feeding Breaks, Cuddles and Pauses

Newborn sessions flow around your baby’s needs.

If baby needs:

feeding
changing
settling
soothing
rocking
burping
napping

We pause.
No rush, no stress.

These moments often become some of the most emotionally meaningful images.

A breastfeeding or bottle-feeding moment in soft window light?
Pure storytelling.
Pure connection.

9. If You Have Pets, They’re Welcome Too

Pets are part of the family — and they’re often incredibly gentle around newborns.

I’ll follow their lead:

– curious sniffs
– gentle cuddles
– sitting by your feet
– watching over baby

These moments are always beautiful and heartfelt.

10. Don’t Worry About What You Look Like

You’re in the newborn haze.
You’re tired.
Your hair may not be washed.
Your emotions may feel big.

That’s exactly the version of you your child will want to remember —
your softness, your tenderness, your love.

Documentary newborn sessions aren’t about looking perfect.
They’re about feeling something when you look back.

11. Trust That I’ll Guide You Gently

You don’t need to know what to do.
You don’t need to pose.
You don’t need to act for the camera.

I’ll guide you into the best pockets of light, help you find positions that feel natural and comfortable, and give gentle prompts like:

“Hold baby a little closer.”
“Lean your heads together.”
“Take a slow breath.”
“Look at each other.”

Everything else flows from your natural connection.

12. The Only Thing You Really Need Is… You

Your home doesn’t need to be perfect.
Your baby doesn’t need to be settled the whole time.
You don’t need to tidy every corner.
You don’t need to prepare anything fancy.

All you need is:

the love you already have
the space where your story is unfolding
the willingness to be present in this fleeting season

The rest?
I’ll take care of it gently and quietly.

If You Want Newborn Photos That Feel Real and Heartfelt…

A documentary, at-home session might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Simple.
Calm.
Honest.
Emotional.
Authentic.

I’d absolutely love to capture this chapter for you.

Love,
Jo x