How Does an In-Home Newborn Session Work?

Elizabeth Lang Photography Cloverdale, Surrey. Newborn Photographer.

That’s a great question, and one I get often. If you’re considering staying home for your session, it helps to know exactly what to expect so you can feel prepared and relaxed.

Before you continue, don’t forget to check out my post on whether an in-home session is the right fit for you. This will help you decide if this option matches your needs and expectations.

Here’s how your in-home session will work from start to finish.


Step 1: Planning Your Session

Before your session date, you’ll send me your wishlist.

This includes:

  • Poses you love
  • Colours you prefer
  • Any specific ideas or inspiration
  • Must-have family or sibling shots

Once I receive your wishlist, I’ll review it and let you know if there’s anything that may not be possible in a home setup. Most things can still be achieved, but I always like to be upfront so there are no surprises.

Step 2: Booking Your Date

We will plan your session date after your baby arrives.

This allows us to:

  • Work around how you’re feeling postpartum
  • Choose a day that suits your family
  • Adjust for baby’s needs and timing

There’s flexibility here, which is one of the benefits of an in-home session.

Step 3: Arrival and Setup

On the day of your session, I will arrive a bit early to get everything ready.

Please allow:

  • About 30 minutes for unloading and setup

You will have already prepared a space in your home with approximately 10 x 10 feet of clear floor space. This area will be used for:

  • My light stand
  • A small travel beanbag
  • A simple floor setup

I bring a condensed version of my studio with me so I can still create beautiful images in your home.

What I Bring With Me

For your session, I will bring:

  • A small travel beanbag (my full studio beanbag is too large to transport)
  • 2–3 props
  • A selection of wraps and fabrics
  • Simple flooring or boards
  • Lighting equipment

While I can’t bring everything from the studio, I carefully choose items that will give you a cohesive and beautiful gallery.

Backdrop Options in Your Home

We’ll use your home in a simple and natural way.

Options include:

  • A clean, plain wall for family photos
  • A softly styled beanbag setup for baby
  • A sheet clipped to my light stand to create a backlit posing area

These setups keep the look clean, timeless, and focused on your baby and your family.

Step 4: The Session Itself

Your session will run at a relaxed, baby-led pace.

Timing:

  • Approximately 2 hours of shooting

During this time we will:

  • Take baby-only portraits
  • Capture family and sibling images
  • Pause as needed for feeding, changing, and soothing

There is no rushing. We follow your baby’s needs and go with the flow.

Step 5: Wrap Up and Pack Down

After your session is complete, I will pack everything up.

Please allow:

  • About 30 minutes for clean up and loading

I always leave your space just as I found it.

Final Thoughts

An in-home session is designed to be simple, comfortable, and flexible. You don’t have to go anywhere, everything happens in your space, and the experience is tailored to your family’s needs.

While the setup is more minimal than the studio, the results are still beautiful, meaningful, and full of connection.

If you’re looking for a relaxed experience right in the comfort of your own home, this may be the perfect option for you.