Let’s be honest: You just had a baby, and preparing for a photoshoot is the last thing on your mind. Having four kids of my own, I’ve most definitely been there, and I get it! As a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer, my goal is to make your portrait session with me as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Whether we are at my studio or in your home, this is always my top priority!
If you have decided on an in-home newborn session, I highly recommend several helpful tips for preparing for your session day. These tips not only make it easier on you but also assist with a smooth session day. Below, you will find my top five tips for creating a stress-free and beautiful in-home Philadelphia newborn session.
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5 Tips For Preparing for Your Session With Your Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 1 A newborn baby sleeps in a woven basket on the floor of a nursery under a window for a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-1.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 10 A mother sitting in a chair cradling her sleeping newborn against her cheek and chest as posed by a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-10.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 4 A newborn baby sleeps on its side in a white swaddle on a white bed](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-4.jpg)
Tip #1: Planning Ahead
And by planning, I really mean booking ahead. Most families book their in-home newborn session with a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer early in their second trimester. These sessions book fast, so I recommend you secure your due date on my calendar months in advance. Booking in advance allows us more time to discuss your session and plan a session that best suits you and your family. Don’t worry, though. I do most of the planning, taking whatever I can off your plate.
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 2 A Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer image of a newborn baby in a wicker basket and white blanket with eyes open](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-2.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 3 A golden retriever lays on the floor of a nursery with a newborn baby in a basket with eyes open for a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-3.jpg)
Tip #2: Natural Lighting
Select 2-3 rooms within your home with good natural light. Selecting the rooms ahead of time saves you the extra cleaning and decluttering of the rooms we aren’t going to be photographing in. The nursery, master bedroom, and kitchen tend to photograph well while also having abundant natural light. Some clients find it helpful to send me pictures of certain rooms ahead of time so we can plan ahead on what may or may not work.
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 5 Details of a newborn baby's feet on a white bed](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-5.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 6 A newborn baby sleeps in a wooden crib wrapped in a white swaddle with a teddy bear](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-6.jpg)
Tip #3: Warm It Up!
Prior to your session, I recommend bumping up your thermostat just a tad. Babies love warmth, which is one reason they love to be swaddled. If I have to undress the baby and your home is cold, this usually will awaken and upset your little one.
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 7 A mother sits in a nursery with her golden retriever laying at her feet and newborn baby in her arms for a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-7.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 11 A mother cradles her newborn baby while standing in a mirror in a nursery](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-11.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 13 Happy new parents fawn over their sleeping newborn baby in mom's arms as their golden retriever sleeps at their feet](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-13.jpg)
Tip #4: Declutter
The good news is, since we already planned ahead and selected which rooms we will be utilizing, you only have to declutter 2-3 rooms. Less is more in pictures, so I always recommend removing any extra items (like tissue boxes, water bottles, clocks) from bedside tables, coffee tables, etc. In place of those items, fresh flowers are always a beautiful touch!
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 8 A happy new mother in a white floral print dress sits in a nursery chair smiling down at her sleeping newborn baby for a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-8.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 9 A happy mom sits in a nursing chair by a window with her sleeping newborn baby in her arms](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-9.jpg)
Tip #5: Relax and Enjoy!
My newborn sessions come with complimentary hair and makeup. This allows you to de-stress and fully enjoy the process. Often, when Mom is tense, the baby is tense, and we don’t want that! My goal for you is to sit back, relax, and soak in these moments of your beautiful family being captured!
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 12 A mother in a floral print dress cuddles with her yawning newborn baby on a white bed during a session with a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-12.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 17 Happy new parents stand by some windows smiling down at their newborn baby in mom's arms](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-17.jpg)
Now That You’re Prepped For Your Session, Book Your Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer!
In-home newborn sessions are the perfect way to candidly capture you and your family as you welcome your sweet little one into the world. These sessions are about the connections and the love that exists as you enter this new chapter. It is my hope that these photographs allow you to forever remember both the moments and the feelings of this precious time!
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 14 A mother and father touch heads while mom sits in a nursery chair holding their sleeping newborn baby taken by a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-14-683x1024.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 15 A mother cradles her sleeping newborn baby in a white swaddle while dad leans in](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-15-683x1024.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 16 A new father in a white shirt cradles his sleeping newborn baby against his chest as guided by a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-16-683x1024.jpg)
![Philadelphia Lifestyle Newborn Photographer 18 A golden retriever laying on a bed kisses the ear of a sleeping newborn baby taken by a Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer](https://ashleyblairphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/philadelphia-lifestyle-newborn-photographer-18-683x1024.jpg)
If you are looking for a Mainline or Philadelphia lifestyle newborn photographer, I would love to begin planning the perfect session for you and your family. My sessions are built around serving each client fully by creating a stress-free and enjoyable experience. From complimentary hair and makeup to borrowing a dress from my curated studio wardrobe, I am here to help you every step of the way! Contact me here to learn more about the experience and to reserve your session. Or you can email directly at AshleyBlairPhotography@gmail.com! If you would like to see more of my portfolio and learn more about me, please take a look around at my newborn page.