Why You Don’t Need a Perfect Home for a Newborn Session

Let me tell you a little secret: your home doesn’t need to look like something out of a magazine spread to be the perfect setting for your newborn session.

I can already hear the little voice in your head saying things like, “But the nursery isn’t finished yet,” or “There’s washing piled on the couch,” or “The house feels like chaos right now.” And you know what? That’s completely normal. You’ve just had a baby, your days are full, your nights are broken, and the last thing you need is pressure to present a picture-perfect home.

Here’s the thing: I’m not coming into your space to photograph the house. I’m coming to photograph the connection, the love, and the story that’s unfolding right now with your family. And that is what makes the images beautiful.

It’s About the Feeling, Not the Furniture

The truth is, when you look back at your photos years from now, you won’t be checking whether the cushions on the couch were perfectly styled or if the walls needed a fresh coat of paint. You’ll notice the way your baby fits so tiny in your arms. You’ll remember how your partner looked at you while you rocked your little one. You’ll see the way older siblings hovered close by, curious and proud, wanting to be part of this new chapter.

Those emotions, the ones you feel in the moment but can’t quite put into words, are what I want to capture for you. When you’re in the middle of sleepless nights and endless nappy changes, it’s easy to forget how fleeting this season really is. Photographs give you the gift of remembering, not the state of your home, but the love and connection that carried you through.

And honestly? The background fades away. The focus always comes back to you and your baby.

All I Need Is One Good Window

You might be surprised to learn that I don’t need much space to create beautiful, emotive newborn imagery. I work exclusively with natural light, which means I’ll usually seek out the brightest spots in your home, most often the master bedroom, nursery, or living room.

Sometimes families worry that their home is too small, too dark, or not “photo worthy.” But trust me, I’ve worked in all sorts of spaces, and as long as there’s one window with soft natural light, that’s more than enough. Light is everything, and I know exactly how to use it to highlight your baby and your connection in the most flattering, natural way.

And if there are a few things lying around? Don’t stress. I’ll happily move a blanket, shift a basket, or tidy a corner to make sure the focus is where it should be. You don’t need to clean the whole house from top to bottom, you’ve just had a baby, after all!

Tiny Details, Big Memories

One of my favourite things about in-home newborn sessions is the way they capture all the little details that mean so much. The way your baby stretches their tiny fingers. The way their hair sticks up in soft tufts after a nap. The way they curl into your chest, as though that’s exactly where they belong.

These little details are often overlooked in the day-to-day blur of newborn life, but they’re the ones that hold the most meaning when you look back. That’s why I always encourage keeping outfits simple and neutral. Soft tones like beige, white, cream, or light grey let the focus stay on your baby’s features and the emotion in the photo, rather than a loud pattern or bright colour.

The same goes for parents and siblings. You don’t need to dress up in anything fancy, in fact, I recommend choosing clothing that feels comfortable and natural. Think soft, cosy textures and tones that blend well together. This way, when you look at your gallery, your eyes will go straight to the connection, not the clothes.

Creating Space for Connection

Your newborn session isn’t about me directing every little move or creating stiff, posed images. My approach is relaxed and baby-led. That means if your little one needs to feed, we pause. If they want to be held, you hold them. If siblings are bouncing around, I’ll invite them into the frame and capture the joyful chaos.

The goal is for your session to feel like an extension of your day, just with me there to gently guide you and capture the beauty of it all. Some of my favourite images are the ones where families are simply cuddling on the bed, soaking in their baby’s newness. Others come from quiet moments in the nursery, or a playful tickle fight with older children in the living room.

It doesn’t matter if the bed isn’t made perfectly or if there’s a pile of toys in the corner. What matters is the love and connection that shines through in those moments — because that’s what you’ll remember.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re considering an in-home newborn session, my biggest piece of advice is this: let go of the pressure to have everything “just so.” Your baby won’t remember if the house was spotless, but you’ll remember how it felt to hold them close, how tiny they were, and how this season changed your family forever.

So don’t worry about the house. Don’t worry about the laundry. Focus on being present with your baby and your family. I’ll take care of the rest.

Curious to see what an in-home newborn session looks like?

Take a peek at my newborn gallery or learn more about how sessions work. If you’re ready to capture your own family’s story, I’d love to hear from you.