One of the most common things I hear before a Bay Area in-home newborn session is “our house isn’t ready.” It never needs to be. A little preparation helps, but the goal isn’t a staged home — it’s a real one.
Here’s what actually makes a difference.
Maximize Natural Light
I work exclusively with natural light to create soft, warm images. Before your session, open all window coverings to let in as much sunlight as possible. If you have blackout curtains, raise or remove them in the rooms we’ll be using. We’ll also keep indoor lights off for a more natural look.
Don’t worry if the light feels too strong—I’ll adjust as needed to find the best-lit spots for your session.
Declutter, But Keep It Real
Your home should feel lived-in, not staged. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to minimize distractions so the focus stays on your family.
Consider tucking away unnecessary items like stacks of mail, baby gear you’re not using for the session, or extra blankets and pillows. Many families find it helpful to designate one room as a temporary storage space during the shoot.
That said, don’t stress about clearing every inch. I’ll check in during the session and can move small distractions if needed. Life with a newborn is beautifully messy—your home should reflect that in the most natural way.
Simplify Your Bedding & Crib Sheets
Bedrooms often play a central role in newborn sessions—whether it’s feeding, snuggling, or just soaking in those early days together. If your bedding has bold colors or strong patterns, consider switching to a neutral or white comforter for a softer, more timeless feel.
The same goes for crib sheets—simple, solid colors help keep the focus on your baby while creating a clean, airy look in photos.
Tidy Up Cords & Visual Clutter
Tuck away phone chargers, electronic cords, and any other distracting items in the background. Since we’ll keep indoor lights off, this is a great time to clear out anything unnecessary to create a clean, distraction-free space.
Prepare Your Front Porch & Backyard
While most of your session will take place indoors, I often like to capture at least one family photo outside—on the front porch, in the backyard, or near a window with beautiful natural light.
A quick sweep of these spaces ensures they’re photo-ready. No need to deep clean—just a simple tidy-up will do.
Coordinate Your Wardrobe with Your Home
Your home’s decor can influence what you wear for the session. If your space has lots of bold colors, opting for neutral outfits can help maintain balance and keep the focus on your baby.
Be mindful of bright colors that might create a color cast on your little one’s skin, especially when holding them close.
Quick tip: Choose fabrics that won’t show pet hair easily, and always have a backup outfit on hand for everyone—babies are unpredictable!
Relax and Trust the Process
During your session, I’ll work with your space naturally—adjusting furniture, finding the best angles, and capturing both wide scenes and intimate details.
The most important thing is to be present with your baby. These photos will tell the story of your family’s earliest days together, and a little preparation helps ensure we capture all the love, connection, and joy of this special time.
Book an In-Home Newborn Session in the Bay Area
If you’re expecting and thinking about an in-home newborn session in Oakland, the East Bay, or the wider Bay Area, I’d love to hear about your family. Learn more about newborn sessions or get in touch to start planning.
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