How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Session | Winston Salem North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Welcoming a new baby into your home is one of life’s most beautiful moments—and capturing those first days through a professional in-home newborn session makes it even more special. As a Winston Salem North Carolina newborn photographer, I specialize in creating timeless images in the comfort of your home, using natural light and soft, clean spaces to keep the focus right where it belongs—on your baby and your connection as a family.

To ensure your session is stress-free and results in stunning images you’ll cherish forever, here are a few simple ways you can prepare your space.

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1. Declutter with Intention

Before your session, take some time to tidy up the areas of your home where we’ll likely be shooting—typically the master bedroom, living room, and nursery. You don’t need to deep clean your whole house, but minimizing visible clutter (think piles of laundry, cords, diaper packaging, or dishes) helps create a calm, distraction-free environment.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s simplicity. Removing visual noise allows your family’s connection and your baby’s features to be the true focal points in every frame.

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2. Let the Light In

As a natural light photographer serving the Winston Salem area, I rely on the soft glow of window light to create beautiful, organic images. Before your session, open up blinds and curtains in your home to let in as much light as possible. We’ll work with what your space gives us, but brighter rooms generally photograph best.

If you’re not sure where the best light is in your home, don’t worry—I’ll help guide you once I arrive.

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3. Create a Fresh, Clean Look

Think of your home as the backdrop to your newborn’s story. Light bedding in soft neutrals like white, cream, or light gray works beautifully for bed shots. These tones reflect light well and lend a peaceful, airy feeling to your images.

Avoid bold patterns or heavy colors, especially in spaces where we’ll be photographing, as they can pull attention away from your baby’s delicate details.

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4. Clear the Corners—but Don’t Stress

It’s completely normal for a home with a new baby to feel a little lived in—after all, your life just changed in the most wonderful way. But clearing off nightstands, minimizing clutter in room corners, and tucking away extra baby gear that won’t be used during the session helps keep the focus on what really matters: your love, your joy, and your newborn.

Remember: it’s about creating a space that feels fresh, open, and calm—not perfect.

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5. Bonus Tip: Keep Baby Comfy

Make sure your home is warm enough to keep baby cozy during the session. A slightly warmer room temperature (around 75°F) helps your newborn stay sleepy and comfortable, especially if we’ll be doing any swaddled or lightly clothed shots.

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What if you want these stunning light and airy photos but don’t have the space to create them?!

I get this question a lot! Maybe your home is temporary and you haven’t set it up or decorated it. Maybe you are just an exhausted mama and don’t have the capacity to declutter right now…or maybe you just don’t get any natural light in the house and it is often dark without overhead lights on. (little tidbit, I turn ALL lights off to photograph!) These would be perfect scenarios to either shoot your newborn session outdoors (yes, its possible and quite lovely!) OR use my natural light studio! I offer a studio space in Winston Salem, NC specifically for these scenarios! I can assure you that you can still get the most gorgeous lighting and images with a homey feel!

Whether you’re expecting soon or just welcomed your little one, I’d love to help you preserve these fleeting first days in a relaxed and natural way. As a Winston Salem North Carolina newborn photographer, I bring a gentle, baby-led approach to every session.

Let’s create beautiful images together. Reach out today to book your in-home or studio newborn photography session!