How to Prepare for Stress-Free In-Home Newborn Photos in Knoxville, TN
A Knoxville newborn + Maternity Photographer's GUide
There are few moments in life as special as welcoming your new baby into the world. The days that follow are a blur of postpartum hormones, varying degrees of sleep deprivation, and unimaginable joy and gratitude. Maybe you're considering Knoxville lifestyle newborn photos, but you have some questions.
The good news is that in-home, lifestyle newborn photography isn't about perfection. It's about connection. You don't need a perfectly spotless home and a "well-behaved" baby to get beautiful newborn photographs. It's about real and relaxed moments that will bring you back to these early postpartum days of sleepy expressions, snuggly contact naps, and time spent relaxing and recovering with your family.
This guide is full of my best advice for a stress-free, in-home lifestyle newborn session. Take a deep breath. I've got you covered.
In-home Lifestyle newborn photography vs. Posed Studio Newborn Photography
There are many styles of newborn photography. The most common and broad styles are posed studio newborn and lifestyle newborn.
In my experience, posed studio newborn photography is what most people think of when they hear "newborn photography". This is the little setups with a sleeping baby wrapped in a basket or on a studio background with props.
Lifestyle newborn is usually photographed in your home or in a homelike studio space. This style is centered around capturing your interactions and relationship with your new baby through gentle guidance rather than detailed posing.
When to schedule your in-home newborn session
Most newborn sessions are photographed within 5-14 days of birth. But if your baby is a little older, that works just fine for lifestyle newborn sessions.
When possible, I recommend booking your photographer at least a month before your baby arrives so you have plenty of time to plan and prepare. If you're past this point, don't stress. Even if your baby is already here, we can plan your session and photograph your newborn within just a few days.
Do I need to clean my house?
You definitely don't need to deep clean or even dust, but clearing counter tops before I arrive (while not required) will save time and lead to a smoother session. Just focus on tidying a few rooms we're likely to use (nursery, living room, master bedroom) and don't stress. I'll move anything that needs to be moved.
What to Wear For In-Home Newborn Photos
- Look for neutrals like cream, beige, browns, olives, blush, dusty blue or navy.
- Aim to coordinate tones rather than match colors.
- Add interest with textures.
- Avoid loud patterns and logos.
- Choose a dress for something flattering and comfortable on your healing body.
- Find something for your baby that shows those precious fingers and toes (and covers their diaper).
Including siblings (if Applicable)
Many of the siblings I photograph are newly minted "big siblings". This is a monumental transition for them and meltdowns are honestly expected. Giving them little jobs during the session and being playful with them helps them feel important and leads to natural and sweet interactions.
Don't add pressure for them to smile. Just focus on having fun together with the new baby. Real moments are better than forced smiles every time.
What if my baby is fussy?
They probably will be a little fussy (particularly if we're outside the 5-14 day post-birth window). This is completely normal and expected. We don't need your baby to be perfect to get beautiful photos. I allocate extra time to newborn sessions for feeding breaks, diaper changes, and settling. Just relax, meet your baby's needs, and trust the process.
There is no need to rush. We'll move at your baby's pace.
tips for the night before
- Lay out outfits for your whole family
- Tidy visible surfaces in nursery, master bedroom, and living room
- Prepare older siblings on what to expect
- Make sure you and your husband are on the same page for timing and preparation
tips for the Day of your session
- Open all the curtains and blinds to let the light in
- Feed and change your baby right before your session
- Offer older siblings a snack right before your session
- Dress yourself and your baby last, after feeding (to minimize spit up on your chosen outfits)
Preserving Your memories in print
Newborn photos are so much more than pictures for a social media post. They're preserving your family's story.
Don't let these memories be forgotten on a dusty hard drive. Many of the Knoxville families I serve choose to preserve their newborn sessions in an heirloom quality baby album or custom wall art so they can see, touch, and remember this fleeting season, every single day.
These moments pass quickly and the clichés are heartbreakingly true. They're only this little once. Make sure this time is preserved in photographs as beautiful as your memories.
Knoxville girl-mama, Jesus follower, and passionate lifestyle newborn + maternity photographer.
I create photographs as beautiful as your memories, preserving them in heirloom quality albums + wall art that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
I can't wait to get to know you and your family as we create something beautiful together!
Welcome, Friend! I'm so glad you're here.
I’m Kelsey Wood!
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