Newborn photoshoots are truly the sweetest way to freeze the joyful (and a little chaotic) season right after bringing your baby home! These little babies change so quickly and I promise you won’t regret scheduling a newborn session. When you’re planning your session, you’ll run into the question of where you should have these photos taken. Should you opt for a newborn photoshoot at home or in a studio? The good news is, both are great options! As a Boston newborn photographer, I love photographing newborns in both locations. Everything you need to know about the two options is listed below so you can make the choice that’s best for you and your family!

What is a Newborn Photoshoot and Why Should You Schedule One? 

A newborn photoshoot is designed to capture this special, fleeting time in your life when you’ve added a new little one to your family. These sessions are scheduled shortly after your baby is born. The best time for your newborn session is in the morning and anywhere between 7-21 days after birth. However, we can be flexible based on what’s best for you and your family. As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I will tell you exactly how to pose with your little one and yes, your dogs can be included too! 

I can speak from experience that this season of your life goes by way too quickly and your baby won’t be this tiny forever. Having lots of photos of them from this stage is so special. I highly recommend scheduling a newborn photoshoot to capture memories of this time. With the chaos of newborn life, it can be hard to remember the feeling of all the small things, like the baby snuggles, the adorable tiny feet, and little fingers. I know it can feel challenging to feel photo ready shortly after giving birth, but I promise you will never regret having these memories preserved! 

When to Have a Newborn Photoshoot at Home

Now, let’s get into where you should take your newborn photos and if an in-home session is right for you! There are a few main reasons when I’d suggest a newborn photoshoot at home instead of in a studio. 

You love your nursery and you want to show it off in your photos

If you’ve poured your heart (and maybe way too many late-night Pinterest hours) into your nursery design, you may want to show it off in your newborn photoshoot! That’s a great reason to have a newborn photoshoot at home so we can incorporate all those cute little details you designed on every wall and in every corner. The nursery is always one of the main rooms I recommend for the majority of your newborn photos!

You don’t want to pack everything up to go to the studio 

All of your baby’s belongings will already be at home and trying to pack everything you need for an outing can take a lot from your already low supply of energy. If you’d rather keep things simple and not worry about packing the whole family up, then an in-home session might be best for you! You have everything you need already within arm’s reach. Not to mention, you’ll also have lots of backup outfits readily available if there are any unexpected blowouts!

The photos can feel more sentimental 

Taking newborn photos at home can definitely be more meaningful if you’re a sentimental person. Whether it’s the home your child will grow up in or you end up looking back on the house where you brought your baby home for the first time ever, it’s a really sweet way to honor that space! 

If you’re including your dog, they’re more comfortable at home

If you decide to include your dog in your newborn session, keeping them at home could make them more comfortable and cooperative. You can find some tips for including a dog in your photoshoot here! One of my main tips when including your dog in your newborn session is to have a family member or friend come help! An extra set of hands when photographing a dog and a newborn is always so helpful. 

How to Prepare for a Newborn Photoshoot at Home

It’s no secret that life is quite chaotic with a newborn. Your house probably feels like a tornado hit, but that’s the beauty of the newborn life, right?! Here are a few simple tips for preparing your home for a newborn session: 

• Clean the areas where we’ll be taking photos in (usually the nursery, bedroom, and living room) 
• Keep your home warm so your baby is comfortable and sleepy
• Decorate however feels true to you and how you want the backdrop to look for your photos 
• Remove all extraneous items in the nursery, bedroom, and living room (ie: cords, diaper pail, wipes, diapers, etc)
• Feed your baby right before I arrive so they’re snuggly and sleepy

Cons of a Newborn Photoshoot at Home

There are some reasons why you might decide to have your newborn photoshoot outside of your home. The main reason that you might opt for a studio is if your house doesn’t receive much natural light. Good natural lighting is key to getting those perfect light and airy newborn photos. So if your house doesn’t have great natural light, then a studio may be best for your session! Also, if your home is smaller and there’s not as much space for us to move around, that’s another good reason to decide on a studio space as well.

Studio Newborn Photoshoots

A studio newborn session is also a great place to take your newborn photos and many of my clients opt for this space! If the reasons listed below resonate with you, then a studio newborn photoshoot may fit you and your family better. 

You have zero energy to clean, rearrange rooms, or hide the diaper mountain

Those first few weeks of newborn life can be pure chaos, and I know you don’t have much time to do anything, let alone keep your home perfectly tidy! You may even still have boxes and gifts scattered around from the baby shower (and trust me, I get it). This is when a studio session can be a great solution, because you just head there and it’s ready for you without having to lift a finger! 

You want a neutral backdrop for your photos 

If you’re picturing your newborn photos with a timeless backdrop, a studio is definitely going to be the route to take! The studio look has a very clean and ethereal vibe to it and so will your images! 

Your nursery isn’t perfected yet

You probably have a dream nursery that you’d love to get newborn photos in, but it may not be finished just yet. If not, don’t sweat it! Studios are great options for this scenario as well. 

The studio always has beautiful natural light 

If your home does not receive much natural light, then I always recommend a studio space! As a Boston newborn photographer, the studio I use (that you’re seeing in all of these photos!) is The Tannery Collective. It’s located in Walpole, MA and I can’t recommend this space enough! It’s a gorgeous space with lots of room and ample natural light, AND it’s dog-friendly. Win-win! If you decide to bring your dog, make sure to consider bringing a family member or friend as an extra set of hands to help during the session. I promise you won’t regret it!

Cons of a Studio Newborn Photoshoot

There are a few cons of choosing a studio session. One, it’s a little more costly because you have to rent the space. Two, it requires a little bit more planning! You have to consider getting ready, packing up everything, driving to the space for your scheduled time, and still including some extra time for hiccups. However, as your newborn photographer, I’ll definitely help you plan out the best schedule for your photoshoot. 

Other FAQs About Newborn Photoshoots

I have a few more ideas and tips for your newborn session from things I’ve learned from previous shoots! 

When Should You Take Newborn Photos? 

The magic window is usually between one to three weeks old! That’s when you get those squishy, sleepy, swaddled-up photos that will melt your heart forever. That being said, I’m always happy to schedule your newborn session whenever is best for you, your family, and your recovery! You can absolutely have your session outside of the three week window and we will still capture those beautiful, newborn portraits you’re hoping for! 

What Should You Wear for Newborn Photos? 

Trying to coordinate the whole family’s outfits for your photoshoot can be challenging. I always recommend trying to choose outfits that compliment each other instead of trying to match perfectly. Think about incorporating neutral tones, blues, lighter shades of pinks and earth tones as well as mixing patterns and solids. Whether you’re choosing a newborn photoshoot at home or in a studio, always feel free to reach out to me if you’re struggling to decide on outfits. I’m always happy to help recommend what I think will photograph best!

Lauren Dobish | Boston Newborn Photographer

No matter the background you choose for your session, your newborn photos will turn out gorgeous and you’ll have memories to look back on forever! All that matters is that we’re capturing this beautiful time with you, your family, and your beautiful new baby.

I hope this post helped you decide if a newborn photoshoot at home is right for you or if a studio session is more suited for your family! If you love the beautiful moments you’ve seen throughout this post, you can contact me here to schedule your newborn session. I’d love to work with you!