What to Expect at Your In-Home Newborn Session || Austin, TX Newborn Photography
Everything You Need to Know About Your In-Home Newborn Session With Jessica Doffing Photography, LLC
Congratulations on your new little one! I’m so excited to come document this sweet chapter for your family. My in-home lifestyle newborn sessions are relaxed, baby-led, and focused on natural connection, snuggles on the bed, tiny details, and the real moments you’ll want to remember forever. Here’s a quick guide to help you know exactly what to expect.
Booking and timing : It’s best to reserve your session during your 3rd trimester to ensure availability. I’ll tentatively hold space around your due date, and once baby is born we’ll confirm a final time.
Lifestyle newborn sessions are more flexible than traditional studio posing, since we won’t be using props or posing baby on a beanbag, there’s no “perfect age.” Anytime within the first 2–4 weeks is great, and older newborns photograph beautifully in lifestyle settings too.
Before you session:
Fill out your questionnaire This helps me prepare for your preferences, rooms you want photographed in, family dynamics, sibling ages, etc.
No need to buy anything or clean your house Seriously, please don’t stress. I’ve seen it all! I only need one clutter-free area at a time, and I usually tidy tiny things as we go. Your home does not need to be perfect.
Plan your clothing Simple, neutral clothing photographs beautifully. No bold colors or busy prints. I’m happy to help choose outfits or look over options beforehand. If you prefer, I can bring a neutral outfit or two for the baby or you can keep it true ‘lifestyle’ and just have him/her in a onesie or swaddle.
When I Arrive: We’ll take 5 minutes to walk through your home and choose the best natural-light spaces, usually the primary bedroom, nursery, or living room. I don’t have anything to set-up. If there isn’t enough natural light I have supplemental light on my camera.
During the session: Lifestyle sessions are all about documenting your family as you are: snuggling with baby, feeding, rocking, siblings loving on their new baby, parents interacting naturally, and a few gently guided moments for beautiful, relaxed images. If baby needs to eat, cry, be changed, or be held the entire time, that’s perfect. We follow baby’s lead. Sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour.
After the session: I’ll be out of your hair and you can continue on with your day. No need to pack baby up in the car seat and deal with Austin traffic to go home…you’re already there! In 1-2 weeks you’ll receive your gallery in color and black&white. From your gallery you can download the images, order prints, and share with family.
FAQ
Do I need to clean my home? No. Just a quick declutter on nightstands if we’re shooting in your bedroom, and I can move anything else as we go.
What if my baby has flaky skin, acne, or redness? It’s up to you how much or how little you’d like me to edit. Some parents want to really keep the session ‘true to life’ and some want the baby to be cleaned up a bit.
Can we do some studio-style images also? Yes we can! There is an add- on option where we can do a set of modified beanbag poses or I can bring a basket or bowl and backdrop for some swaddled images.
That’s it! If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out. I want you to feel comfortable, prepared, and excited for your session. I can’t wait to meet your family.
Love, Jessica 💜
