How to Prepare Your Home for Newborn Photos | Simple Brisbane Guide

How to Prepare Your Home for Newborn Photos (Without Stress)

You have just had a baby. You have not slept properly in what feels like a decade. (The third trimester sore hips are no joke!)The last thing you need is a lengthy checklist telling you to deep clean your entire house before your photographer arrives. So here is the honest version instead.

You do not need to clean your whole house.

Truly. I'll say it again. You do not need to clean your whole house! I only need the room or two we will actually be photographing in, usually your bedroom, the nursery, or a light filled living space to be tidied. A quick tidy of visible surfaces is plenty. Nobody is opening your cupboards, we will barely see your floors, and if you've left a washing basket, burp cloths, your pump or a bottle out- we will just move it if we need. Absolutely zero judgement from me mama- I've been there too.

Chase the light, not perfection

The single most useful thing you can do is think about where the natural light falls in your home during the time of your session. A room with a large window, ideally without harsh direct sun, will always photograph beautifully. If you are unsure which room that is, just ask me. I am happy to help you figure it out beforehand. As a photographer, I looove sheer curtains if you have any rooms with those.

Have a few soft layers on hand

Simple, soft bedding or a light throw can make a lovely backdrop for those cosy newborn snuggles. You do not need anything new or fancy. A neutral sheet or muslin wrap you already own works perfectly. I will bring along a few neutral wrap and blanket options too.

Think about what you want to wear, loosely

Soft, comfortable clothing in muted tones tends to photograph the most timelessly. But more important than any outfit is that you feel like yourself. If tracksuit pants and a soft jumper is what feels right, that is exactly right.

Feed your baby beforehand if you can

A sleepy, settled baby right after a feed often makes for the calmest start to a session. But if your baby has other plans, that is completely fine too. Newborns are unpredictable, and I have photographed plenty of sessions built entirely around a feeding schedule that changed five times before I arrived.

Let go of the rest

Dishes in the sink, washing on the couch, toys scattered across the floor, a dog that hasn't been walked for a week. None of it matters. I am there to capture your family exactly as you are in this season, not a version of your home from a magazine.

If you are booking a newborn or Fresh 48 session with me in Brisbane, I always send through a simple, reassuring guide beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. No stress, no styling pressure, just you, your baby, and the early days worth remembering. Plus I promise I'll bring along a sweet treat!