What to Expect from your At Home Newborn Photo Session with Monica Conlin Photography

What is an At Home Newborn Session?

This session takes place when your baby is between 5-15 days old. This is a great chance to document your tiny baby before they grow (way too quickly)! It will be a laid back session in the comfort of your own home.

Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect; my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease while I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.

Before your Newborn Photo Session 

What should the family wear for our at home newborn photo session?

In my blog post I give you tips and suggestions on what every family member can wear for the session. Read it for more information and to help you plan out your outfits. What to wear to a Lifestyle Newborn Session 

Need to purchase a swaddle or learn how to swaddle your newborn? Here is another blog post all about Baby Swaddles that you can use as a reference. So go ahead and check it out.

Day of your Newborn Photo Session

Where in my home will the session take place? 

When I get to your home, I will walk around to figure out the best lit areas for the photos. I am a natural light photographer, which means I use the lighting from windows and doors.  I often use the nursery, master bedroom or living room/couch. It is not uncommon to stay in just one area of your home for the entire session if it has great lighting. 

If it is warm outside then we can do part (or all) of the session outdoors in your front or backyard as well. I suggest having a big quilt or blanket to lay out in the grass. 

Also, PLEASE don’t feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. I know what it is like to have a newborn and there just isn’t time for that. We can easily pick up/declutter an area that we want to use for photos while I’m there. So don’t you dare vacuum, dust, or mop before I get there, now is the time to rest and enjoy your newest little family member!

Do you use props during your Newborn Session? 

Your baby is precious and perfect the way he or she is, so I don’t do props or unnatural posing (like in baskets/boxes). Unlike other types of newborn photos, it doesn’t matter to me if the baby is awake or asleep. The baby will guide the session. 

The focus of the session is the connection with your new baby and each family member. I want the baby to be held, cuddled, and kissed, so the majority of the photos will be in the arms of a family member. 

I suggest you try to feed the baby about 15 minutes before I come, but you don’t have to worry or force it, I allow for plenty of time to feed the baby as needed throughout the session.

What about the Siblings?

I know what it is like to have a new baby (mom of three over here!), so this time can be a big transition for the sibling(s). I usually try to get sibling and family photos right at the beginning of the shoot since the sibling(s) may lose interest after time. 

I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them. I will help guide the sibling of what to do (hold your new baby, look at those little fingers, etc) and you will be there to support them and keep the baby safe. 

I am here for you. I want to make your lifestyle at home newborn photo session experience as stress-free and calm as possible. I want you to be able to smile and enjoy the precious new life you welcomed into this world. Please reach out to me and ask any questions that you may have, I am happy to help!

Are you expecting a baby? Email me now to save the date! I offer limited spots each month.

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

What to wear to an at home newborn photo session with Monica Conlin Photography?

Outfit ideas and suggestions for you, your baby, and the rest of the family to look great during your
At Home Newborn Photo Session

Fellow moms, let’s be real. You JUST had a baby! You aren’t sleeping and self-care is quickly going out the window. So the idea of getting dressed and ready for pictures can sound overwhelming. I hope I can convince you that it doesn’t have to be. 

Here are some tips and suggestions of what the each family member can wear for a newborn session. 

My first and most important tip for all family photos, whether it is newborn or not, is to make sure you pick something that you feel good in. Newborn photos are in the comfort of your own home, so please, be comfortable! 

As a postpartum mom, your body is different and quickly changing (again!), but can we just talk for a minute about how amazing it is. You literally just grew and brought a human into this world. So find an outfit that celebrates that accomplishment. I find few things more beautiful than a mom holding her baby. So find something you can relax in and allow your focus to be on this new, incredible thing you just did. Because it is TRULY AMAZING. Okay, I could talk about the beauty of mothers all day. So back to outfit suggestions…

I recommend wearing a maternity dress that you liked and will feel comfortable in postpartum.

Or you can wear A basic t-shirt or sweater. You may want to wear some layers that can be comfortable and flattering.

What is a good baby outfit for a newborn photo session? 

I suggest a simple fitted onesie, no words or graphics. I love a good ol’ plain white onesie, but other solid colors can work well. We may also take some pics of the baby in a diaper or nude if it is warm enough and your baby is comfortable and relaxed. 

Pick a favorite swaddle blanket or two for us to use. (see my blog about swaddles and how to swaddle) 

You are welcome to have a few cute accessories as well like a headband, bow or a favorite hat.

I encourage keeping babies in simple outfits because my focus is on your baby’s sweet little features. I love getting photos of teeny tiny toes, those baby lips and any fuzz that is on their head. Your baby is precious and perfect the way he or she is, so I don’t think there needs to be elaborate outfits and props. 

What should the other family members wear that will be part of the newborn photo session?  Any ideas for outfits for the rest of the family?

An easy way to keep cohesiveness in the family is by dressing in neutrals (tan, gray, white, black) and then add in a small amount of color. 

You can add the color by coordinating. That means you don’t have to match, but wear colors that complement one another. The best way to achieve good coordination is by picking a color scheme. For instance, pick one or two colors that you can base your outfits on (not including the neutral colors). 

Don’t be afraid of patterns or pops of colors. We can use a swaddle to add some color as well.

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A few other rules of thumb to keep in mind when you are picking out your outfit for a family or newborn photo session. 

Be mindful how you mix patterns. Mom can wear a floral print dress, then the partner can wear a solid shirt, and the child can wear a stripe or other textured shirt. But too many can be distracting for newborn photos, I wouldn’t have multiple plaid shirts for the photos.

Avoid clothes that have big graphics on them or with words and logos on them. These can be distracting and draws the eye to the words rather than your faces. 

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Need another example? Here is a photo of my own kids below.

I will share my thought process for the outfits they are wearing. My oldest son’s favorite color is green right now, so I convinced him to let me take a few pictures since he was wearing such an awesome color and shirt (that’s right, even I have to be creative in getting photos of my own kids sometimes)! Then I picked my favorite color (blue) for my baby boy and knew it would look good with the green. Next, I dressed my daughter in a floral shirt. She loves her flowery shirts and this one had both blue and green in it. The boys had solids on, so she added a pattern to the group while still coordinating with the boys. I had them lay down on my gray bedspread since their outfits were colorful and I needed a neutral background. And there ya go!

Still at a loss for what to wear? Need help picking out the perfect newborn outfit for your pictures? Then ask me!

I am happy to give you an opinion of what to wear, especially if it helps this process be more relaxing and less stressful for you. I have gotten pictures via text and have shown up to sessions and the mom holds up three different shirts for me to choose from, and I love that. 

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

Newborn photos in the comfort of your home | Atlanta Baby Photographer

Highlights from an At Home Newborn Photography Session in Atlanta, GA

Your home is the perfect setting to take newborn photos.

Nesting, that overwhelming urge to prepare your home to welcome your new baby, is common during the last part of your pregnancy. The the nursery is decorated, the crib in place, a picture or two on the wall, a changing station in the corner. You have created a beautiful space for your newborn, so why not have photos done there?

Taking photos in the baby’s room during your in home photo session just makes sense. I want to know about and see the little details that are special and important to you. Does the artwork on the wall represent something? A stuffed animal given by a loved one? The book on the shelf one that your parents read to you? These things help tell the story of your family and be part of the memories and photos you want to look back on. The room and things in it will change over time as your child grows, so it is a good way to remember how it was when you first brought your baby home.

Being in your own home also allows you to relax and enjoy the experience. You have the diapers, wipes, bottles, swaddles, pacifiers, etc that you need to care for your new baby already right there. You don’t have to tote ALL THE THINGS to a new location and worry about being late. I come to you and make it as relaxed as possible! If you need to change a diaper, go ahead. If you need to feed your baby, please do it.

Also, being at home for your newborn photo session allows for beloved pets to join in and have pictures done with the family.

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas.

Including, by not limited to Atlanta neighborhood and suburbs such as: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, North Druid Hills, North Decatur, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Scottdale, Tucker.

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

How to swaddle a newborn

Let’s chat all about swaddles: how to swaddle, when to swaddle, and what types of swaddles to get.

Do you know how to swaddle your baby using a swaddle blanket?

Maybe it is your first baby and you’ve never done any kind of swaddle before. Or maybe it’s your third baby and you have always relied on the tried and true velcro swaddles. And although I think the velcro swaddles are genius, I like a good ol’ classic blanket swaddle for taking newborn photos.

Here is a video I created to teach you to swaddle your newborn for a lifestyle newborn photos.

And you know what, BABIES LOVE TO BE SWADDLED!
It’s cozy and comforting to them.

When to swaddle your baby during a newborn photo session:

• if your baby is tired and getting fussy

• if you want to get photos of the newborn with a sibling. The swaddle makes it easier for the sibling to hold the baby in a safe position and prevents the baby from flailing their arms and hitting their older sibling.

• if you want some photos of just the baby laying on a blanket or in the crib. This helps provide comfort and a sense of security if they are not being held by a loved one.

What type of swaddle should I get?

There are so many types of swaddles and every person will have their own preferences. The main things I look in a good swaddle is:

• made from 100% cotton (Muslin is a type of fabric made from 100% cotton that is light weight and breathable and my top choice!)

• 47 in X 47 in size

• machine washable (duh!)

A local shop here in Atlanta that is great for all your baby needs is called Happy Mango located in the Kirkwood neighborhood. They have a good selection of swaddles that you can buy from them online or at their store. They carry several brands including Sugar + Maple Classic Muslin Swaddles. These come in many beautiful colors. The sky blue, blush pint, mint, balsam green, and mustard are some of my favorites!

Another brand that I also really like the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets. These are also muslin swaddles and they have many different patterns to chose from. You can purchase from their website or Amazon.

If you want to see more photos and examples from my lifestyle newborn sessions then head to my portfolio HERE.

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Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur and the Atlanta metro area.