Jan 28, 2026

(A simple, stress-free guide for expecting families)
Welcoming a new baby is full of emotion — excitement, exhaustion, and a lot of unknowns. One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is:
“How do we prepare for our newborn photos?”
The good news? Preparing for an in-home newborn session can be simpler than you might think. Lifestyle newborn photography is designed to move at your baby’s pace, embrace real moments, and create images that feel natural, warm, and true to your family.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding another little one to your family, this guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for your newborn session — with tips tailored for families in Vancouver, WA and Camas, WA.



Before diving into preparation tips, it helps to understand how a lifestyle newborn session works.
An in-home newborn session focuses on:
Sessions typically last 1.5–2 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, soothing, diaper changes, and breaks. There’s no rush — and no expectation for your baby to sleep the entire time.
Choosing outfits is often the biggest source of stress — but it doesn’t need to be.
If you’re ever unsure, I provide outfit guidance before every session to help you feel confident and comfortable.
There is no such thing as “running behind” during a newborn session. We can expect sessions to last 1-2 hours.
You don’t need to do anything special to get your baby “photo ready.”
Helpful tips:
You don’t need a perfectly calm baby for meaningful images. Some of the most beautiful moments happen in between soothing and snuggles.
If older siblings are joining the session, a little preparation goes a long way.
Gentle sibling tips:
I’ll guide siblings with prompts instead of forced poses, allowing connection to unfold naturally.



One of the biggest worries parents share about preparing for their newborn photos is whether their home is “photo ready.”
Here’s the truth: your home does not need to be spotless.
Focus on:
If your home feels lived-in, cozy, and real — you’re doing it right. That’s exactly what lifestyle newborn photography is meant to capture.
A few helpful items to keep nearby:
And most importantly: an open mind. The magic often happens in the unplanned moments.
When you book with me, you don’t have to worry about directing every moment.
I provide:
Your only job is to love on your baby — I’ll take care of the rest.
Preparing for your newborn session isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating space to remember this fleeting season — the tiny fingers, quiet snuggles, and the way your family fits together right now.
If you’re expecting and looking for a Vancouver, WA or Camas, WA newborn photographer who offers relaxed, in-home newborn sessions, I’d love to connect.
👉 Click here to learn more about what working together looks like.
My baby-led and family-focused approach lets me capture frame-worthy smiles and joyful candid photos that tell your family's story.