Capturing Life at Home: Why In-Home Newborn Photography Is Pure Magic
- mariachelseyphotog
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Welcoming a newborn into the world is a whirlwind of love, emotions, sleepless nights, and sweet firsts. It's a fleeting, beautiful chapter—and one worth preserving. While studio sessions have their charm, there's something uniquely special about in-home newborn photography. It's intimate. It's real. It's you.
I'm a Kent based newborn photographer, blessed to be able to offer both studio and in-home sessions, but I must admit, in-home sessions are where my heart is.
What Is In-Home Newborn Photography?
In-home newborn sessions bring the photoshoot to your space—where your baby will take their first naps, where the family snuggles on the couch, and where the nursery you've lovingly curated comes to life in pictures.
Unlike traditional posed sessions, in-home photography leans into natural moments. Think soft morning light through the window, a quiet yawn on Dad’s shoulder, or the dog peeking into the cot. It’s storytelling, not staging - and it's real.

Why Families Love It
1. Comfort for Baby (and You!)
There's no mad, morning rush. Trying to get everyone out the door, trying to remember all the things you need to pack whilst trying to stay calm and collected so you don't look disheveled in your photos. You stay cosy at home, and your baby stays in their natural environment. Feedings, changes, and snuggles all happen with ease—making the session more relaxed for everyone.
2. Real-Life Backdrops.
Your home tells your family’s story. Whether it’s the rocking chair passed down through generations or the bookshelf filled with baby shower gifts, these details add warmth and meaning to your photos.
3. Timeless, Authentic Moments.
In-home sessions often include candid shots—siblings peeking into the cot, mum gently smoothing baby’s hair, or even a quiet coffee moment during a nap. These real-life glimpses become the most cherished memories.

What to Expect
When shooting in your home, I like to make the most of the natural light, shooting near big windows or open doors to capture soft, flattering tones. I never rush a session and we'll be completely led by your baby. If they need feeds, changes, a cuddle and some time to settle then that's exactly what we do. For this reason, it's hard to set an exact time frame on a session but they generally last anywhere between 1.5 hours to 3 hours.
You don't need a Pinterest-perfect home—just good light and love. A little tidying helps, but don’t stress over perfection. Life with a newborn is beautifully imperfect and that's the feeling you'll remember looking back on these photos.
How to Prepare
Pick a few outfit options for you and baby. Think soft tones and comfy textures. I offer a client wardrobe to mums and baby's that's free to use but some families prefer to provide their own options too.
Open your blinds—natural light is key. When I arrive, I like to have a little scout out of the nice bright areas we can use. Don't panic if you don't have big floor to ceiling windows everywhere - any window works.
Relax and be present. I'll be there to guide you through the session. You don't need to worry about posing or what to do. I'll give as much or as little direction as you need but the main goal is to capture genuine, authentic memories - so the best you can do is to just be yourselves!
Final Thoughts
In-home newborn photography isn’t just about pictures—it’s about preserving the feeling of those early days: the sleepy eyes, the tiny fingers, the newness of it all. When your baby is older, these images will transport you back to the start of your journey together.
So, if you're considering booking a session—do it. Let your home, your love, and your story shine through. After all, the best place to document a new life... is where it begins.

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