How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session | Sutherland Shire Newborn Photographer
- Mel Kerr
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
When Is the Best Time for In-Home Newborn Photography in Sydney?
Your guide from a Sutherland Shire newborn photographer
You’ve made it through pregnancy, labour, and those exhausting first few nights at home and now you're holding this tiny new person in your arms — tired, full of love, and probably wondering how on earth you're meant to be camera-ready for a newborn session.
Planning ahead makes the process feel less overwhelming — and that’s what I offer as a Sutherland Shire newborn photographer who specialises in honest, connection-based in-home family photography.
Let me start by saying: I see you. You’re already doing so much. And this isn’t about creating “perfect” photos in a spotless home with a baby who sleeps on cue. It’s about preserving this season, exactly as it is.
So if you’re wondering how to prepare for in-home newborn photography in Sydney, here’s what you actually need to know.
The best time to photograph your newborn
If you love those dreamy, sleepy newborn photos, the kind where baby is curled up, wrapped and content: the ideal time to photograph them is between 5 and 14 days old. Babies are typically sleepier and easier to settle in that window.
That said, we can absolutely photograph your baby at any age. I've photographed 3-week-olds who drifted off like pros, and 10-day-olds who were wide awake the entire session. I follow your baby’s lead, not a a workflow checklist.
✨ Tip: If you’re currently pregnant, get in touch while you’re in your third trimester so we can tentatively lock in a session around your due date.
What time of day is best?
For in-home newborn sessions across the Sutherland Shire, I usually suggest mid morning, around 9:30-10am.
Why? That’s when the light is soft, even, and gentle through your windows. And it’s often when your baby is at their calmest, especially if they’ve had a solid feed and a bit of awake time.
You don't need a pinterest worthy home
Seriously. Not even close.
You don't need to clean your whole house. I repeat: you do not need to clean your whole house. I’m more interested in natural light than spotless surfaces.
When I arrive, we'll have a chat, I'll take a walk around your home and suss out the best natural light. I’ll guide us toward the best-lit spaces (usually the loungeroom or master bedroom). You might want to tuck a basket of laundry aside or clear clutter from a bedside table, but honestly? If it’s part of your life right now, it’s part of your story.
What should I wear? (And what about baby?)
I've had countless sessions where kids are still in pj's, hairs unbrushed and mum still needs to do her makeup and get dressed. Toddlers and kids start out in a nice outfit and by the end of the session they're in comfy clothes and gumboots because a tantrum isn't worth it. Mums have taken me to their closet and had me help them pick out what they should wear. I spend time one-on-one with your baby, so you can use those moments to get ready.
Sessions are unpredictable. Newborn life throws your plans out the window, and that’s okay. I’ll show up, I’ll do my thing, and we’ll work with whatever’s happening in the moment.
You don’t need to dress up — just dress like you.
My basics recommendation for what to wear
Stick to neutral tones like creams, white, beige, browns, greys, denim.
Avoid bold patterns or logos.
Pick outfits you can comfortably cuddle and sit in.
And if your top gets covered in milk mid-session? No stress, because we can pause and reset as needed.
For baby, I recommend:
A muslim wrap
A knit outfit or onesie in a neutral tone.
A textured blanket (think soft, knit, woven, and neutral)
A spare outfit in case of accidents (which happen all the time!)
No need for shoes, hats or bows unless that’s your thing
✨ Bonus tip: If you want Pinterest outfits, places like Best and Less, Big W and Kmart, always have whatever is currently trending in the influencer world.
Should I feed baby before the session?
Yes, if possible. A full tummy makes a sleepy baby, and a sleepy baby means we can ease into those soft, snuggly shots at the beginning of the session.
But don’t worry if they need to feed again mid-session. We pause as needed. You don’t need to apologise or rush. This is your baby’s rhythm and I follow their lead. I’ve had sessions where we’ve stopped to feed three or four times. It’s totally normal.
What if I’m feeling overwhelmed?
Then this session is especially for you.
You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to pose. You don’t even have to look at the camera most of the time. Kids have meltdowns. Toddlers get clingy. Babies cry. It’s okay. I'm used to it during a session and we'll work through it.
My sessions are led by comfort, not control. I might gently guide you into the light and ask you to hold baby to your chest, to breathe in your baby’s scent, or have your partner wrap their arms around you while you rock baby gently in your arms. And somewhere in that in-between moment, when you’re not trying to “look nice” or “do it right”, that’s when the real moments show up.
Your session might last up to 2 hours, depending on how your baby is feeling. Afterward, give yourself time to rest. Order takeaway. Leave the dishes in the sink. The important part is: you did it. You showed up. You got in the frame with your baby.
Final thoughts
If you take anything away from this post, let it be this:
You don’t have to have it all together.
You don’t need a “perfect” house or a perfect baby.
You just need to be there, holding your children, present in the story.
Because one day, this season will blur and fade. And the photos we create together? They’ll help you remember what it really felt like.
Ready to book your in-home newborn photography session?
I offer gentle, connection-based newborn photography in the Sutherland Shire.
📩 Head to my Contact Page to start the process.
Let’s create something honest and beautiful, together.
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