THE NURSERY IS READY, THE BABY IS HERE… NOW WHAT DO WE WEAR?
WELCOME TO YOUR IN-HOME NEWBORN PREP & STYLING GUIDE.
You’ve done your maternity photos, you’ve welcomed your little one, and you are finally finding your rhythm. Now, it’s time to freeze this fleeting moment in time.
The goal of this guide isn’t to give you "homework" during an already busy season of life; it’s to provide a calm, intentional roadmap for a session that feels clean and authentic to your new reality. By focusing on soft textures, a neutral palette, and effortless coordination, we will create a gallery of timeless heirlooms that document your family exactly as you are in this beautiful, slow-paced season.
***Style Inspiration: Images below are sourced via Pinterest to illustrate wardrobe concepts and are not the work of Lisa Leo Photography. ***
The Timing: Capturing the Whirlwind
One of the most common questions I get is, "When is the best time for newborn photos?" While there is no "wrong" time to document your baby, there is a special magic in the early days.
I generally recommend scheduling your session within the first 30 days. This is when babies are at their sleepiest and most "curly," allowing us to capture those fleeting, brand-new details before they change. However, if the first month doesn’t work for you, that is perfectly okay. Birth and recovery are a whirlwind, and sometimes you just need extra time to find your bearings. Whether your session happens at three weeks or two months, we will still capture beautiful, meaningful images—whenever you are ready, I am ready.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Sanctuary
Before picking an outfit, consider the backdrop of your new life. While the location dictates the "vibe," the goal is always the same: to capture this fleeting moment so you can look back and remember exactly how it felt.
In-Home: Raw & Nostalgic. This is the heart of newborn photography. There is no place more meaningful than the home where you’re finding your rhythm. We focus on the space where you’ve spent those first hazy days—the nursery you carefully curated, the couch where you’ve shared quiet cuddles, and the bedrooms filled with new memories. It’s deeply personal, slow-paced, and authentic.
The Studio: Minimalist & Intentional. If you’re worried about light or clutter at home, the studio is your "blank canvas." It offers a clean, editorial look where the focus remains entirely on your connection and your baby’s tiny details. It’s private, climate-controlled, and timeless. ** Studios are a additional fee and subject to availability **
Outdoor (Field or Park): Warm & Organic. If you want to embrace the Vancouver landscape, a park or golden field provides a lush, earthy frame. This is a beautiful option for families who want a bit more movement or have older siblings who need space to roam.
Preparing Your Sanctuary
Your home is the backdrop of your baby’s first chapter. Preparing the space isn't about deep cleaning; it’s about creating a calm, intentional "blank canvas" so your family's connection remains the sole focus.
The Light Hunt
In-home photography is all about chasing the sun. Since I focus on raw, authentic storytelling, I do not use flash photography or bring any artificial lighting into your home. I work exclusively with the natural light available to us to keep the environment calm and the images soft.
Start noticing what time of day your home gets that beautiful light shining in through the windows. We typically schedule sessions for mornings or early afternoons to catch the best natural light and avoid the late-day "witching hour" when babies tend to be fussier. Pay attention to where the light falls—aim to have your baby bathed in soft window light falling from the side. If you aren’t sure where the best spots are don’t worry, I can find these spots the second I arrive, but thinking about them ahead of time helps us hit the ground running.
Clearing the Visual Noise
Clutter is a vital distraction. Because newborn photography is so highly emotional, visual noise takes away from the clean, timeless feel of your gallery. Please clear off nightstands, coffee tables, and dressers in the rooms we will be using.
Tuck away phone chargers, water bottles, lotions, and nipple creams into drawers. Even if it means simply moving items to a corner of the house we aren't photographing, that "clearance" allows the emotion to shine. When I arrive, I’ll also help move any lingering distractions to ensure we have the perfect space.
Documenting the Legacy
I always take a moment to document your home as it is right now. This is the very first space you brought your baby home to. I may take photos of the outside of your building, your full living room, or the nursery exactly as you decorated it.
While these architectural shots might not seem like the most important photos today, in 10 or 20 years, they will be treasures. They provide the context for your child’s birth story and help you remember the space where you all spent those first hazy newborn days together.
Defining Your Newborn Aesthetic
Your wardrobe should speak the same language as your home to create a cohesive story. For an in-home session, the "location" is your sanctuary, so your clothing should match the energy of the rooms we’ll be in. If you’re leaning toward a Casual Lifestyle vibe, opt for high-end loungewear, soft linens, and comfortable knits that feel authentic to these first few weeks of soaking in your baby. For those wanting a more Chic Editorial look, a sleek, structured knit midi dress or a monochrome silk slip dress can create a timeless, high-fashion feel right in your living room.
Since we aren’t battling the elements outdoors, use this as an opportunity to play with delicate textures like organic gauze, lace, and soft wools. Look at the rooms where we will spend the most time—like the nursery or your master bedroom—and choose a palette that either blends seamlessly with those colors or provides a soft, intentional contrast. If your space is crisp and white, sticking to light neutrals will give you that airy, Pinterest-inspired look; if your home is filled with wood and earthy tones, leaning into Sage, Tan, and Rust will make the images feel grounded and warm.
The Lead: Start With Mom
Mom, you are the heart of this session. You’ve just gone through a whirlwind, and your body has done something truly incredible. This is a season of grace, so please don't let the pressure of "pre-pregnancy" clothing be a source of stress. When you feel confident and radiant, it sets a calm, intentional tone for the rest of the family.
The Iconic Staples
You don't need a whole new wardrobe; often the most timeless looks are already in your closet. A pair of your favorite maternity jeans paired with a crisp, oversized white button-down is an effortless, iconic look that feels both polished and relaxed. It’s a classic for a reason—it looks clean, highlights the connection, and feels authentic to "home" life.
Luxury Loungewear & Knits
If you want to lean into the sanctuary vibe, luxury loungewear or high-end knits are my top recommendation. Think chunky sweaters, ribbed cardigans, or silk sets. These fabrics provide a beautiful, rich texture that looks stunning in those tight, heirloom close-ups and keeps you feeling comfortable while you move between the nursery and the living room.
The Romantic Silhouette
A flowy midi or maxi dress is a timeless option for mothers who want a bit more of a feminine, "ethereal" feel. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like linen or organic gauze that allow for movement. These silhouettes are incredibly forgiving and photograph beautifully against the soft window light of a bedroom or nursery.
A Styling Note: If you’re feeling insecure about your postpartum body, remember that your baby is the perfect "prop" to shift the focus. I will guide you with posing; adjusting arms, legs, and baby, to ensure you look and feel beautiful.
You’re doing great, mama.
For the Men: The Supporting Foundation
While Mom leads the aesthetic, Dad’s look provides the grounding foundation for the gallery. The goal is to coordinate with Mom’s vibe without perfectly mirroring it. We want to work within the same color family—think "complementary tones" rather than "matching uniforms." If she is in a textured knit, he should opt for a smooth linen; if she is in a flowy dress, he should choose something structured but soft.
Give Dad His Moment
Newborn sessions are often focused on the bond between mother and baby, but the connection Dad has with his new arrival is just as vital to the story. Whether it’s those massive hands holding a tiny head or the quiet strength of a protector, these are the moments that build your family legacy. When you feel put-together and comfortable, it allows you to relax into those fatherhood moments so we can capture the raw, unscripted pride of a new dad.
The Fit: Elevated Casuals
I know you’ve likely been living in your sweatpants since the baby arrived—and you’ve earned that—but let’s give them a break for this session. While we aren't looking for "formal," we do want to lean toward elevated casuals.
The Staples: A high-quality, pressed tee, a soft henley, or a linen button-up are perfect choices.
The Pairing: If Mom is wearing jeans and a white button-down, Dad looks great in a neutral-colored chino or a clean, dark denim.
The Prep: Groomed but Real
A fresh haircut a few days before the session goes a long way in making a look feel "finished." Whether you prefer a clean shave or a few days of growth, just ensure it is groomed and feels like "you" at your best. Since we are in your home, please ensure any indoor footwear is clean and scuff-free—or better yet, go barefoot to lean into the relaxed, sanctuary vibe.
The Details: Crisp & Pressed
In the soft, close-up light of a newborn session, every detail shows. Please ensure all shirts are freshly pressed and free of pilling or fading. Avoid bold logos, distracting graphics, or "dry-fit" athletic fabrics—these pull the eye away from the baby and date the photos instantly. Sticking to natural fibres like cotton and linen keeps the look timeless and high-end.
Styling the Kids: Siblings & Bribes
Don’t match your kids to your outfit. If everyone wears the same color, they will blend into you when you hold them.
The "Flip" Technique: If you are in white, put your son in a neutral tan or textured knit.
Big Emotions: Siblings are not performers; they are tiny people with BIG emotions. Don't expect "Pinterest poses." If you have a specific shot in mind, practice it as a game days before.
The Bribe: I fully encourage bribes! Make them feel like the "Special Helper." If things go sideways, don't worry—meltdowns happen, and we will capture the authenticity of it all.
Pro Tip: Apply a little chapstick or sheer gloss to the kids’ lips before we start to prevent them from looking dry in close-ups.
THE LIFESTYLE PHILOSOPHY: TEXTURE & CONNECTION
As a lifestyle newborn photographer, my goal is to document this stage with raw, honest authenticity. Rather than using artificial props or staged setups, we create visual interest and depth through the use of high-quality natural textures. Think of soft organic gauze, chunky knits, crisp linens, and delicate silks. These elements add a rich, tactile quality to your images without distracting from the main focus: your baby’s features and your family's connection. By sticking to a simple, refined palette and intentional fabrics, we ensure your gallery feels timeless and "angel-like."
The Foundation: Neutrals & Earthy Tones
Start with a foundation of neutrals like Cream, White, Ivory, Tan, or Cognac. These tones reflect light beautifully and ensure your gallery remains timeless. If you want to incorporate color, stick to muted earthy tones—think Sage, Moss, Rust, or Navy. These organic hues provide a warm, grounded feel that adds depth without distracting from the baby.
The Rule on Prints & Patterns
I always recommend solids over busy prints for newborn sessions to keep the focus on the baby’s tiny details. If you have a larger group (5+ people), one subtle, small-scale pattern—like a muted floral or an earthy plaid—can add depth and prevent the photo from feeling "flat." To keep the look cohesive, never have everyone in a print; instead, pair one patterned piece with textured neutrals from the same color family.
Styling the Newest Arrival
When choosing an outfit for the baby, keep it simple. The focus should be entirely on their features and your family's new connection.
Show Those Tiny Toes
While zipper footed PJs are the staple of newborn life, I always recommend opting for clothing that shows their feet. Highlighting those little tiny feet and toes is the whole point of these heirloom portraits! Simple onesies, rompers, or even just a beautiful neutral swaddle allow us to capture all those delicate details before they grow.
The Bare Details: Hats & Headbands
I know you’re excited about all those cute baby accessories, but I always recommend starting with the basics. If you want to use hats or specific outfits, let’s save those for the very end of the session. We want to start with the baby in just a diaper or a simple swaddle to avoid those stubborn red lines on their skin from clothing or headbands. While that big floral bow might feel like a must-have right now, I promise that years from now, you’ll cherish the photos of your baby’s bare, beautiful head and those soft "peach fuzz" hairs much more than a trendy accessory.
Embrace the Newborn Season
Don’t worry about flaky skin or baby acne; it is all part of the season. What feels like a lifetime right now really only lasts a moment. While you might be worried about it today, I promise you’ll look back in ten years and miss those little baby hairs and the "newness" of it all. We are documenting the real, beautiful start of your baby's life.
Colors & Coordination
Stick to a neutral color palette—creams, whites, and soft earth tones. These colors are timeless and photograph beautifully in any home. If there are big siblings involved, ensure their outfits coordinate with the baby’s look without being an exact match. Think same color family, different textures.
The Game Plan: Awake or Asleep?
While you might want a few photos of your baby awake, photographing them when they are sound asleep is far less stressful and usually results in better photos. They are easier to position comfortably, and you avoid the "cross-eyed" or frustrated expressions that come with a tired newborn.
Keep Baby Awake: I recommend trying to keep your baby awake for about 30 minutes to an hour before our session. However, don't stress about this.
The Milky Slumber: If you can feed your baby about 20 minutes before the shoot, it will help send them off into a deep, calm sleep. Try giving them a smaller snack an hour before, followed by a full meal right before we start, to ensure they stay settled for the duration.
The Clean & Comfortable Baby
Change your baby about 30 minutes before the shoot. If you are hoping for some nude baby photos, make sure their diaper and clothing are loose leading up to the session to minimize red marks on their skin. Taking the time to have them clean, changed, and warmly swaddled before I arrive ensures they are calm and ready for an enjoyable shoot.
The "Newborn Flow": Grace for the Unexpected
Babies have big needs, and I want you to know right now: there is no such thing as a "perfect" session, and that is okay. If your baby is fussy, we pause. We’ll take all the time you need to feed, change, or cuddle. Newborns feed off our energy, so my goal is to keep the environment relaxed and stress-free.
Mess happens (and it’s no big deal) Spit-up and blowouts happen at almost every session—please don't worry! We can always change outfits, and I can edit out small spots in post-production. If a mess occurs, we just laugh it off, clean it up, and keep going. My priority is to minimize the flaws so the focus stays entirely on your connection.
Breastfeeding & Intimacy
Feeding your baby is such a significant part of the newborn rhythm, and I am always open to documenting these moments if it feels right for you.
The Recommendation: I always recommend capturing a few breastfeeding photos. You might find you love them as a testament to your journey, or you might decide they are for your eyes only—either way, it’s better to have the memory than to wish you did later.
Your Privacy: These images are deeply personal. They are for your private gallery, and I never share breastfeeding images anywhere without explicit, additional permission.
Your Comfort: If you don't feel comfortable nursing in front of the camera or me, please do not worry. This session is entirely on your terms. We can use that time to focus on other details or simply take a break. Whether you want to document the quiet connection of a feed or keep those moments private, I am here to support your choice.
Final Touches
Barefoot is Best
For in-home sessions, barefoot is always best. It leans into the relaxed, intimate nature of being in your own sanctuary. Socks can be incredibly distracting in photos—they often bunch up, show wear, or clash with the palette. If you truly prefer not to be barefoot, please ensure your socks are brand new, high-quality, and a neutral tone that blends into your outfit.
Incorporate Your Pets
If you have family pets, I would love to find a way to incorporate them into your photos in a way that feels safe and comfortable for everyone. Whether it’s your dog, cat, or bunny, we move slowly. Keeping your baby safe is my absolute top priority; we never want to force a relationship or cause stress to an animal, especially if it is their first time interacting with the new arrival. We will let them lead the way and capture those organic "first meeting" moments as they happen naturally.
Inviting the Grandparents
Instead of a formal extended family session, I highly encourage you to invite Grandma and Grandpa to join us for the last 15 minutes of our time together. This is a beautiful way to capture the legacy of the generations without the stress of a full-scale family shoot. These are the photos that become heritage pieces—the ones your child will look back on to see the hands that held them first.
Meaningful Details: Your Real "Props"
The "props" I recommend aren't things found in a studio—they are the items that belong to your baby’s specific story. I love to document items with sentimental value, such as a special teddy bear, a hospital blanket, or those tiny hospital bracelets. If you have vintage newborn clothing from your own childhood, let’s find a way to include it. These details document your birth story and the history your baby is stepping into in a way a generic prop never could.
Embrace the Chaos
Before we get into the logistics, my biggest piece of advice is this: don’t obsess over perfect. In the world of newborn photography, undone, raw, and natural always trumps a "staged" perfection. If the toddler is running circles around us or the house feels a bit lived-in, embrace it. These are the messy, beautiful realities of your life right now. When you let go of the need for everything to be flawless, we find the real magic.
Pinterest: Inspiration vs. Reality
I love seeing what inspires you, but please remember that Pinterest is for inspiration, not a shot list. The images you admire online usually happen in a split second of unscripted magic. Every baby is unique, and trying to force a specific recreation can lead to frustration and missed moments. Instead, let’s use those saves to set the tone and flow of our session. By staying present and following your baby’s lead, we allow for authentic magic to happen—those unscripted moments of your own family will always be more precious than a copy of someone else’s.
Beauty: Authentic & At-Home Glam
Your hair and makeup should feel like "you in your natural habitat." Whether you are doing your own glam or hiring a professional, the goal is to enhance your natural features and make you feel like the most confident version of yourself during these first few weeks of motherhood.
Your Vibe, Your Way
If full glam is your vibe, let’s do it! If you envision luxury, glamorous newborn photos, I would love to capture that for you. However, I always suggest that your newborn session shouldn't be the time you choose to step out of your comfort zone. This isn't the moment to try a brand-new look or a dramatic style you've never worn before. I typically recommend an organic, clean, and neutral look—something cozy and soft that feels authentic to who you are. Your photos should reflect you at home, in your element. But remember, I am always open to whatever inspiration you throw my way!
Hair: Smooth & Intentional
Focus on a smooth, intentional finish. While we don't have to worry about the Vancouver wind inside your living room, taming flyaways is the best way to ensure your hair looks polished in those intimate, close-up shots with your baby. Whether you prefer a soft blowout, a sleek low bun, or your natural texture, make sure it feels "done" so you aren't fussing with it during the session.
Makeup: Defining for the Camera
Camera sensors tend to "flatten" features, so even for a "natural" look, don't be afraid to wear a bit more blush and bronzer than you usually would. In the soft light of an in-home session, a very minimal look in person can sometimes translate to looking washed out on screen. Aim for soft, blended makeup that defines your features while keeping that "glowy" postpartum radiance.
Professional Glam
If the idea of doing your own hair and makeup feels overwhelming right now—or if you just want to be pampered—I have a trusted team of specialists who can come directly to your home. Let me know if you’d like to secure a booking with them so you can sit back and relax before we start!
STILL FEELING LOST?
Don't worry—I’m here to help you cross the finish line. I work closely with a few incredible stylists and have some highly recommended professionals who specialize in both in-person and virtual styling for your family. They can help you curate every detail from head to toe, ensuring your vision comes to life effortlessly.
Let me know if you’d like their help, and I will happily pass along their contact information!
