Newborns At Home

A Session Guide
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most beautiful milestones — and at-home sessions are such a relaxed and meaningful way to capture those early days. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your session!

What to Expect

These sessions are cozy, unhurried, and baby-led. We’ll take our time, follow your baby’s cues, and capture a mix of gentle moments, natural interactions, and a few classic portraits. I’ll guide you every step of the way, but nothing will feel overly posed or stiff — the focus is on your connection as a family.

A Few Final Notes

Don’t stress if baby cries, needs to eat, or takes a while to settle. That’s totally normal, and we’ll work around it. Sessions are designed with plenty of time for breaks.

If siblings are joining, we’ll start with the whole family and sibling shots first, while everyone’s energy is high. Then they’re welcome to take a break while we focus on baby.

Temperature matters! Keep the house a little warmer than usual to help baby stay cozy and sleepy during the session.

Light + Styling Tips

We’ll use natural light whenever possible, usually in spaces like the nursery, primary bedroom, or living room. You don’t need to deep clean — just a quick tidy of any visible surfaces (like nightstands or dresser tops) helps create a calm, uncluttered backdrop.

For clothing, soft neutrals tend to photograph beautifully — think creams, light earth tones, muted pastels, or gentle blues and greens. But ultimately, whatever you feel comfortable in is the right choice. Avoiding bold patterns and logos can help keep the focus on your connection, but there’s no need to overthink it. For baby, a cozy swaddle or simple onesie works great — I’ll also bring a few neutral options with me, just in case.

Cindy & Chris

We recently had the most wonderful experience with Allison Heise for our newborn family portrait session. Just one week after our baby's birth, she came to our home something we deeply appreciated, especially during such a delicate and busy time. We’re so grateful to have these memories preserved so perfectly.