Wondering what a newborn photoshoot in an Oud-West home looks like? This is my view:

I always lug a load of stuff to newborn photoshoots: white baby onesies, knitted and the regular long sleeve, several white baby blankets in various hues of cream and textures, and 4-5 dresses for you. I know that the postpartum fit is never exactly what you think it will be, so I always bring extra dresses, with empire busts and billowy, princess fabric. I pick all my dresses to be the perfect mix of cottage core and big city chic, like as if Elizabeth Bennet owned a bookstore in New York.

When I get there, you’re not dressed, and the baby is sleeping. Your oldest daughter is still in the bath, and that’s fine. You do her hair, your husband gets her dressed, and you slip away with your pick of the dresses.

It doesn’t matter that the cardboard box for the new bassinet is still in your room, or that there’s empty feeding bottles on the bedside drawers. We start by the windows, with your baby in your arms.

A lot of families worry about cleaning their house before their newborn shoot, but a clean apartment isn’t necessary for beautiful newborn photos. Light is the key. Lots of light. As long as you have windows and we can clear a space on the floor and the bed, we’ll be just great. We can also venture out into the garden!

“But I have my oldest,” you say. Hoping this isn’t their last straw of new things to add to their already new life. That’s great! And this is now a family photoshoot! Your oldest is so excited to show off their newest family member and we are indulging in that! They will jump, they will dance, they will sing and give kisses and hugs! (And if not, we can always hide snacks in the baby’s bassinet!)

“But what if the baby cries? Or needs to stop and feed?”

“Of course,” I say, “that is what babies do.” I will wait for you. We are on baby’s time, not mine. You can change out of your dress, back into your t-shirt, slide back into bed and nurse. I will entertain your oldest during the break, and everything will be okay.

Want to see another newborn in-home session? Click here! For more information about newborn photoshoots, you can visit my newborn page, here.

To book your own home newborn photoshoot in Oud-West or elsewhere, you can use the contact form or email me directly at simsawyersphotography@gmail.com.