5 Things You Need to Know Before You Book a Newborn Session
- Hannah Cheek
- May 21
- 3 min read

Everything you need to feel prepared, relaxed, and excited for in-home newborn photos
Bringing home a new baby is a whirlwind—equal parts beautiful, chaotic, and sleep-deprived. Booking a newborn photography session can feel like just one more thing to plan… but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re a first-time parent or doing this with toddlers underfoot, here are five things to know before you book your newborn session that will help you walk into the experience with confidence (and maybe even excitement).
1. You Don’t Need to Leave the House (Really.)
Let’s start with this: I come to you. No packing diaper bags, no bundling up baby, no frantic Target runs for a “cute enough” onesie. In-home sessions are all about documenting this season where it’s happening. Your space, your people, your rhythm. That means more comfort, more flexibility, and way less stress.
It also means your session will feel like an extension of your real life—not something staged or forced. Your baby will be more relaxed, and so will you.
(plus I'll bring coffee too 🤩)
2. The ‘Perfect Window’ Is a Myth
You may have heard that newborn photos “have to happen” in the first 7–10 days. While that’s often the case for studio-style posed photos, lifestyle sessions are a whole different thing.
We’re not trying to mold your baby into a froggy pose—we’re capturing them as they are. Whether they’re 10 days or 5 weeks, there’s beauty in every stage. I’ve photographed wide-eyed newborns who were alert and curious, and snoozy 4-week-olds who just wanted to be held. Each one told a different, beautiful story.
So if you're past that 10-day mark and just now coming up for air—breathe easy. You’re not too late.
3. You Don’t Need a Styled Home to Get Beautiful Photos
Your home doesn’t have to look like it’s out of a magazine.What matters most is light and love—and I’ll help you find the best spots for both. Most sessions take place in just a couple cozy corners of your home like the nursery, your bedroom, or wherever the good light hits.
You don’t need to deep clean or stage anything. A quick tidy-up is plenty—and honestly, lived-in homes tell the most honest stories. That pile of burp cloths in the corner? It’s part of your right-now. And one day, it’ll make you smile.
4. It’s Okay If Things Feel a Little Chaotic
Babies cry. Toddlers melt down. Feeding takes longer than expected.And guess what? That’s all normal.
One of my favorite sessions started with a baby blowout, included a toddler tantrum mid-snack, and ended with both kids snuggled in mom and dad’s arms, giggling. It was chaotic—and it was perfect.
We’re not on a tight clock. We’ll pause for snacks, snuggles, diaper changes, or whatever your family needs. I always build in extra time so we can go at your pace. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence.
5. Your Photos Will Tell Your Story
This isn’t about recreating a list of poses or trends. It’s about capturing the connection in your family, in your space, during this incredibly fleeting season.
You’ll look back and remember what it felt like to hold your baby on your chest. How their hair curled after bath time. The way your partner held them while they slept. How your toddler peeked over the bassinet and whispered, “baby.” These aren’t just photos. They’re time capsules.
And the best part? You won’t have to do anything special to get them—you just have to be there.
💕 Ready to Book?
If this post gave you a little peace of mind (and maybe even made you smile), let’s make it official. I’d love to help you freeze these fleeting days in a way that feels relaxed, meaningful, and true to you.

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