In-Home
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You just had a baby. You’re short on sleep, your arms are full (literally), and the idea of “being prepared” might feel… a little ambitious. Take a deep breath—you don’t have to do it alone.
My Spring Hill studio is designed to be a soft, welcoming space where you can show up just as you are. But if you love a good checklist (or just want the day to run a little smoother), here’s my go-to guide for what to bring to your newborn session.
Your Studio Newborn Checklist
1. A Pacifier (Even if They Don’t Normally Use One)
Sometimes babies get fussy or need a little extra comfort between poses. Even if your baby doesn’t usually take a paci, having one nearby can help me calm and settle them quickly.
It’s not required—but it can be a total game-changer.
2. A Sentimental Item (Optional, but Beautiful)
If you have something meaningful—like a baby blanket from your own childhood, a special teddy bear, or a gift from a grandparent—bring it! I love finding ways to incorporate sentimental pieces that tell your family’s story.
3. Whatever You Need for Feeding
Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding, I’ll pause the session anytime your baby needs to eat. A full belly makes for a much sleepier baby—and that means more of those soft, snuggly images.
- If you’re using formula, bring an extra bottle or two
- If you’re nursing, feel free to bring your favorite pillow or cover
- 💡 Pro tip: Feeding your baby right before we start helps them settle in quickly
4. An Extra Outfit—for Baby and You
Babies spit up. It happens. Bring a backup onesie or gown for your little one just in case, and I recommend a neutral shirt for you or your partner too—just in case baby leaves a little love on your shoulder during snuggles.
I’ll provide all the wraps and accessories, so no need to pack much!
5. (Side Note) If Your Baby Was Recently Circumcised…
If your baby has been circumcised, I recommend waiting 5–7 days before your session. This gives their body time to heal and helps keep them comfortable during posing. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to walk you through it.
What I Have Ready at the Studio
I’ve stocked the studio with everything you might need, so you don’t have to stress about packing it all:
- Soft wraps, swaddles, and posing pillows
- A client closet with flattering, flowy dresses you can borrow
- Wipes, blankets, and cozy comforts for baby
- A private, quiet space for feeding or snuggling between setups
A Quick Note from Me
The best sessions aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence.
I’ve had parents show up feeling a little frazzled and leave with full hearts and a gallery of images they love. Bring what you can, and I’ll take care of the rest. We’ll follow your baby’s lead, take breaks when needed, and move at a pace that feels calm and easy.
You don’t need to do anything fancy—you just need to show up. I’ve got you.
Thank you so much for being here. I love sharing stories and tips that help you feel more prepared—and more seen. If you’re ready to plan a session that feels true to you, click here to get in touch.
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Every newborn session tells a story—but some stories begin long before the baby ever arrives.
For some families, the journey to holding a newborn in their arms includes chapters of loss. A miscarriage. A stillbirth. A child gone too soon. And when a new baby is born after loss, they’re often called a rainbow baby—a symbol of hope after the storm.
Newborn sessions for rainbow babies hold a different kind of energy. There’s joy, yes—but also remembrance, reflection, and reverence. I approach these sessions with our whole hearts, knowing that behind every image is a story of strength, love, and healing.
What Is a Rainbow Baby?
A rainbow baby is a term used to describe a child born after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Just like a rainbow doesn’t erase the storm, a rainbow baby doesn’t replace the child who came before—but they are a symbol of renewal, of life continuing, and of hope returning.
These sessions are often filled with deep emotion—joy and sorrow sharing the same space.
The Power of Symbolism in Your Session
Many families choose to include a symbol of the baby they lost. This could be:
- A small teddy bear
- A birthstone charm
- A handwritten note or ultrasound photo
- A rainbow-colored wrap or blanket
These quiet additions become powerful. In images, they gently say: you are still part of this family.
I photograph them intentionally—never to overshadow the new baby, but to honor the one who came before. It’s a way to hold space for all of your children in one frame.
Loss-Aware Photography with Sensitivity
I know that grief doesn’t end just because a new baby is here. That’s why I take a trauma-informed, heart-led approach during these sessions:
- I move slowly. There’s no pressure to smile or “perform.”
- I check in often. Your emotions are welcome here.
- I hold space. For tears, for silence, for remembrance.
You don’t have to explain yourself. You don’t have to be okay.
I see you. I honor your story. I are with you. You are fully welcome here.
A Studio That Feels Safe
My Tampa studio is a quiet, neutral space designed to feel peaceful and private—especially for families walking through tender experiences. Natural light, soft textures, and gentle tones allow the focus to stay on connection, not distractions.
No loud props. No forced posing. Just a calm, baby-led session where you can breathe, be present, and feel whatever comes up.
Your Grief Is Not Forgotten
If you’ve experienced pregnancy or infant loss, you are not alone.
If your arms are full now, but your heart still aches for the baby who isn’t here—your story still matters.
You are allowed to celebrate and grieve at the same time. You’re allowed to hold both joy and sadness in the same session. I create space for all of it.
Whether you bring a symbol of remembrance, speak their name aloud, or simply carry that memory silently—I will hold it with care.
Thank you for reading my blog! I love sharing real stories and beautiful moments from my clients. If you’re interested in booking a session, click here to get in touch!
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There’s something truly special about photographing a newborn inside their own home. It’s the space where the rocking happens. Where you’ve been curled up on the couch during midnight feeds. Where the tiny outfits are still neatly folded and the crib has just been made.
This particular session started in a cozy Spring Hill home and ended near a family barn, surrounded by golden light and rustic charm—and I loved every minute of it.
Why I Love In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Sessions
In-home sessions are the easiest, most relaxed option—because I come to you. No rushing out the door or packing the diaper bag. Everything you need is already there.
These sessions focus on real-life connection: cuddles on the bed, nursing breaks on the couch, little fingers holding yours with familiar surroundings in the background.
When I arrive, I’ll take a look around your home to find the best natural light. I might ask you to move a chair or shift the bassinet near a window for a better setup, but otherwise I keep things simple and candid.
If we use your bedroom (which we often do!), light-colored duvets—creams, whites, and pastels—tend to photograph best. Muted tones always pair beautifully with a newborn’s skin.
Baby-Led Flow, Always
I’ll never rush your baby or push for poses that don’t feel right. If your little one is wide awake, that’s okay. If they need to eat halfway through, we take a break. Your baby leads the way.
If you’d like posed baby portraits (like gentle swaddled shots on the bed or in your arms), I recommend scheduling the session before your baby is two weeks old. That’s when they tend to sleep deeply enough for those soft, curled-up images. Otherwise, lifestyle sessions work wonderfully with more awake, alert babies.
And yes—siblings, pets, and sentimental items are always welcome to join in. This session is about your life as it is, right now.eed fancy props or styled sets. You just need your space, your story, and a little trust in the process.
A Barnside Bonus
After we finished the in-home portion, we stepped outside and walked to a family barn tucked into the backyard. Weathered wood, open sky, and golden light made for the perfect contrast to the cozy indoor moments.
This quick second location gave us:
- A completely different look without booking a second session
- Warm, natural textures that added variety to the final gallery
- A personal setting the family will continue to grow with
It doesn’t take much to make magic—just trust, natural light, and the story you’re already living.
Want to Personalize Your Session?
Mixing locations is one of my favorite ways to make your session truly yours.
Start inside, end outside. Bring the dog. Use the rocking chair from your own childhood. Or let’s take a walk to your favorite backyard spot. It’s your story—we just get to freeze it for a moment.
Thank you for reading my blog. I love helping families slow down and see the beauty in their every day. If you’re ready to plan your own newborn session—at home, outside, or a little of both—click here to get in touch.
And don’t forget: if you want early access to seasonal minis and future session offerings, sign up for my email list. That’s where I share the good stuff first.
There’s something extra special about an in-home newborn session. It’s cozy, personal, and tells your story in the space where real life happens. But I totally get it—letting someone into your home (especially during those early postpartum days) can feel a little overwhelming. So today, I’m breaking down some of my favorite tips to make your session relaxed, meaningful, and totally doable.
And I just have to share this particular in-home newborn session in Tampa, because it was such an honor. Mom is actually a fellow photographer, which always feels like the highest compliment… and just a tiny bit nerve-wracking 😅. It’s humbling to be trusted by someone who does what I do—so naturally, I wanted to make the experience as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Why Choose an In-Home Newborn Session?
As a Tampa newborn photographer, I can tell you—there’s nothing quite like capturing a new family in their own space. No need to pack diaper bags, juggle car seats, or work around nap schedules. You’re already where you feel most at ease, and that calm energy always shows up in your photos.
Your home also adds a beautiful layer of storytelling. That couch where you cuddle with your baby every morning? The nursery you lovingly set up? They become part of the legacy we’re documenting. An in-home newborn session allows your photos to reflect your life, not just a Pinterest-perfect setup.
Tips to Prep Your Home (Without Going Overboard)
Let me be super clear: your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine. I’m not judging your dishes or your laundry pile. Promise.
But here’s what does help:
- Choose 2–4 spots in the home with good natural light—think big windows, sliding doors, or bright corners.
- Tidy just those areas. Seriously—move the mess to one side of the room if needed. I shoot from multiple angles, so the more space I can work with, the better.
- Turn off overhead lights (they cast weird yellow tones) and open up the blinds for that dreamy, soft light.
- If we’re doing baby-only shots, crank the heat a little. A warm room keeps your little one comfy and sleepy.
How to Prep Yourself + Baby
Don’t worry about everything being “perfect.” Honestly, I live for the in-between moments—nursing, rocking, soothing, diaper changes. It’s your real life, and it’s so worth capturing.
A few tips to make the session feel smoother:
- Feed baby just before I arrive so they’re nice and snuggly.
- For older kiddos, having snacks or a quiet activity nearby can be a lifesaver.
- Wear neutral, comfy clothes—skip logos or bright neon. Stick to tones that feel calm and true to you.
- Let toddlers be toddlers. The best photos come when they’re allowed to be themselves. I’ll guide them gently, but there’s no pressure for them to be quiet or still. I promise—I’d rather photograph a joyful, wild-hearted child than one who’s been told to “say cheese” a hundred times.
- And if your baby cries? That’s okay too. Chaos can still be beautiful.
The Energy of This Session
This particular session felt like magic. Seeing a photographer-mama fully hand over the reins and trust the process was so powerful. Big sister was full of life and totally rocked her role. Their home gave us the dreamiest light, the perfect cozy vibe, and everything felt real and warm from start to finish.
As a lifestyle newborn photographer in Tampa, these are the sessions that remind me why I do what I do.
Ready for Your Own In-Home Newborn Session?
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, your story deserves to be told. In-home newborn sessions are raw, connected, and full of love—everything we want your photos to reflect.
If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and dreaming of relaxed, real-life newborn photos that feel like you, I’d love to hear from you.
In-home sessions capture your baby’s earliest days in the place that matters most—home. If you’re ready for a relaxed newborn session in Tampa or nearby, reach out and let’s get you on the calendar.
Click here to get in touch
There’s something extra special about being chosen by another photographer for their maternity and newborn sessions. It’s such an honor—and honestly, a bit nerve-wracking, but in the best way! We captured such precious moments between their kids, which was truly so special.
As a parent myself, I totally get it—raising young kids close in age can be chaotic, exhausting, and make you question your sanity (been there, done that, lol). But moments like these, when you see them growing up together and loving on each other, make it all worthwhile.
It was a blast working with another photographer, and capturing these special memories felt like a true privilege.
I had the most fun photo session with these adorable kiddos enjoying summer to the max. We set up an inflatable pool, brought out the hose, and added some colorful blow-up balls for extra fun. The kids had an absolute blast splashing around, playing with the water, and laughing non-stop. It was a perfect way to capture the joy and excitement of summertime. If you’re looking for a way to freeze those happy summer moments, a fun-filled water session like this is the way to go!
I got the chance to capture the sweetest in-home newborn session with an amazing family! These sessions are my favorite because we get all those snuggly, real-life moments right in the comfort of your own home. No need to pack up and go anywhere! You can just relax and be yourselves. The kids can play, parents can cuddle, and everyone can just enjoy being together. If you’re thinking about newborn photos, doing them at home is such perfect way capture these precious early days.
