In-Home Newborn Session in Columbus, Ohio | Cozy, Natural, and Full of Love

There’s just something extra special about photographing newborns right at home. As much as I love studio work, nothing compares to walking into a family’s cozy space — baby snuggled in their favorite blanket, coffee still warm on the counter, siblings running around in mismatched pajamas — and knowing this is where their story is happening.  

If you’re anything like me, you want your newborn photos to feel real, relaxed, and meaningful. That’s exactly why I love offering in-home newborn session in Columbus, Ohio.

There are so many great reasons to choose a studio session—and just as many to choose an in-home newborn session (also known as a lifestyle session). Today, I’m (obviously) focusing on the beauty of an in-home newborn session!

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking… “But my home isn’t nice enough!”
Let me stop you right there—of course it is. Not every space needs to look like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine (is she still a thing?). Your home is perfect because it’s yours. It reflects you—your style, your season of life, and the love that fills it. And that’s exactly what your photos will capture: a real, meaningful reflection of your family in the place you call home.

Why Choose an In-Home Newborn Session?

Because home is where you’re most comfortable.

There’s no packing diaper bags, no juggling schedules, no last-minute outfit changes in the parking lot. You don’t have to bundle up baby, load the car, or cross your fingers that they won’t cry the whole ride. Everything you need is already right there—diapers, pacifiers, cozy blankets, a change of clothes (or three), and maybe even your favorite coffee mug within reach. It’s your space, your rhythm, and your pace.

Baby can eat whenever they need to—no stress, and no rush. Feedings can be part of the session, too. Those quiet, in-between moments? They’re often some of the most beautiful and intimate to photograph.

And your home becomes part of the story.

The couch where you rocked them to sleep.
The nursery you lovingly decorated over those long months of waiting.
The hallway where you first paced back and forth, trying to soothe them.
The bed where the three of you snuggled up, exhausted and completely in love.

These aren’t just background details—they’re part of your family’s beginning. Part of your real, honest story. And capturing that, in all its imperfect beauty, is what I live for.

Newborns change so quickly. The early days are a blur of feedings, snuggles, and figuring things out hour by hour. My goal is to gently freeze this short season in time—so you can look back and remember not just how it looked, but how it felt.

What to Expect During Your In-Home Session

An home newborn session in Columbus, Ohio are meant to feel like a natural extension of your day, not a performance. I’ll guide you into soft, natural poses where needed, but I’m also constantly watching for those little, unposed moments: a sleepy yawn, a sweet glance between parents, or the way baby’s hand wraps around your finger.

Here are a few of the main areas I typically use during an in-home newborn session:

The Nursery

This is often the most sentimental spot in the house. You’ve likely spent months preparing this space, and it’s full of tiny details that matter—crib sheets you carefully chose, a wall of books, a mobile that gently sways above the crib. I love capturing baby in their crib (even just for a moment), being rocked in the glider, or snuggled up on a changing table with mom or dad nearby. Even if baby doesn’t spend much time in the nursery yet, it’s still such a meaningful backdrop.

The Master Bedroom

This is where the magic often happens—everyone snuggled together on the bed, barefoot and relaxed. I’ll often use the bed for those beautiful, cozy shots of the whole family laying close, baby in your arms, and siblings cuddled up at your side. It’s a space that feels familiar, intimate, and most of all—real. You don’t have to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera. You just have to be present, and I’ll take care of the rest.

The Living Room

If your living room gets good natural light, it’s a great spot for some wider, storytelling shots—think: parents rocking baby near the window, big siblings dancing around, or the whole family cuddled together on the couch. These images show your life as it is right now, in the space where most of your day-to-day moments unfold.

I work almost exclusively with natural light, using your windows and the soft glow of your home. This means no bright flashes, no big lighting equipment, and no complicated setups.

When it comes to posing, I lean into gentle direction over stiff setups. I’ll guide you into natural positions that photograph beautifully, but I also leave plenty of room for movement and interaction. Some of the most memorable photos happen in the quiet, unplanned seconds between poses—when you’re brushing baby’s hair, sharing a look with your partner, or just soaking in the moment.

Above all, this session is about your family’s connection—not perfection. You don’t have to worry about how your home looks, what your toddler is doing, or whether baby sleeps the whole time. We go with the flow, and I promise you’ll be surprised by how beautiful the everyday moments can be when they’re frozen in time.

How to Prepare (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

One of the biggest questions I get before an in-home newborn session is:
“What do I need to do to get ready?”

And the answer is… not much at all.

Most parents think they need to deep-clean the entire house or stage every room like it’s straight out of a magazine. But trust me—you absolutely don’t. I’m not here to photograph your baseboards or judge the laundry basket in the corner (I’ve got four kids of my own, nothing is ever perfectly clean for long!!haha). What matters most is that your space feels like you, because that’s where the magic happens.

Here’s all I really need to create a beautiful session:

Natural light

All we need is one room with a window and a bit of soft, natural light.  I’ll walk through the space with you when I arrive and choose the area with the best lighting for soft, cozy images. You’d be amazed at what we can do with just one window and a little sunshine.

A Neutral Blanket or Swaddle

A soft, neutral blanket or swaddle is perfect for wrapping baby up and adding a timeless feel to your images. Creams, soft grays, taupes, or gentle pastels work beautifully and let baby be the star of the show. If you don’t have one, no worries—I usually bring a few simple options with me, just in case.

You, Your Baby, and Your Love

That’s really it. Everything else is extra. The tiny moments of connection between you and your baby are what truly matter. Whether it’s feeding, soothing, or simply holding them close—those quiet, real-life moments are what I’m there to capture. You don’t need props, perfect poses, or a Pinterest-worthy nursery. Just bring your love, your presence, and your baby. That’s more than enough.

What to Wear

When it comes to outfits, my biggest advice is: comfort and simplicity go a long way. Light, neutral tones like soft white, beige, blush, or muted earth tones photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on your baby and your connection. Avoid bold logos or loud patterns, and instead choose soft fabrics that you feel relaxed and confident in.

Think cozy knits, flowy fabrics, or a simple button-up. And if you’re still healing or adjusting postpartum (because of course you are), don’t feel like you need to dress up—wear what makes you feel comfortable and calm. Bare feet, messy buns, and yoga pants are all welcome here. These sessions are about love, not perfection.

At the end of the day, preparing for your in-home newborn session doesn’t have to be stressful. You’ve already done the hard work—growing, birthing, and loving your little one. My job is to come in, gently guide you through the session, and document these early days with care and authenticity.

So take a breath, snuggle that baby, and know that you don’t need to do anything fancy to make this session special. You already have everything you need.

When to Schedule Your Session

I typically recommend photographing within 1–3 weeks after birth, but honestly? I’m flexible. If you’re healing, tired, or simply not ready yet — I’ll meet you where you are. I’ve photographed newborns at 6 weeks, and they’re just as perfect.

Ready to Plan Your In-Home Newborn Session?

If you’re dreaming of soft snuggles, tiny toes, and quiet moments frozen in time — without ever leaving your home — I would love to be the one to capture it.

Let’s make some magic right in your living room.
Send me a message, and we’ll set a date for your in-home newborn session in Columbus, Ohio, or check my newborn session page!