From a Richmond Newborn & Family Lifestyle Photographer

Dad rocking newborn baby in the nursery during a lifestyle newborn session.

An in-home newborn session isn’t meant to feel like another task on your already-full plate. It’s meant to feel like a pause, a soft exhale in a season that can be tender, overwhelming, and beautiful all at once. If you’re wondering how to prepare, these five tips are less about doing things “right” and more about letting yourself be human.

Tip #1: Divide and Conquer (You’re a Team)

When I arrive for a newborn session, I often see parents trying to do everything at once. One of the simplest ways to ease the moment is to remember that you’re a team. If there are two parents present, one can be holding or feeding the baby while the other makes coffee, helps siblings settle, or takes a quiet breath. There’s no expectation that everyone is ready at the same time. Newborn sessions move slowly, following your baby’s needs. Always.

Newborn baby pursing his lips while sleeping

Tip #2: Release the Pressure to Be “Put Together”

I want to say this clearly, because it matters: I am not judging you.
Not your house. Not your hair. Not your body. Not the noise.

Babies cry. Diapers blow out. Siblings need attention. Life is happening, and that’s exactly what I’m there to document. As long as everyone is safe and healthy, we’re doing just fine. Take a deep breath. Then take another one.

baby girl looking off to the side during an in-home newborn session by Erin E Gallagher Photography

Tip #3: Trust That We’ll Find the Right Light

When I walk into your home, I take a few moments to see where the light feels best. Most sessions naturally unfold in the living room, the parents’ bedroom, or the nursery (sometimes all three, sometimes just one). I’ve photographed entire newborn sessions in a single room, even in smaller homes or spaces with dimmer natural light. If I gently move a few things, it’s only to create space. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect. Lived-in is beautiful. That’s why I love in-home newborn sessions.

Tip #4: Let Go of Performing. I’ll Guide You

You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about what you should be doing. I’ll offer gentle direction when it’s helpful and step back when it’s not. Some moments will be quiet and still; others may be loud, emotional, or playful. I’m here for all of it: cuddles, tears, laughter, kids jumping on the bed. This is lifestyle newborn photography, and real life is always welcome.

Tip #5: When Things Feel Stressful, Pause and Breathe

If siblings start getting rambunctious, we adapt. We might step outside, turn on a show, or grab a snack. If your baby needs extra time, we slow down. There is no rush. Anytime stress starts to creep in, pause and take a breath. Reset. Repeat. We will make it work.

A Note for Local Families

I photograph in-home newborn and family sessions throughout Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and surrounding Central Virginia areas. Whether you live in a city row home, a suburban neighborhood, or a quieter rural space, these sessions are designed to meet you where you are (literally and emotionally) using natural light and a relaxed, supportive approach.

At Erin E Gallagher Photography, my goal is to create an experience that feels like a warm hug. These sessions are meant to be a time capsule — an honest record of this season exactly as it is, so you can return to it whenever you need. Learn more about booking a newborn session.