Your Top 4 Newborn Photography Questions, Answered

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most joyful and transformative moments in life, and capturing those early days through photography is something you'll cherish forever. If you're expecting or planning ahead, you might have a few questions about how newborn sessions work.

Here are the top four questions I’m asked most often about in-home lifestyle newborn photography, along with everything you need to know to feel prepared and excited.

1. When Should I Schedule a Newborn Session?

The best time for a newborn session is within the first 7–14 days after birth, when babies are typically sleepiest and still naturally curl into those sweet womb-like poses. However, one of the beautiful things about lifestyle photography is that it’s flexible. Whether your baby is a week old or a few weeks in, we can still create meaningful images that reflect your growing family.

Tip: I recommend booking during your second or third trimester. I’ll pencil in your due date and adjust the session timing once your baby arrives.

2. What Can I Expect from the Session?

My lifestyle newborn sessions are relaxed, natural, and baby-led, taking place in the comfort of your own home. There are no stiff poses or studio props, just the real, beautiful moments unfolding as you snuggle, feed, and love on your baby.

I’ll gently guide you into good light and natural positions, but the focus is always on connection and authenticity. Sessions typically last 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, nappy changes, soothing and baby breaks.

3. What Should We Wear & How Do We Prepare?

Keep it cozy and simple. I always suggest wearing neutral or earthy tones and avoiding bold patterns or logos. Think soft textures, comfortable fabrics, and pieces that make you feel like you…rested or not!

Your home doesn’t have to be spotless. I’ll help you choose the best spaces for natural light and minimal background distractions, and I’ll send a prep guide ahead of time with outfit tips and ways to get your home ready (without the pressure to make it Pinterest-perfect).

4. Can Siblings and Family Members Be Included?

Absolutely. Including parents, siblings, and even pets brings so much heart and authenticity to your session. These moments are about the whole family welcoming your newest little one, and I love capturing those beautiful interactions, from sibling kisses to the quiet way you look at your baby when no one else is watching.

If you have young children, I’ll work with their rhythm, keeping things fun and relaxed. Breaks, snacks, and silliness are always welcome.

Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, your story is worth documenting with care and love. In-home newborn photography allows us to freeze a moment in time, in the spaces that matter most, with the people who mean everything.

Interested in booking or learning more? Contact me here.

And don’t forget, I offer maternity & newborn packages to beautifully tell your family’s story from bump to baby.

Jenny Rusby is a natural light, lifestyle and documentary photographer and specialised newborn photographer, maternity photographer and family photographer. She services all areas of Victoria, including inner Melbourne suburbs such as Richmond, Northcote, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Malvern East, South Melbourne, Elwood, as well as outer south eastern subrubs, bayside areas such as Morntington, Sorrento and Red Hill. She also services the west of Melbourne and will travel to Geelong and further on request.