In-home newborn photography is something I love to photograph. I take a lifestyle approach to newborn sessions by photographing in a way that documents a family welcoming a baby into their home and lives. This looks like moments over strict posing and gentle posing guidance.
![Mother holds newborn for newborn photography session in Indiana by Leah Rife Photo](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer3-683x1024.jpg)
![Mother holds newborn for newborn photography session in Indiana by Leah Rife Photo](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer2-1024x468.jpg)
![Nursery decor for modern newborn in-home session](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer1-1024x468.jpg)
![In-home newborn photography session by Leah Rife Photo with family looking at newborn baby](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer5-1024x468.jpg)
![Indiana lifestyle newborn session with baby in crib by Leah Rife Photo](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer4-683x1024.jpg)
I’ve had the honor of working with this amazing family for many family photos and some sweet milestones. Recently, I was able to photograph their newest addition to the Rathburn’s family and documented in-home newborn photos. You can check out their maternity studio session we did here.
Choosing What to Wear for in-home newborn photography
When choosing what to wear for an in-home newborn photography session, think about comfortable pieces, as well as neutral colors. Wearing neutral colors allows you to pop in photos. Consider going barefoot for photos as well. Notice the neutral colors that this family chose for their photos. Lots of pastels and soft textures to add dimension for photos.
![Carmel Indiana in-home newborn photography where mom is swaddling baby in a brown wrap](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer6-1024x683.jpg)
![Family smiles during Carmel Indiana in-home newborn session on bed in main bedroom](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer7-1024x468.jpg)
![Family smiles during Carmel Indiana in-home newborn session on bed in main bedroom](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer8-1024x683.jpg)
![Toddler holds baby during Carmel Indiana in-home newborn session on bed in main bedroom](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer9-683x1024.jpg)
![What to wear for Carmel Indiana in-home newborn session](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer10-1024x683.jpg)
![What to wear for Carmel Indiana in-home newborn session](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer11-1024x468.jpg)
![Dad holds newborn in black and white photo during in-home newborn photography session in Carmel indiana](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer12-1024x683.jpg)
Adding Props
Have some simple prompts on hand, such as a baby basket for photos, like this one, or this one. Have a few fluffy, neutral blankets ready, and a few swaddle blankets available. Also think about special props that have meaning, if you want to add them in to some photos. Teresa had a beautiful bassinet ready for some solo shots of Henry, and simple outfits picked out. We also got some shots of Casey in a rocking chair that has special meaning for their family.
![Carmel Indiana Newborn photos in basket style bassinet](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer16-1024x468.jpg)
![Carmel Indiana Newborn photos in basket style bassinet](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer17-683x1024.jpg)
Locations for shooting in the home
For locations in the home, I love to pick spots like the living room, main bedroom, and nursery, but I promise we’ll find locations that will result in beautiful images, regardless of how big or small your spaces are. Don’t worry if you don’t have an “HGTV” style home – it’s your space and that’s what makes it special. I’ll find some well-lit areas for us to shoot and as a result, you’ll have some beautiful images to treasure.
Speaking of well-lit areas, I find that it really helps to open all the curtains and blinds in your space to let that natural light in because that will aid in nicely exposed photos. I might turn off all your artificial lights to keep the lighting consistent, or use a soft, on-camera flash for darker settings.
Henry’s session was so beautiful and this sweet family means so much to me. It’s always an honor to work with clients multiple times, and the Rathburn family is one of those clients who will always be so dear to me.
![What to wear for Carmel Indiana in-home newborn session in the spring](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer13-1024x684.jpg)
![Family sits in front of fireplace during in-home newborn photography session in Carmel Indiana](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer18-904x1024.jpg)
![Family sits in front of fireplace during in-home newborn photography session in Carmel Indiana](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer19-683x1024.jpg)
![mother holds newborn in front of fireplace during in-home newborn photography session in Carmel Indiana](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer20-683x1024.jpg)
![Black and white newborn photos during lifestyle newborn session by Leah Rife Photo](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer21-1024x760.jpg)
![Lifestyle newborn session in Carmel Indiana by Leah Rife Photo](https://leahrifephoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10794/2022/03/south-bend-newborn-photographer22-1024x468.jpg)