JESSICA MAE

The Journal

How to Prepare Your Home For Your Philadelphia Newborn Photography Session

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Newborn

Hi, I'm Jess! Philadelphia newborn photographer and mom of three.
So glad you're here.

The time has finally come for your Philadelphia Newborn Photography session! I am so excited to work with you during this special time in your life!

Bringing your baby home is one of the most sacred, tender seasons of your life. And when it comes time for your newborn session, I want it to feel just as peaceful and meaningful—not stressful.

As a Philadelphia newborn photography and Philadelphia family photographer, I’ve walked alongside so many families in this exact season. And I can promise you this: your home is already the perfect place for your photos.

You don’t need perfection—you just need a little preparation.

Here’s exactly how to get your home ready in a simple, stress-free way:

You Don’t Need to Clean Your Entire Home For Your In Home Newborn Photography Philadelphia

Let me say this first, because it matters most: you do not need to deep clean your whole house.

We will only use a few spaces during your session – and they will be the ones with the best light! Sometimes that is:

  • The nursery
  • Your bedroom
  • The living room (if it has good light)

But lighting is more important that location – so it might be a hallway or the kitchen. But we can talk about that later.

Focus your energy on lightly tidying those areas. Clear off nightstands, dressers, and any surfaces that might be in the frame. Think simple and minimal, not spotless and perfect.

And truly—I can overlook clutter. As a Philadelphia family photographer, I’m used to working in real homes with real families. I’ll gently move things if needed, adjust angles, and guide you every step of the way.

Light Matters More Than Anything During Your Philadelphia Newborn Photography Session

The most important “design element” in your home isn’t your decor—it’s light.

During our pre-session planning call we will talk about rooms with the best light. This usually is:

  • Rooms with large windows
  • Spaces with the sunlight flowing in through the windows
  • Neutral-colored areas that reflect light beautifully

If you’re unsure which rooms those are, don’t worry—that’s part of my job as a Philadelphia newborn photographer. I’ll help you choose the best spots! I’ll ask you for photos when your home is the brightest and we can plan before our session even begins! That way you will know exactly what rooms to have ready to go!

Keep It Simple For Your Philadelphia Newborn Photography Session

Your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine.

In fact, it’s important for your home to feel like you! Your home is enough you don’t need to overthink it 🙂 The heart behind Philadelphia newborn photography is that your photos feel authentic to you as a family.

Turn Up The Heat

Babies love to be warm—especially during a session where they’ll be snuggled, held, and possibly wrapped or undressed.

I recommend turning your thermostat up a few degrees before I arrive so your baby stays cozy and sleepy.

This is something I guide all my Philadelphia newborn photography clients through so the session stays calm and baby-led.

Feed Baby 30 Minutes Before We Start Your Philadelphia Newborn Photography Session

A full baby is a happy, sleepy baby.

Try to plan a feeding right before your session begins. This helps your little one feel calm and settled, which allows us to move gently through the session without rushing.

And don’t worry—there is always time for breaks. We will follow your baby’s lead the entire time—something I prioritize in every Philadelphia family photographer experience.

We’ll Plan Your Philadelphia Newborn Photography Session Together

You won’t go into this alone.

Before your session, we’ll hop on a call to walk through everything:

  • What rooms we’ll likely use
  • What to wear
  • How to prepare your space
  • What to expect during the session

As a Philadelphia newborn photographer, my goal is for you to feel confident, relaxed, and fully present when session day arrives.

The Heart Behind Your Philadelphia Newborn Photography Session

At the end of the day, this isn’t about a perfectly styled home.

It’s about the way you hold your baby.
The way you look at them.
The quiet, in-between moments that already feel like they’re slipping by.

That’s what makes Philadelphia newborn photography so meaningful—it captures this season exactly as it is.

Your home is simply the backdrop to something much deeper.

And I promise—you don’t need perfection for that to be beautiful.

Hi, I'm Sofia Bianco, a photographer and brand content creator based on the Amalfi Coast. So glad you're here.

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Jessica Mae is a Philadelphia newborn photographer creating heartfelt, documentary-style images and films that preserve the beauty of your everyday life.

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Jessica mae

This is where I'm supposed to put cool things like: I love baking! My house is always clean! My kids are perfect! 

Sorry to bust your bubble, but none of that is true. I would rather eat a pastry than bake a pastry, my house usually has crumbs on the couch (you can thank my 3 year old for that), and my kids have lots of big feelings. 

And I never thought I'd be a family photographer because I couldn't handle kids not looking at the camera.

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