JESSICA MAE

The Journal

How To Prep For Your Philly Newborn Session

filed under:

Newborn

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

family is sitting on a bench in front of their bed. dad is craddling his newborn son, mom is holding her toddler daughter during their philadelphia newborn photography session

If you’re expecting and searching for Philadelphia newborn photography, you might be wondering how to prepare for an in-home session.

The good news? You don’t need to do much at all.

Your Philly newborn session is designed to feel slow, natural, and completely centered around your family—so you can focus on what matters most: soaking in these first days with your baby.

Whether you’re located in Chester County, Chadd’s Ford, Gladwyne, or Philadelphia, here’s everything you need to know to feel prepared and at ease.


Preparing Your Home (Simple + Stress-Free) For Your Philadelphia Newborn Session

One of the biggest concerns I hear is: “What if my house isn’t ready?”

Your home doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be lived in.

I use natural light and focus on connection, so we only need a few tidy spaces like:

  • A bed with neutral bedding
  • A nursery corner
  • A couch near a window

Before your session:

  • Open all blinds and curtains
  • Turn off overhead lights
  • Lightly declutter surfaces in the areas we’ll use

No deep cleaning required.


How to Prepare Your Baby For Your Philadelphia Newborn Photography Session

Your baby sets the pace for the entire session.

To help things go smoothly:

  • Feed your baby right before I arrive
  • Keep your home warm and cozy
  • Have a few simple swaddles nearby (these are some of my favorites!)

And if your baby needs breaks? We take them. There’s no rush.


What to Wear for Your Session

Soft, neutral, and comfortable always photographs best with your Philadelphia Newborn Photographer.

For moms:

  • Flowy dresses or cozy knits
  • Creams, soft browns, light pastels
  • Pieces that feel like you

For family:

  • Coordinated tones (not matching outfits – here are some of my favorite kid clothes!)
  • No logos or bold patterns
  • Barefoot is always perfect

Choosing simple, timeless clothing keeps the focus on your connection—not distractions.


Including Siblings (and Letting Them Be Themselves)

If you have older children, don’t worry about “perfect behavior.”

We’ll keep things relaxed and natural, allowing them to:

  • Snuggle in close
  • Take breaks when needed
  • Be playful and themselves

Some of the most meaningful images come from these in-between moments.


Letting Go of Perfection

Your newborn session isn’t about creating a perfectly styled version of your life. As we shoot your Philadelphia Newborn Photography session, I think it’s about remembering:

  • The way your baby fits in your arms
  • The quiet moments in your home
  • The love that already fills the room

The beauty is in what’s real.


A Note Just for Mom

You don’t need to have it all together for this.

This season is tender, emotional, and fleeting—and you deserve to be in it, not stressing through it.

Years from now, these images will remind you of how it felt… not how perfectly everything came together.


Looking for a Philadelphia Newborn Photographer?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, in-home newborn session in Philadelphia or nearby areas like Harrisburg, Lancaster, or Hershey, I’d love to document this season for you.

Reach out to begin planning your session—I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can feel completely taken care of.

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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The LATEST

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

Behind the Camera

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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