Top Questions I Get About in-home Newborn Photography—Answered for Families in Palo Alto, Mountain View & Los Altos Hills



As a lifestyle newborn photographer offering in-home sessions throughout the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills, as well as the surrounding South Bay, I know just how many questions new parents have when planning a newborn photoshoot. These are some of the most common things I’m asked—and my answers are here to help you feel prepared, relaxed, and excited for your session.

When should we schedule our newborn photos?

The beauty of lifestyle newborn photography is that there’s no strict timeline—it works well at nearly any age. Most of my clients in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos Hills schedule their newborn session for when their baby is between 2 and 8 weeks old, but lifestyle newborn photography is flexible, such that I have photographed babies that are both younger and older (anytime within the first 3 months can count as newborn photography). Every family is different. Some prefer to document the earliest days, while others prefer to wait a few weeks until they’ve settled into a new routine. I personally find 3 to 6 weeks old is a lovely window—babies are still little and snuggly, and many parents are starting to feel a bit more rested. And if your baby is a little older? No problem! Babies become more expressive over time, which makes for beautiful, emotive photos.

What time of day works best for a newborn session?

I usually recommend we schedule your session in the mid morning. That’s when natural light is soft and ideal for indoor photography, and when babies tend to be more content and happy. Whether you're in a sun-filled Palo Alto home, a cozy Mountain View apartment, or a spacious Los Altos Hills house, I’ll work with your space and light to get the best results, giving you beautiful images you will treasure forever.

What should we all wear?

For your baby, I suggest a neutral-colored, snug-fitting onesie—typically newborn or premie size works well. If you have a couple of meaningful swaddles, that’s great too! Don’t worry if you don’t—I always bring a selection of clean (washed in baby detergent), natural-toned swaddles that photograph beautifully for you to use if you like. For parents and siblings, coordinated soft neutrals (think white, cream, beige, taupe, or pale gray) look gorgeous indoors. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and like yourself. A neutral dress photographs beautifully on moms, but a cozy sweater or blouse is just as perfect if that’s more your style.

Do I need to clean the house before our newborn shoot?

Absolutely not! I always reassure families across Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Mountain View that your home doesn’t need to be spotless. You’ve just had a baby—no one expects perfection and you have more important things to do than clean the house. We typically just use a few spaces—your bedroom, living room, or nursery—and I’m happy to help move a few things around if needed. If you want to prep anything, clearing nightstands or decluttering a side table can help, but it’s not required. I’m here to make your session feel easy, not stressful. We can easily clear an end-table during the session if it will be in the photo.

Is my home suitable for a newborn photoshoot?

Yes, 100%. I’ve photographed beautiful sessions in small apartments, modern townhomes, and family homes throughout the Peninsula. You don’t need anything fancy—I just need one good window for natural light. That could be a window in your bedroom, soft light in your living room, or anywhere else the light falls nicely. We’ll work with your space, and I promise it’ll feel authentic and beautiful. I've always been able to create beautiful images in every space.

Can we include siblings and take family photos too?

Definitely. One of the best things about this style of photography is capturing the full story—you, your baby, and the whole family. If you have older kids, we’ll include them in some sweet sibling moments. You’ll also get parent-baby photos and a mix of posed and candid family images that reflect your real love and connection.

CAN WE INCLUDE Our Dog or cat?

Absolutely—pets are family too! I’m always happy to include your dog or cat in a few of your newborn photos. Whether it’s a cozy snuggle on the bed or a sweet moment with your baby in your arms, we’ll find gentle, creative ways to include your furry family member. Just let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

can we Include Visiting Grandparents?

Yes, of course. While most of the session will focus on your newborn and immediate family, I love capturing a few meaningful moments with visiting grandparents. If they’re present, I’m happy to include them in a few portraits with the baby—at no additional cost.

Does my newborn need to be asleep during the session?

Nope! I follow a baby-led approach, which means we go with the flow. Whether your baby is sleeping peacefully, wide awake, or wants to be held the entire time, we’ll create meaningful images. Some of my most favorite photos have come from the quiet, in-between moments—feeding, cuddling, soothing—and those real-life memories are often the ones parents love the most. We’ll get a mix of baby portraits and emotional family interactions, which together tell your story.

If you're located in Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Mountain View, or Atherton, and you’re considering a newborn session in your home, I’d love to hear from you. These early days pass so quickly—let’s create a relaxed, beautiful session that captures this fleeting season in a way that feels true to you.