7 Things you Should NOT Do During your Newborn Photo Shoot | South Hills Newborn Photographer

When you’re preparing for your newborn photo session, it’s normal to feel like everything has to be just right. You want the house spotless, baby on a schedule, everyone dressed and smiling…but take a deep breath, that’s not what a lifestyle newborn photo session with me is supposed to look like!

As a South Hills newborn photographer, the goal for my sessions is to keep it relaxed, natural, and centered around real life with a new baby (and siblings). I’m there to document this chapter in your life in a way that feels true to you, not staged or stressful.

I’ll also be sharing images from a recent session with a wonderful family that has invited me into their home again to be their photographer! I first met them when their daughter was a newborn, when she turned two and now, as a big sister to her precious baby brother!

I was sure to include their fur-baby as well because he is getting old and the family is not sure he will be with them much longer. I love to include pets in my lifestyle sessions, but when they are senior dogs, I am always sure to capture extra images with them.

And now, here are 7 things I encourage you not to worry about during your newborn photo session.

1. Don’t Stress About a Perfectly Clean Home

I’m not coming to your house to judge your laundry pile or check if your counters are sparkling. I know what life with a newborn looks like, and spoiler alert: it’s not spotless.

In-home lifestyle sessions are meant to take place in your very real and very lived-in home where you’re raising your family. A few toys on the floor or bottles in the sink won’t take away from the love and connection I’m there to capture. And I’ll guide you to the best spots in your home with the best light and the least amount of things in the frame.

2. Don’t Try to Schedule Around the “Perfect” Time

It’s completely natural to want to plan the session around when your baby is at their happiest, but newborns are so very unpredictable. Trying to time a session for that 1-2 hour window when they usually nap can lead to unnecessary stress when things don’t go according to plan. With 15 years of experience, I’ve learned babies tend not to sleep on the day of the session when they “usually” sleep.

Instead, trust that your baby can be photographed whether they’re sleepy, wide-eyed, feeding, or needing snuggles. My sessions are flexible and slow-paced to accommodate exactly that. Some of the sweetest images happen in between the “perfect” moments.

3. Don’t Worry About Sibling Behavior

If this isn’t your first baby, you might be concerned about how your toddler or older child will behave during the session. Believe me, I get it! Toddlers are full of energy, opinions, and unpredictability, especially with all the big emotions that come with a new sibling.

But here’s the thing, I don’t expect siblings to sit still and smile on command. My approach is play-based, low-pressure, and full of patience. We’ll follow their lead, keep things light, and I’ll gently encourage those natural, loving interactions that mean so much. Some of my favorite sibling shots come from the in-between moments, like a quick snuggle or even a silly face.

4. Don’t Dress Baby in Complicated Outfits

Tiny suits and elaborate dresses might look cute in theory, but in practice, they’re usually uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and distracting in photos. For newborns, simplicity is key.

I suggest neutral onesies or sleepers or a simple and comfortable outfit for the baby. These choices keep the focus on baby and connection, not the clothes.

5. Don’t Expect to Pose Like a Pinterest Board

If you’ve spent time browsing Pinterest or Instagram, you’ve probably seen a million different ideas for newborn photos. While some are sweet, some are overly styled, and some just don’t feel like you. That’s okay. My goal isn’t to recreate someone else’s vision; it’s to capture yours.

I don’t use props or put babies in buckets, instead, I photograph your family naturally, as you are. That means snuggles on the couch, feedings in the nursery, siblings peeking into the crib, and everything in between. The magic is in the realness.

6. Don’t Skip Taking Care of Yourself

You just had a baby. You’re recovering, adjusting, and maybe even running on fumes. As a mom to three, I totally get this, and I want you to feel supported and seen, not stressed out.

Take time to eat a good breakfast, drink some water, and wear something you feel both comfortable and beautiful in. Soft knits, loose dresses, cozy cardigans and even your favorite leggings…anything that feels like you works beautifully. And remember, you don’t have to do this alone. I’ll help guide you on wardrobe choices ahead of time so it’s one less thing to think about.

7. Don’t Worry About Taking Breaks

Feeding, diaper changes, snacks, outfit swaps, and meltdowns are all part of the process. Your newborn session isn’t a race or a performance. It’s a window of time to be with your baby while I quietly document the moments.

Breaks are not only okay, they’re welcome. Some of my favorite images have come during a quiet feeding, a cuddle while calming tears, or a gentle diaper change. These are the moments that tell your story.

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” newborn session and that’s what makes them so beautiful. What matters most isn’t the house, the outfits, or the schedule. It’s the love, connection, and tenderness you share as a new family.

When you invite me into your home, my goal is to create space for you to simply be with your baby while I capture the beauty in the chaos. So let go of the pressure and trust the process. Your story is already enough.

Thinking about booking your own in-home newborn session? I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have. Let’s create something beautiful together.

If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Pittsburgh,  please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!

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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography 

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside.   Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!