Can I do a Newborn Photo Session in my Apartment in Pittsburgh?

There are a lot of common objections I hear when it comes to doing a newborn photo session inside a family’s house. One objection that I often hear is, “but my house is too small!“.

I am here to tell you that after 13 years of photographing hundreds of in-home newborn photo sessions inside homes around the greater Pittsburgh area, I have yet to shoot in a home that was “too small“!

So yes, you can absolutely do a newborn baby session in your apartment or small house!

The following images were taken in my client’s lovely apartment on the South Side of Pittsburgh. They had just moved into their apartment and the baby’s nursery was not quite done yet… so, we stuck to one side of the living room for their photo session.

mom snuggling a sleeping newborn on her couch in her pittsburgh apartment


I actually get a lot of clients that recently moved into their home (or they are remodeling) right before (or after) baby was born so the nursery is not yet finished. And that is totally ok!

Many parents also choose to forego the nursery altogether! (especially with their 2nd, 3rd, 4th…etc. baby) And that is also more than ok! We did not even bother with a nursery for our 2nd or 3rd child!

mom holding an awake newborn in her pittsburgh apartment on the couch


Even when I shoot in larger houses, I usually stick to one or two rooms to take the photos. Generally, it is the living room and/or the nursery, and sometimes we will also use the master bedroom. I like to follow the light and I try to shoot in a room or two that has the best light.

sleeping baby on a pittsburgh couch


When I come to your house or apartment for a photo session, I’ll ask what room(s) you have in mind and I will take a quick peek around for the best spots with the best light. I’ll also most likely open your curtains or blinds to let more of that lovely light in!

mom holding a sleeping newborn in her pittsburgh apartment
mom holding a sleeping newborn in her pittsburgh apartment
mom holding a sleeping newborn in her pittsburgh apartment


Sometimes this means I’ll utilize just one side of the couch or an armchair facing the windows. And I’ll often place a cradle or bassinet by the windows to get photos of just the baby in the natural light.

awake newborn in bassinet for a photo session in pittsburgh apartment
awake newborn in bassinet for a photo session in pittsburgh apartment


I absolutely love how bright eyed and alert this precious baby girl was for most of our session! Her eye contact skills were very impressive for being just two weeks old!

awake newborn in bassinet for a photo session in pittsburgh apartment
mom holding a newborn baby in her pittsburgh apartment
mom feeding a newborn baby a bottle in her pittsburgh apartment
mom feeding a newborn baby a bottle in her pittsburgh apartment


So please, do not feel like you need a Pinterest-perfect nursery (or home) to have an in-home newborn photo session! Your unique home will still make the perfect backdrop and location for your newborn photos.



If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Shadyside or the greater Pittsburgh area,  please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a unique photo session for your unique family!


Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!



Here are some other blog posts that you will want to see! 


All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography 

Mary Beth Miller is a family and newborn photographer in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over thirteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in South Side, Lawrenceville, North Hills, Sewickley, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill and Highland Park.  Her style is very relaxed and natural and your photo session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family! 

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724.371.6575
marybeth@marybethmillerphotography.com

Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.

Mary Beth Miller Photography

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Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.