By Pei Aui – Melbourne Newborn, Maternity, Family and Couples Photographer
If you’re counting down the weeks until your little one arrives—folding tiny onesies, wondering how you’ll survive on two hours of sleep, and debating which brand of nappies to stock up on—you’re not alone. And if newborn photos are already on your radar? You’re doing more than just planning ahead—you’re preserving memories of the most fleeting, tender days.
As a Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer (and a fellow mum), I’m here to tell you this: you don’t need to leave the house, pack ten bags, or pretend life with a newborn is tidy and calm. Your home—exactly as it is—is the most meaningful place for these photos. And a little preparation before bub arrives can make the experience effortless.
Here’s what to know.
1. Book While You’re Still Pregnant (Trust Me on This)
The best time to photograph your newborn is within the first 5 to 21 days after birth. Why? That’s when your baby is still super sleepy, snuggly, and curly from being in the womb. They tend to settle more easily, and we can capture those dreamy, quiet moments that pass in a blink.
But here’s the thing: those early days are a whirlwind. You're learning to breastfeed, figuring out swaddles, recovering, crying randomly (hello hormones), and maybe wondering how you’ve never felt so exhausted and in love at the same time.
That’s why we schedule your session before baby arrives—ideally during your second or early third trimester—so we can pencil in your due date, stay flexible, and take all the pressure off later.
2. Your Home Is the Most Comfortable Studio
When I arrive for your in-home newborn session, I come not just with a camera—but with calm, empathy, and the understanding that this is a sacred, messy, beautiful time. At home, you don’t need to pack a thing. You can breastfeed on your couch, change outfits with ease, take breaks when needed, and snuggle your baby in the same space where you’ll spend most of these early days.
Need a change of clothes mid-session? Easy. Baby spits up mid-shot? No stress—grab a clean wrap and we keep going. Forgot to burp them before the feed? All good. We move at your pace, without judgement or pressure.
Keep a few nappies, wet wipes, and muslin cloths nearby—we pause as often as needed for changes, feeds, and cuddles. My sessions are baby-led, slow, and full of grace for whatever the day brings.
3. Lighting Is Everything—And You Already Have It
The most flattering, softest photos happen in rooms with big windows and natural light. If you have sheer curtains, even better—they gently diffuse light to create that dreamy, calm atmosphere.
We’ll likely shoot in your bedroom, the nursery, or the living area—wherever the light is best. Don’t worry if your home isn’t “magazine ready.” Real is beautiful. If you’ve got windows, you’ve got magic.
4. Keep It Simple (No Deep Cleaning Required)
You do not need to scrub every surface or style every shelf. Just declutter lightly in the rooms we’ll be using—like clearing bedside tables, making the bed, or tucking away anything you don’t want in the frame. Trust me, I’ve photographed in homes of all shapes, sizes, and states of postpartum chaos. We work with what’s real—and that’s where the beauty is.
5. Warm the Room, Not Just Your Hearts
Newborns love warmth, especially when undressed for those cute wrapped or skin-to-skin moments. On cooler Melbourne days, pop a heater on about 20–30 minutes before I arrive to make the space extra cosy. A comfortable baby is more relaxed and content, which helps us move gently through the session with as little disruption as possible.
6. What to Wear: Think Soft, Neutral, and Comfortable
Choose outfits that feel like you—floaty dresses, soft loungewear, button-up tops for easy feeding access. Neutral tones work beautifully on camera and keep the focus on your connection. Your baby can be in a simple onesie, wrap, or nothing at all—we’ll follow their cues and keep it simple, tender, and timeless.
Why In-Home Sessions Just Make Sense
Those first few weeks are raw. You’re healing, adjusting, and discovering your baby’s every breath and sound. The idea of leaving the house, wrangling bags, timing feeds, and sitting in traffic? Not exactly relaxing.
That’s why I come to you.
At home, you can stay in your robe, cradle your baby in your favourite chair, and pause anytime you need to. We capture your real life—not a staged version of it. That’s where the beauty is. Not in perfection, but in presence.
As a Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer, I’ve created a newborn experience that’s completely catered to you. No stress, no pressure—just gentle, supportive storytelling in the space where you’ll write your family’s first chapter.
Let’s Make It Official (Before Baby Arrives)
If you’re in Melbourne and dreaming of a newborn session that feels calm, comfortable, and deeply personal, I’d love to hear from you. Book your session while you're still pregnant, and let’s create something beautiful—right from the heart of your home.
Click here to view my newborn portfolio or send me a message—I can’t wait to help you capture this tender, unforgettable season.