Your baby is here (or almost here), and somewhere between the night feeds and the kraamzorg visits you start thinking: I want to remember this. Not a perfectly posed baby in a basket, but the real thing. The tiny hands, the sleepy cuddles, your home in those first upside-down weeks.
That’s exactly what a newborn session at home is for. I’m Pau, a documentary newborn photographer in Haarlem, and this is everything you need to know before booking: when to book, how the session goes, how to prepare and what it costs.
Why newborn photos at home?
A studio session can be lovely, but in the first weeks after birth, getting everyone dressed, packed and out of the door is a lot. At home, none of that is needed.
- No studio trip. I come to you. You stay in your comfy clothes until five minutes before I arrive, and nobody has to sit in the car with a newborn.
- Baby sleeps in their own space. Familiar sounds, familiar smells, your own bedroom. Babies settle more easily, and so do parents.
- Easy during kraamweek. If your kraamverzorgster is still coming, we simply plan around her visits. Your recovery comes first.
- Your story, in your place. The bedroom where you feed at 3 a.m., the sofa where the big sister meets the baby, the window light you already love. These are the places you’ll want to remember.
My style is documentary: no props, no baskets, no complicated posing. I photograph your family as it is right now.
When to book a newborn session
The best moment to book is during pregnancy, ideally in the second or third trimester. I keep your due date in my calendar, so you don’t have to organise anything once the baby arrives. You just send me a message.
- The session takes place between day 5 and day 21 after birth. In these weeks babies are still very sleepy and curled up, and you’ve had a few days to land.
- If baby comes early or late, we move the date. Babies don’t read calendars, so this is completely normal and free of charge.
- Already had your baby? Get in touch anyway. If there’s still a free spot within the first three weeks, we’ll make it work.
How a newborn session goes
A newborn session at home lasts about 1.5 hours. That sounds long, but newborn time runs slowly, and there’s no rush at all.
- We follow the baby. When your little one needs a feed, a nappy change or a cuddle, we stop. Breaks are part of the session, not an interruption.
- A mix of quiet and real moments. Some photos of baby asleep, details like hands, feet and hair, and lots of you together: feeding, rocking, looking at each other.
- Siblings and pets are welcome. Big brothers and sisters meeting the baby are often my favourite photos of the whole session. The dog sniffing the new arrival? Also yes.
- I guide gently. If you feel awkward in front of the camera, that’s fine. I give small prompts, like “sit by the window” or “bring her closer”, and you won’t have to pose.
How to prepare for your newborn photos
Good news: very little. Here’s what helps.
- Choose the lightest room. Natural light makes newborn photos soft and timeless. Usually it’s a bedroom or living room with a big window. Open the curtains and turn off the ceiling lights.
- Keep clothes simple. Soft, neutral layers for you (knitwear, linen, a plain T-shirt) and a simple onesie, or just a nappy and a blanket, for the baby. Avoid big logos and bright prints.
- Make it warm. Turn the heating up a little, especially if we take some skin-to-skin photos.
- No need to tidy everything. I only need one or two clear spots, like the bed and a corner by the window. The burp cloths and the pile of baby gifts can stay. They’re part of the story.
- Feed before I arrive if it fits your rhythm. A full, sleepy baby is a happy start. If not, we simply start with a feed.
Newborn packages and prices
Newborn at home · €299
1.5-hour session at home, within the first three weeks · 25 high-resolution edited photos · private online gallery within 7 days.
Bump + Baby · €495
A maternity session in the last weeks of pregnancy (at home or outdoors) plus the Newborn at home session. Ideal if you’d like the whole story, from bump to baby.
All prices are final: no VAT is charged (small business scheme, KOR). You pay in two parts: 50% to book your date and the rest before the session.
Travel: free in Haarlem, Bloemendaal (including Overveen and Aerdenhout) and Heemstede · €15 in the rest of Kennemerland and Haarlemmermeer (for example Zandvoort, IJmuiden or Hoofddorp) · €25 to Amsterdam and Leiden. Living in Bloemendaal? Have a look at my family photography in Bloemendaal.
You’ll find all family and newborn packages together on my family photography page.
Newborn session FAQ
What if my baby arrives early or late?
We move your session to a new date within the first weeks, free of charge. Just send me a message when your baby is born.
What if there are medical complications?
Your health and your baby’s health come first. If you or your baby need extra care after birth, we move the session free of charge to any moment within the first 8 weeks. Your deposit is never lost.
Can my partner, older children or pets join?
Yes, please! Newborn photos are about your whole family. Siblings and pets are very welcome.
Do you pose babies in baskets or with props?
No. My style is documentary and safe: I photograph your baby in your arms, in their bed or on a blanket, without props or difficult poses.
What if my baby won’t sleep or cries a lot?
That’s completely normal, and it’s real life. We take as many breaks as needed. Some of the most beautiful photos happen while you’re soothing your baby.
When will I receive the photos?
Your edited photos arrive in a private online gallery within 7 days after the session.
Do you speak Dutch?
I work in English and Spanish. Your family can speak any language at home. Photography works without words.
All the details about booking, rescheduling and cancelling are in my booking terms.
Ready to save your due date?
These first weeks go by so fast. Tell me your due date and where you live, and I’ll hold a spot for you.