One of the most common things I hear as a London in-home newborn, maternity and family photographer is this: “I’d love natural, relaxed photos at home, but I'm worried my home isn’t nice enough.” Many families assume their home needs to be large, bright, or Pinterest-perfect to book an in-home newborn, maternity or family photo shoot. The truth is that beautiful, natural family photographs can be created in almost any home — from small London flats to houses with very little natural light.


You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home


When people see lifestyle family and newborn photography online, it’s easy to assume those homes must be perfectly styled or professionally designed. But that simply isn’t the reality. The truth is that you don’t need a spotless, magazine-worthy home to have beautiful photos. Real homes are lived in. Toys appear, laundry baskets exist, and sometimes there’s a half-finished DIY project in the background. And that’s completely okay.


Over the years I’ve photographed families in homes across London, including:

  • small London flats
  • homes with very little natural light
  • homes with only north-facing windows
  • homes in the middle of renovations
  • beautifully chaotic homes with toys everywhere


Every single time, my clients have been amazed by the results.


Natural light is more flexible than you think


Because I photograph using natural light only, people often assume their home needs to be very bright. In reality, what matters most is simply having windows. Even homes that feel dark to the eye often have more usable light than you might expect. Part of my job is knowing how to find and shape that light — whether that’s positioning you near a window, choosing the best room in the house, or photographing at the right angle. A north-facing window, a small bedroom window or a skylight can all work beautifully.


I’ll choose the best spots


When I arrive for an in-home newborn, maternity of family session, one of the first things I do is take a quick look around your home to find the best light. We usually only need a couple of small areas to create a full gallery of images. Often that might be:


  • a bed near a window
  • a sofa in the living room
  • an armchair by a window in the nursery
  • a patch of light on the floor
  • a cosy spot by the curtains


We don’t need to use every room, and we definitely don’t need a large space.


You don’t need to deep clean


Another big worry for many families is that their home needs to be perfectly tidy. Please don’t stress about this. Before your session I’ll give you simple guidance on how to prepare, but it usually comes down to clearing a few small areas where we are likely to photograph. A quick tidy of the bed, sofa, or bedside table is often all that’s needed.

Real life is allowed to exist around us.


Your home is part of your story


One of the most special things about in-home lifestyle photography is that it captures your family exactly as you are, in the place where your everyday life happens.

Years from now, those details will matter more than you think:


  • the sofa where you cuddled your newborn
  • the tiny nursery you carefully set up
  • the light coming through the window on a slow morning


These photographs become part of your family’s history. And that history doesn’t need perfect interiors.


If you’re unsure, just ask


If you’re worried your home might not work for a photo session, please feel free to get in touch and ask. I’m always happy to chat and answer questions. After photographing families in all kinds of homes across London, I can say with confidence: If your home has windows, we can almost certainly create beautiful images there. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect.


The sample photos below are from in-home sessions in London homes that either 1) had limited natural light, 2) were small in size or we were only able to use one room for photos or 3) were under renovation (in some cases all three factors applied!).


I hope you have found this blog post helpful. If you’re currently expecting a baby, find out more about my in-home maternity or newborn photography sessions in London, download my pricing guide for more info and get in touch to enquire about booking a date. 


Pauliina is a London-based lifestyle family & newborn photographer and a mum to two boys. Find out more at https://www.prootsphotography.co.uk/ or follow @prootsphotography on Instagram.

Close-up view of newborn baby feet being gently held by adult hands on a textured brown surface.
A black and white photo showing a mother with her newborn baby in a living space with exposed brick walls.
A mother-to-be with vibrant red hair wearing a dark floral dress stands near a window in soft natural lighting.
A black and white photo showing a tender moment between a mother and newborn baby lying together on a bed.
Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on dusty pink textured blanket with eyes closed and serene expression.
A newborn baby looks straight into the camera over her mother's shoulder in soft window light.
Gentle hands cradle tiny baby feet while newborn rests in soft yellow clothing.
A newborn baby sleeps peacefully on a neutral coloured bed cover with natural light through the window.
A couple in colourful clothes rests together in bed holding the woman's pregnant belly.
Close-up shot of hands gently holding and a tiny newborn baby's feet against a dark background.
A father tenderly kisses newborn baby in natural light.
A tender black and white portrait of a mother sharing a joyful moment with her newborn baby.
Hands gently hold a newborn baby's feet on a blue and white patterned blanket.
A mother and newborn baby relax together on a coral-colored couch against exposed brick wall with table lamp and houseplant.
A tiny newborn baby wearing a white onesie rests peacefully on parent's hands in moody natural lighting.