Yes, This Was Taken in Your Living Room: An In-Home Newborn Portrait Photographer in Surprise AZ Explains How
- Melissa Rasmussen

- Jan 22
- 4 min read

If you’re a brand-new mama reading this from your couch, bed, or that one spot you’ve been parked in since the last feeding — hi. This post is for you.
Because if the thought of packing up your tiny newborn, loading the car, timing feeds, and driving across town for photos sounds like… a lot — you’re not alone.
As a newborn portrait photographer in Surprise, one of the first things moms say to me is some version of:
“I love newborn photos, but I don’t know how I’m supposed to leave the house right now.”
Let me take a big thing off your plate right away.
You don’t have to.
I bring the studio to you.
And yes — I really mean the entire studio.
What In-Home Newborn Photography Actually Looks Like
When I show up for your newborn session, I’m not just carrying a camera and hoping for good light. I arrive with everything needed to create the same polished, timeless images you’d expect from a studio — just set up inside your home.
That includes:
• Professional studio lighting (every session)
• Backdrops and backdrop stands
• Posing stands designed specifically for newborns
• Wraps, textures, and neutral layers
• All the props we’ll need
• Space heaters (because babies love warmth)
• A calm, baby-led plan, plus more!
I usually take over a small area of your living room, bedroom, or nursery and transform it into a full newborn portrait setup. No driving. No rushing. No trying to be “ready” at a certain time.
You stay where you’re comfortable. I handle the rest.
This is exactly why families choose me as their newborn portrait photographer in Surprise, Arizona — studio-quality images, without having to leave home.
The Pull-Back Photo (And Why I Love Showing It)
Still don't believe it's possible? Here are a few side-by-side comparison from real clients:




The pull-back shots tells the honest story. You see the light, the edge of the backdrops, the small footprint I actually need. And then right next to it is an image you’d never guess was taken just a few feet from your couch, or bed, or dishwasher.
Nothing about their home had to change. Nothing about YOUR home needs to change either.
You don't need more space. You don't need better light. You don't need to clean more than you already do (which, for the record, is always enough).
Why This Matters So Much in the Newborn Days
Those first few weeks after birth are tender.
You’re healing. You’re learning your baby. You’re tired in a way that sleep doesn’t fix.
The last thing you should feel is pressure to perform for photos.
When I come to you:
• You can feed your baby whenever they need it
• You can sit down or rest on your own couch between setups
• You don’t have to rush or watch the clock
• Siblings can stay comfortable in their own space
• You can step away if you need a moment. I've even had a parent or two nap while I am there!
I’ve photographed newborns in homes with toddlers running through the background, dogs inspecting my light stand, and laundry baskets just outside the frame.
And honestly?
Those sessions are some my favorite, and most meaningful ones I photograph. Because when you’re comfortable, your baby is too.
Worried About Your Space?
Almost every mom asks me some version of:
“Is our house big enough?”
Yes. It is.
I use professional studio lighting for every session, which means I’m not relying on windows, sunshine, or the direction your house faces. I can set up in a master bedroom, nursery, or a small living room area. I’ve created full newborn galleries in apartments and townhomes.
Being an experienced newborn photographer in Surprise AZ means knowing how to walk into a home and immediately see how to make it work — beautifully.
Your home isn’t a limitation.
It’s part of your story.
What You Don’t Have to Worry About with this newborn portrait photographer in Surprise
When you book an in-home newborn session, here’s what you can officially cross off your mental list:
• Styling — I bring everything we need
• Posing — gentle, safe, and baby-led
• Lighting — fully handled
• Setup and breakdown — on me
• Your house being “perfect” — not required
Your only job is to love your baby.
I’ll take care of everything else.
Real Homes. Real Life. Real Newborn Portraits.
When you look through the images from these sessions, you’re not just seeing a baby in a pretty setup.
You’re seeing a family in their first weeks together.
You’re seeing memories created right where life is happening.
That’s what in-home newborn photography is about.
So when you see the pull-back photo of my setup next to the finished portrait, remember this:
You didn’t need to get ready. You didn’t need to go anywhere. You didn’t need to do more.
The studio came to you.

And if you’re looking for a newborn portrait photographer in Surprise who will make this season feel easier, calmer, and beautifully documented — I’d love to take care of that part of your story for you.
If you need more help preparing for your upcoming newborn session? Check out this post.
Or, if you're curious what a lifestyle AND posed session would look like together, you're going to want to see this post.
Thanks for being here!







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