Your Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session

What is lifestyle newborn photography?

Lifestyle newborn sessions are unique to each family and usually take place in the comfort of your home to tell your beautiful story. They are relaxed, laid back and the focus is on capturing your natural love and connections as a family. During your session, I’ll capture the relationship between your new baby and family members (pets too if you have them!) and some with the baby alone. I will use the natural light in your home to capture these memories. As a backup, I will bring an extra portable light. I don't physically pose your baby or use any props but will give you a some guidance on where to be in the light with your newborn or where to position your sweet baby. A lifestyle newborn session lasts 1-2 hours with as many needed breaks to take care of the needs of the baby. Because of the nature of the session, lifestyle newborn photography can take place up to 3 weeks after the baby is born, with an ideal time being 5-10 days after the birth of your little one.

Before your Session

Please make sure your newborn questionnaire is filled out so I can have your due date in my calendar and prepare for your session. Once you have settled home with your newborn, we will need to schedule the session for in your home. Contact me at your earliest convenience after you are home so that we can figure out a date that works for both of us. The session can take place up to 3 weeks after the baby is born. Newborn sessions usually take place around 10:00 AM, so keep that time in mind when we schedule your session.

Day of the Session

When I arrive, I will have you or someone in your family walk me around your home to scout out the best lit areas with pretty natural light for the session. We may open some blinds/curtains or move a few things around if needed. During this time, we can chat and go over any questions you have. I often use the couch, master bed, and nursery for photos. I know what it's like coming home with a newborn and having kids so please don't feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. If there's an area that we want to use for photos, we can tidy it up and move any distractors quickly in that moment. I suggest you try to feed the baby about 15 minutes before I come, but you don’t have to worry or force it, there is no rush and plenty of time to feed the baby as needed throughout the session.

Your Baby

Newborn sessions can take some time and that is okay. Your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is. I won't try to unnaturally pose him/her in different positions or have any expectation on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). The baby and his/her needs will guide the session. The focus of the session is on the connection with your new baby and each family member so you will be holding, cuddling and kissing your newborn. If you are breastfeeding and you’d like to capture your baby breastfeeding, we will work that into our session, depending on when s/he is hungry- just let me know if that is something you want!

Siblings

I know exactly how big this change is for the siblings in the house. I usually try and get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling(s) may lose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. 

Mom & Dad

Having a new baby changes your whole world and is a range of emotions- it is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect, my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease when I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself. 

What to Wear

Simple and comfortable is always a great choice for this type of session. Neutral tones– tans, whites, creams, grays, or earthy tones look good in these type of sessions and shoes are not required. The most important thing is to wear what you are comfortable in and what would be comfortable to your newborn for cuddling up to you. That goes for everyone who will be participating in the session.

For baby: Nothing besides a white onesie and anything that is important to you that you would like photographed. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for baby to be wrapped in.

Please note that these are only suggestions. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and matches your personal style and the same goes for your family.

Note about blankets on the bed: If you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely lay it on top of the bed. Bright and bold colors cast shadows and colors on skin, leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket is. Whites and creams are good choices to ensure aesthetically pleasing images to the eye.  

Relax- this will be fun and memorable!

I'm so excited to capture these beautiful memories for your family. Babies cry, they need diaper changes, they've gotta be fed (constantly), they spit up, you're sleep deprived and you may have all these things happen during your session and it'll all still be more than okay! We'll follow the baby's lead during the session and you'll have some fun snuggling and cuddling and loving on your little one. When you look back at these images, you'll see the beauty of your unique family from this time in your lives and that's timeless.