A Lifestyle Newborn Session Preparation Guide

What is a Lifestyle Newborn Session?

A lifestyle newborn session takes place in your home, where you and your baby are most comfortable and relaxed.  This also allows for your baby’s needs to come first.  Your new little bundle can be fed, changed, cuddled, swaddled and snooze as needed and you and your family can enjoy the experience.  I will capture these sweet moments that will remind you of this exciting and emotional time in your lives.  A newborn lifestyle session is all about your baby and the love you all already have for this new little person.

What to Expect

We will capture your family interacting and cuddling with your new little one in your home.  I will shoot photos of your baby alone, being sure to get detail shots of all those little baby bits and pieces.  I may move and pose them slightly, but always in a way that they would be naturally.  I will also be sure to get photos of the entire family together in relaxed poses.  I may guide or offer some direction for some shots, but will mostly capture life unfolding naturally.  My main focus is to show the joy, emotion and connection between you all during this wonderful time in your life.  

Where Will We Shoot?

We will most likely shoot in the bedroom, nursery, and the primary living space, since this is where life happens!  The couch and bed also make for great places to cuddle and love on your baby.  I will scope out your home for the best light when I first arrive, so we will most likely move freely between these spots.  

How to Prepare

Allow for 1 and a half to two hours for your lifestyle newborn session.  Since your baby is the focus and their needs come first, this will allow plenty of time for this to happen as we shoot.  You can prepare your home by pulling back the curtains and opening shades to allow in the optimal light.  Don’t worry about cleaning your home- you just had a baby!  I will move things out of the way if needed, or even move furniture around a bit to capture you all in the best light.  Don’t worry I’ll put everything back where I found it.  Your bed makes for some great cuddly family photos of everyone admiring your new little one, so having the bed made with a neutral color quilt or blanket would be perfect.  

What to Wear

Since we are documenting your daily life with your newborn, wearing something that you feel comfortable and confident in is most important.  Simple patterns and neutral colors are great for highlighting your little one.  Naturally flowy tops or casual dresses, soft sweaters and different textures are all great for cuddling your baby and allowing them to be the focus of the photographs. 

Most Importantly

Above all, just relax and enjoy the experience.  This is a very special time for your family.  Be in the moment and take it all in, and I will create beautiful images for your family to treasure for years to come.