How to Prepare for a Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot.

First, what is a lifestyle newborn photography session?

Lifestyle newborn sessions are relaxed and natural. I come directly to your home and bring my camera to capture your authentic family. I focus on moments more than classic portraits. For example:

-Cuddles on the couch

-Siblings holding hands

-newborn in a diaper

-mom breastfeeding or dad burping baby

-family hugging on the bed

I always include photos of everyone smiling at the camera, but lifestyle sessions focus much more on authentic moments. However, there are some tips to make these sessions run smoothly and carefree. Below is a guide for prepping your in-home newborn session.

#1. Consider the timing of our session

When is the lighting best in your home?

I use natural light when I photograph newborns. I always ask clients to start paying attention to when the home is the brightest. Ideally, I like to book the session during those well-lit hours.

When are the nap schedules of other siblings?

Does your newborn have siblings? Are they toddlers or of school age? We want to avoid a cranky nap-needing toddler during our session. That is why I always ask when nap time is. I prefer to conduct the session in the early morning or afternoon to avoid disrupting the much-needed quiet time for the brother or sister.

#2 Clutter is distracting

You do not need a clean home. Trust me, your photos will not show if your floors have been mopped or blinds dusted. However, picking up the clutter before our session helps, period. I know it is the newborn stage, so please do not feel like you need to clean every room or deep clean. I will come and move the clutter that I see distracting in the photos.

#3 Styling matters, even if we are at home chillin

What you wear in newborn lifestyle photos can sometimes be tricky. I want to document your authentic family, but we also want timeless and appealing images. This is why I always offer full styling assistance for all my clients. I also offer a complete client closet full of dresses for my mamas.

#4 The Extended family can arrive later

I am happy to include grandparents, aunts/uncles, and nannies in our session if it is meaningful to you. Grandparents are always a great help during sessions, especially when we need a burp cloth or assistance with an older sibling. With that being said, I do want your family to feel relaxed. Sometimes having too many people in your home can create unwanted stress and noise. I always ask that if extended family is part of the session, that those members come a little later or hang out in a different room to give us space.

#5 Dogs and cats are great, but not the whole time!

Oh, I love animals. Before I started photography, I was a dog sitter. I also have two dogs of my own. It’s so important to get those moments with your fur babies, but I do ask that your dogs are not following us along for the whole ride. If there is an outdoor space or another room where they can chill while we focus onthe baby, that would be great. I will always tell you when I think it’s a good moment for a dog moment!

#6 Don’t rush feeding the baby

We go slow. There is no rush. Sometimes sessions last around an hour, other times 2-3 hours. We go with the flow. I never want you to feel rushed, and I always want you to feed the baby when you feel it is time. If I see those hunger cues, I will always mention that the baby may be hungry as well. I never want to come in the way of you and your child having that time.