Your Newborn Lifestyle Photography Session Prep Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Congratulations on your growing family! These sessions are all about capturing the natural, tender moments with your new baby in the comfort of your own home. To help you feel fully prepared and relaxed, I’ve put together this simple guide to get ready for your session.
Scheduling Your Session
When’s the best time for a newborn session?
Ideally, we schedule newborn sessions within the first two weeks after birth, when your baby is still tiny, sleepy, and flexible. That said, if your little one is a bit older, no problem! I can still capture beautiful moments at any stage.
Preparing Your Home for the Session
Since I'll be photographing your family in the comfort of your home, it’s important to prepare a few spaces for the shoot. Here’s what I recommend:
Lighting
Natural light is key to a relaxed, soft vibe for lifestyle photos. Pick a spot near large windows where the light flows in (like your living room or bedroom).
Rooms to Consider
- Nursery: If you have a nursery, this is a great space for capturing intimate moments like swaddling, feeding, or simply holding your little one.
- Living Room: A family room or cozy corner with soft blankets and a comfy sofa is perfect for candid moments like cuddles or playtime.
- Bedroom: Your bedroom is another great option—it makes for sweet, relaxed shots of you and your baby.
Tidy Up, But Keep It Natural
Tidy up the areas I'll be photographing, but don’t stress about making everything perfect. As a mam I know it will never be perfect don't stress about any other part of your house, just the spot you wish to use for photos. A few personal touches—like family photos, stuffed animals, or cozy blankets—can add to the atmosphere.
Temperature
Babies are happiest in warm environments, so feel free to warm up the room a bit to keep your little one comfortable during the shoot.
Note: I can bring soft box lighting and props (stretchy swaddle, and blanket for back drop, etc.) upon request.
What to Wear
When it comes to outfits, simplicity is best. Here are a few tips:
For Parents:
Wear soft, neutral tones like white, cream, beige, or pastels. This keeps the focus on your family rather than on your clothing. Avoid busy patterns or logos—solid colors work best. Choose comfortable clothes that let you move freely, since you’ll likely be holding, rocking, or lying with your baby.
For Your Newborn:
Stick to simple outfits like organic cotton onesies, swaddles, or baby gowns. Keep your baby barefoot for the most natural look, or opt for soft booties if needed. Accessories are cute but keep them minimal—a simple knitted hat, headband, or swaddle can add a nice touch without distracting from your baby’s sweet face.
For Siblings:
If older siblings are joining in, coordinate their outfits with your style. Neutral colors or soft tones that complement your baby’s outfit work best.
During the Session
Your session will be relaxed and flow naturally. Here’s what to expect:
Feeding & Comfort:
If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, have everything ready before the session starts so your baby stays calm and happy. If your baby needs a break to eat or be soothed, no worries—we’ll work around it!
Timing
Newborns tend to be sleepiest in the early morning or after a feed, so we’ll aim to schedule during those times for the most peaceful, sleepy shots.
Poses
Lifestyle photography is all about capturing real, raw moments—so don’t worry about stiff poses! We’ll focus on authentic interactions, like cuddling, gazing at your baby, or quiet moments as a family. The goal is to create beautiful memories, not perfect poses.
Fussy Baby?
If your baby gets fussy, that’s totally normal! I’m happy to take extra time to soothe them, whether that means rocking, swaddling, or giving them a little pacifier.
Things to Have Ready
Before the session, make sure you have these essentials on hand:
For Baby
Make sure to have diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and extra clothes just in case. Have a swaddle or receiving blanket, and a pacifier if your baby uses one. Also, if there are any special keepsakes you’d like to include, like a favorite toy or blanket, don’t forget those!
For Yourself
You might want to have any personal items you’d like to incorporate in the session, like family heirlooms, books, or special clothing.
After the Session
Once the session is wrapped up, here’s what comes next:
Editing & Delivery
I’ll begin editing the photos to enhance the natural warmth and beauty of the moments we captured. (I do not smooth skin or remove objects) You can expect to receive your gallery within one to two weeks.
Accessing Your Photos
Once your gallery is ready, you’ll receive a link to your private online gallery where you can view, download, share, and even order prints of your photos for one month after photos have been delivered.
Additional Tips for the Best Session
Lifestyle photography is all about capturing genuine moments. The more relaxed and authentic you are, the more beautiful the photos will turn out. This is such a special time for your family, so don’t worry about things being perfect just focus on loving on your newborn and enjoying this fleeting moment in time.
I hope this guide makes your newborn lifestyle session feel a little easier to prepare for! If you have any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m so excited to capture these beautiful early moments with your family!