Lifestyle Newborn Session Tips

I’ve been doing a whole lotta lifestyle newborn sessions lately and I’m falling in love with the idea behind them. Lifestyle is a way to capture the art of the everyday. No trendy props, no unnatural poses, no beanbag. The goal is to capture you and your new baby in your own home. Clients love this option because they don’t have to travel to a studio. Plus, we can focus on details like the nursery or even include your furry babies.

Since shooting these sessions, I’ve learned a few things. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for lifestyle newborn sessions.

Do … make sure your home is warm enough. It really is an important element in keeping your baby happy and calm. Since they will be undressed for a portion of the session, it needs to be warm enough for them to be comfortable. This might mean that you are uncomfortable though. The trick is to dress in layers so that you can take something off if you get too warm.

Don’t … forget the details. Using your home as a backdrop makes for a more meaningful shoot. We can capture details of the nursery or even include items that have been made just for your baby. A blanket that grandma knit, a stuffed animal that was once yours, or the outfit your baby came home in from the hospital. All of these things are sentimental and will give your shoot a personal touch. In the image below the little boy is wearing a simple white onesie. Not that special on it’s own, but each one of his brother’s was photographed in a white onesie so we continued that tradition here. I love how simple it is!

Do … include mom and dad. Often times parents will tell me they don’t want to be in the picture. I can totally relate! I was a wreck after giving birth to my first baby. Having pictures taken was the last thing on my mind after many, many sleepless nights, but I do regret it now. Especially after capturing images like this. I soooo wish I had pictures like this of me and my babies. Now they are 11 and 8 and I would give anything to go back in time. So, even if you’re not feeling up to it, consider getting in the frame for a few shots. You’ll be so happy you did!

Don’t … feel like you need to rush a feeding. If we need to stop during a session, take your time feeding the baby. I’ve had parents tell me they feel bad, that the baby takes a while to eat, but I’d much rather have a full, happy baby. If you “just give him a little,” we’ll probably need to stop again at some point and it’ll take even longer. Don’t worry about me. I’m planning ahead and thinking about my next shot.  I can spend a few minutes checking my email or we can chat about how you’re doing. I’m not worried about time.