Congratulations on your new addition to the family! As new or experienced parents, you’ll want to document every moment of your little one’s life. Scheduling a newborn lifestyle photo session is a great way to do just that. But what exactly is a newborn lifestyle photo session, and what can you expect during the session? In today’s article, I’ll explore everything you need to know about newborn lifestyle photo sessions. My goal is to help you decide if this is the right kind of session for you and your family, and if so, to feel confident and prepared ahead of time.

What is a Newborn Lifestyle Photo Session?

A newborn lifestyle photo session is a style of photography that focuses on documenting natural, candid moments of your family interacting with your new baby, most often in the comfort of your own home. Unlike traditional newborn photography, which often involves a myriad of posed photos of the baby in various wraps and props, a lifestyle session is more relaxed and focused on documenting the natural beauty of your family’s everyday life.

What Can You Expect During a Newborn Lifestyle Photo Session?

A newborn lifestyle photo session typically takes place within the first two weeks of your baby’s life, when they are still very sleepy and cooperative. Your photographer will come to your home and work with you to create a comfortable and cozy environment for your baby. They will likely want to use natural light, so they may move around your home to find the best spots for photos. Look for rooms with large windows that let in plenty of light, and consider the time of day when scheduling the photo session. The best times for natural light photography in the home are later mornings or earlier afternoons when the light is stronger and brighter within the home.

During the session, your photographer will work to document natural moments of you and your family interacting with your baby. This may include snuggles, feedings, and diaper changes, as well as any other special moments that arise. They will also take individual photos of your baby, but the focus will be on documenting the beauty of your family as a whole.

How should you prepare?

The first step in preparing for a successful newborn lifestyle photo session is to choose a photographer that specializes in this type of photography. Look for someone who has experience working with newborns, and who can offer guidance on what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect during the photo session. You should also consider scheduling the session during the first two weeks of your baby’s life when they are still very sleepy and cooperative. However, this is not 100% necessary and many families choose to hold their newborn photo session at a later date. Talk with your photographer and partner and decide what is best for you.

In addition to finding a photographer, you’ll also want to make sure your home is ready for the session. Clear out any clutter, and create a cozy and comfortable environment for your baby. Have a few different outfits and blankets on hand, as well as any special props or decorations you’d like to include in the photos. For a deeper dive into how to prepare for your newborn photo session, read [this blog post!]

And lastly,

One of the most important things to remember during your newborn lifestyle photo session is to go with the flow. Your baby will be the star of the show, and their needs and comfort should always come first. Take time for feedings, diaper changes, and snuggles. Your photographer will document all those special moments of connection between you and your baby, so don’t be afraid to show your emotions and interact with your little one.

Newborn lifestyle photo sessions are a wonderful way to document the special moments of your new family. I hope this article helped you decide whether or not a lifestyle newborn photo session is right for you. If you’re expecting, I would be thrilled to work with you! Head over to my Contact page and send me a message. I can’t wait to connect!

With love and gratitude,

Skyler

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