What is lifestyle newborn photography?
Lifestyle newborn photography takes place in your home. It’s different from a posed newborn shoot in a studio. There are a lot more candid shots. I kind of just follow you around areas of your home whether it’s the child’s nursery or your bedroom. Sometimes I will tell you to pose in different ways and wrap the baby up as well. I will shoot from many different angles, whether it’s really up close or far away. I can get really intimate like taking pictures of breast-feeding, nursery, details, and parents adoring their babies.
These images are a lot more meaningful and intimate because they’re unscripted and unposed. Parents and the baby are a lot more relaxed in their home. It is an honor for me to document these natural moments for you and your baby and your first few weeks.
Some people do prefer a more controlled environment in a studio where there are a lot of props, and the baby is posed. The studio will allow for more optimal and brighter lighting. Those pictures are just as beautiful. However, with lifestyle sessions at home, we can get a lot more intimate in your house. We will have different lighting styles. Also, pets and siblings can be involved.
Newborns who are over just about two weeks are perfect for lifestyle poses. Unlike in studio poses where we want them to look sleeping and peaceful, with newborn lifestyles shoot, we welcome any distractions and we love when they are awake and playful with their parents. The lifestyle newborn shoot focuses solely on the connection between the parents and the baby.
Are you wondering how to prepare for your lifestyle newborn shoot?
Having a baby is a beautiful moment for you. However, it can also be overwhelming. So here are so easy tips for you to prepare for your session at home. I want to make this process as easy as possible for you so I can capture all your fleeting and precious moments.
I typically say to book your Lifestyle newborn shoot within the first 2-3 weeks that the baby is born. We want the baby to still be sleepy and snuggly, however, we want you to have some time to recover. Also, it is okay if the baby is a little alert. Unlike in studio poses where we want them to look sleeping and peaceful, with newborn lifestyle shooting we welcome any distractions and we love when they are awake and playful with their parents. The lifestyle newborn shoot focuses solely on the connection between the parents and the baby.
I understand that having a newborn can be a time with a messy house. No judgment here! What I do need is the baby’s nursery, living room, and your bedroom to be tidy with a lot of natural light. If you do not have time to tidy, do not worry, I can help out when I am there. I do my best to be flexible to work with the space I have. Do not worry if you feel like we will not have enough light or space. We can improvise and go with the flow!
I always recommend that you wear neutrals. These colors compliment everyone's home and colors. However, I do understand if you want to feel comfortable and show your individuality. Try to plan colors in accordance with the family. I can help with that if needed. Always have back up outfits for baby! I can bring neutral clothing for baby on request. I will bring wraps and headbands as well. I do ask that no one wears graphics or anything with words on them.
You can include any immediate family members during your newborn session, just let me know ahead of time.
I always feel that feeding the baby right before I arrive will help the baby feel extra soothed and comfortable. Hopefully he/she will be asleep so I can get right to the picture taking! Of course I understand we will have to feed baby again. I leave extra time for unplanned circumstances so do not worry about running out of time! Keep a bottle, toys, pacifier on hand to soothe the baby throughout the shoot.
Try to keep your home at a warmer temperature. Sometimes we will have baby in nothing but a diaper and we do not want him/her to be startled or cold.
If you have any favorite or gifted items let me know for the solo shots. I like to have some solo baby shots in the crib. We can use a bobby pillow or two pillows under a sheet to prop baby up to get some solo shots as well.
The beautiful part about having an in home session is that you can be yourself in a very authentic way. There are no long hours of delicate posing and changing intricate back drops. I will deliver you a gallery of intimate and sweet photos that truly capture the connection and love between you and your baby.
