How To Prepare For Your Lifestyle In Home Newborn Photography Session
Don’t Stress!
I know that this is easier said than done. You and your partner are sleep deprived, if you have an older child/toddler their world has just been rocked and they are not acting like their usual selves, and you want nothing more than to have perfect photos of your newborn. So, I encourage you to not stress. I’m a professional and it’s my job to ensure you get the newborn photos that capture your life as it is right now. No need for you to worry about the particulars. And, I love working with kids. So, don’t worry about the behavior of your other children (regardless of their age). I’m here to document everyone, chill, shy, and excited.
Please refrain from telling everyone to look at the camera (before and during the session)
Lifestyle photography captures you experiencing your life. So, that means little baby yawning, toddlers running around the house, and all of you cuddling together on the couch. I will take a few more posed images with everyone looking at the camera, but other than those the goal is to interact with each other and to look at and love on your newborn.
There’s no need to perfectly clean your home
Here’s the thing, life isn’t perfect. Our homes are rarely spotless, and it’s even more true after you bring home a baby. So, don’t spend time worrying about cleaning your space. I’ll move anything out of the frame during the session as needed.
Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding newborn photo sessions:
Does the baby need to sleep for the session?
No! Your baby is beautiful and amazing just as they are, and this is a baby (and older child) led photography session. So, however they want to be held, when they want to eat, I’ll follow their lead at all times. I won’t force them to sleep or be in un-natural poses. We won’t force siblings to hold the baby, or pose in an unnatural way. I do recommend that you let the baby eat as much as they would like in the 20 minutes before the session, and don’t have an overly cool home.
Where Will The Newborn Photos Take Place?
For an in home lifestyle newborn portrait session, when I arrive I will first explore your home to see where the best light is. Typically I’ll utilize the master bedroom, nursery, and living room. If I find gorgeous light in your hallway though, you better believe we’ll use it for photos. Depending on the weather, we will often pop outdoors on your front step or into your backyard for a few portraits as well. Please be sure to let me know if this is something you really want to do.
Who should be ready to be photographed?
I will photograph all family members at your home on the day of the session. Both parents, any older siblings, grandparents. So, just make sure everyone knows the photographer will be there to document this special period.
Do let young children know that a friend is coming over to photograph them and take pictures of their new baby sibling. I’ll include older siblings in the photo session as much or as little as they would like. They will often come in and out of the room as we’re taking photos and I just roll with it, so no worries. Kids being themselves creates the most natural images.
When is the best time for the newborn session?
It’s best to plan your newborn session between 5 and 14 days after the baby is born. We can do the session later than this as well, just the babies are not always as cuddly and sleepy after 2-3 weeks.
I usually plan the sessions to start around 10am (although this is flexible). This gives you time to get ready in the morning and is also the time of day where the light is less direct and fills your home.
What should we wear for the newborn session?
Neutral comfortable clothes that reflect who you are, without graphics or large print are best for parents, grandparents, and siblings. Mom should be comfortable, and wear something you enjoy. I would recommend avoiding neon and pastel colors as they will be close to the baby’s face, and can create unflattering skin color casts. Grey, cream, navy, etc. are great options for tops.
What do we need to prepare for the session?
Outfits: I would mentally plan out a backup outfit for each family member in case of spit up or diaper leeks.
Props: Also, if you have any special items that you’d like to include in the photos, such as a quilt, headband, hat, etc. have them prepared and let me know at the start of the session.
Swaddles: It’s also helpful to have a few favorite clean swaddles/blankets on hand as well. If the baby is fussy I often use swaddles to help calm them, particularly for their individual photos.
What should we do before the photographer arrives?
Eat and Hydrate: I would ensure that everyone has a good breakfast before the photo shoot, including Moms and toddlers. If you are breastfeeding don’t skimp out on getting the fuel you need for the photo session. It is relaxing but may be more than you have done physically since the baby arrived. Also, make sure toddlers have plenty of clean snacks on hand. The good news is that we’re in your home, so if an outfit change is warranted due to a spill, it’s no big deal.
Hair and Makeup: Wear your hair and makeup in your usual style and what makes you feel confident.
Dress The Baby: I would have the baby dressed in a formfitting simple/neutral onesie without images or words prior to the session. This way if they are asleep when I arrive we can get started right away with photos!
Young Children: Have them in their outfit you’ve selected for the photo session, and ensure that their face is clean, apply chap stick and lotion as needed, and that they’ve used the restroom.
What do we do during the session?
During the session I will guide you into the best light and different poses holding the baby, and any other siblings. I’ll utilize your home as the setting to create connected joy filled memories of this special newborn period. All you need to do is love on your people. Hugs, kisses, and snuggles!
