What exactly is lifestyle newborn photography?

Lifestyle photography is defined on Wikipedia as “a genre of photography that mainly aims to capture portraits of people in situations, real-life events or milestones in an artistic manner and the art of the everyday. The primary goal is to tell stories about people's lives or to inspire people in different times.”

family sitting on stairs holding newborn baby

This definition embodies how I approach photographing newborns…and I’d love to explain more about how I photograph newborns at home in the lifestyle genre.

Utilize Baby Led Posing

At each and every newborn photo session the baby really leads the session. If baby wants to be swaddled and held tightly in moms arms, then that’s what I photograph. If the newborn is comfortable laying in a onesie in their crib or bassinet, then we’ll photograph that. However the newborn is comfortable really guides the session.

Asleep Or Awake, Either Is Great!

Since I utilize baby led posing and do not place your newborn in unnatural positions, we don’t need the baby to be asleep for the full session. Of course, sleeping newborns really are the best, and they look so cute in photos. But…if your baby decides that the photo session is way more interesting and doesn’t sleep I don’t want it to make you feel stressed. Eye contact and the connections made when the baby is looking at family members is also priceless. So, regardless of whether you newborn sleeps or is awake for the session, I can create a beautiful gallery of photos for you.

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions Take Place At Home

Isn’t it amazing to capture images of your new baby in the home where they first lived? To show the master bedroom where you cared for them before birth. The nursery you so thoughtfully planned for them prior to their arrival. The kitchen where you hold them close while cooking, and maybe even the front door or step of your home. Creating photos of your growing family where you do all of your living and are most relaxed truly embodies Lifestyle newborn photography.

I Guide You Into Connected Posing And The Best Light

Then you all get to love on your baby. Hold their fingers. Check their toes, kiss their nose, and admire their sweet newborn face. I’ll take photos of everyone together with the newborn as well as individually capturing the new love and connections within the family. This can occur sitting in a chair, in a couch, on the master bed, in the nursery by the crib, and sometimes close to a window. All natural places in your home where you all live and spend time as a family.

Portraits Of Baby Alone

If the baby is content to be laid down on the bed, a decorative blanket or rug, in their crib, or in a bassinet, then I will capture photos of the new little one on their own. It does sometimes happen that they baby does not want to be put down. When this happens, remember that this is a baby led session. I can create beautiful photos of your newborn being held within your arms! I guarantee it.

Would you like to plan a lifestyle photography session for when your newborn arrives?

It’s best to reach out to me while you are pregnant, so you can get an understanding of the photography session, what you may need, and I can get your due date penciled on my schedule.

I can’t wait to chat with you about your pregnancy and upcoming new arrival! Feel free to contact me any time.