How To Prepare For a Lifestyle Newborn Session
If you’ve already booked a newborn session with me – a heartfelt thank you for trusting me to work with you!!!
Stepping into the heart of your home, my goal is very simple – to capture the beautiful narrative of your growing family in the very space you hold dear. Newborn sessions are not just about creating stunning photographs; they're about freezing moments in time, encapsulating the unique warmth that resonates within your home. As we embark on this little project together, let's explore the delightful ways you can prepare for your session, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience we’re going to have.
What should I do to prepare the house for the newborn session?
You don’t have to deep clean your house for a newborn session.
As a mom of two little girls (7 and 9 years old), I understand the challenges that come with maintaining a spotless home, especially with the constant hustle and bustle of family life. The truth is, the picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy homes we often see online are not always a reflection of reality, especially for moms with newborns.
The good news is, you don't need to stress about deep cleaning your house before a newborn photo session. Instead, focus on creating a comfortable and inviting space for capturing those special moments. Here are a few practical tips to make your newborn session stress-free and memorable:
Embrace the lived-in feel
Moms, especially those with fresh newborns, often find it challenging to maintain a pristine home. And that's absolutely okay! The authenticity of a lived-in feel adds charm and warmth to your photo gallery. Don't worry about achieving perfection; the realness of your home is what makes the memories so special.
Comfort over perfection
The most crucial factor for a successful newborn session is your comfort. You don't need to fret about having a flawless home. What matters is that you feel at ease with me in your space, creating an environment where genuine moments can unfold.
Prioritize natural light
Before the photo session, clear some space near windows to allow natural light to flood in. Natural light not only enhances the quality of your photos but also creates a soft and inviting atmosphere. Tidying up the areas you'd like featured in the photos is all you need to do – no deep cleaning require
Your hopes and visions are important
At the beginning of our sessions, I often request a light - scouting in your house. We can easily adjust the shooting area based on the natural light condition and your preferences, such as your favorite family activities. Typically, most lifestyle newborn sessions take place in less than 3 rooms. If you think a morning session is perfect to represent your little crew in your element. We can definitely start from your breakfast— your newborn baby’s morning routine, your partner is making pancakes while the older kids painting on their pancakes by syrup…
Besides focusing on kitchen activities, we also will spend time in the living/family room for group shots when you curl up on a sofa, the nursery for those precious mama-baby bonding moments, or anywhere you feel like great to document your family’s unique vibes as long as the light is adequate. Usually your master bedroom is an ideal area to have many shots because it tends to have more windows and great natural light.
Believe me, I always try my best to vary my framing an perspectives to make sure we have a large variety of shots.
2. What to Wear for Your Newborn Session
Comfortable and maybe flowy for mamas
When it comes to your outfit choices, think about what you'd casually wear around the house on any regular day – that perfect blend of comfort and style. I encourage you to embrace the comfort of loose, flowy outfits, allowing you to move freely and radiate that effortless charm. Avoid Neons and bright busy patterns. After all, when you feel comfortable, it naturally shines through in the photos.
Choose a neutral color palette
It's a simple yet powerful way to elevate the aesthetic of your photos and ensure that the focus remains where it truly matters – on the beautiful connections within your family. I consistently encourage my clients to lean towards soft, earthy tones that stand the test of time. While large prints, logos, and bright colors might be tempting, they can sometimes steal the spotlight from the genuine emotions and bonds we aim to capture. Vibrant hues may cast unwanted colors onto your baby's skin, creating challenging shadows that are difficult to edit.
Dads’ wardrobe choices
No need for suits or jackets – we're keeping it effortlessly cool and comfortable. A neat t-shirt is your go-to, just ensure the collar is smooth and wrinkles are at bay. During autumn and winter, a snug sweater in neutral tones like khaki, brown, rust, or beige is the way to go. Paired with jeans or khaki pants, this ensemble creates a timeless and laid-back look. Here's a little tip from me – let's steer clear of shorts, as they might unintentionally draw attention away from those adorable baby moments. Stick to simplicity, and make sure to avoid large logos and bright colors.
Your little ones’ outfits
Opt for soft, breathable fabrics that are gentle on your baby's delicate skin. Neutral tones and soft pastels are not only timeless but also create a soothing backdrop that beautifully accentuates your little one's natural beauty. During our session, with your permission, I'd love to capture a few shots of your newborn without clothes or just in a diaper. The gentle and beautiful skin tone of a newborn is incredibly photogenic, and these candid moments add an extra layer of sweetness to our photo collection.
Additionally, a snug swaddle is a foolproof choice for your new bundle of joy. I typically commence the session by capturing a plethora of shots while your baby is happily awake. As we approach the end of the session when they're becoming tired and sleepy, it's the perfect time for a comforting swaddle. I'm here to assist, offering a mix-and-match using different colored fabrics if you have an assortment.
3. Capturing the Whole Family: Embracing Pets in Your Photo Sessions
In the world of family photography, we understand that pets are more than just animals—they're cherished members of the family. It’s not a secret that your pets feel most at ease in their comfort zone which is your home. Having pets around also can help everyone, especially children, feel more comfortable and at ease. The familiar presence of a furry friend often leads to more natural and candid expressions, resulting in heartwarming images with an extra layer of authenticity. Whether it's a playful pup, a curious cat, or any other beloved creature, their presence often brings out genuine smiles and candid moments, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
More FAQs About Newborn In-Home Session
Q1: What is lifestyle newborn photography?
Lifestyle newborn photography is a personalized approach capturing your baby and family in a natural, candid setting, focusing on genuine moments and connections rather than posed shots. It’s the perfect way to document those precious hazy newborn days!
Q2: Where will my Newborn session take place and how long will it last?
I’m photographing your new family as you are, where you feel most comfortable – at home. The session happens in the comfort of your home can certainly create a relaxed environment for both your baby and family.
The session should last approx. 60-90 minutes. For the families who just welcomed their fresh newborns, it will give you plenty of time to include some baby routines in the gallery, such as feeding, soothing, changing diapers or even taking a quick shower.
Q3: Will just the baby be photographed during the newborn session?
While the focus is on the newborn, I love including family members in the shots to document the complete story of this special time. I have two girls of my own, so I understand that the arrival of a new baby in the family is a significant change that can impact older siblings in various ways.
Furry friends are also welcome, and I would love to include them in the photoshoot!
Q4: What time shall we meet for the session?
The best time is undoubtedly during daylight hours. The soft, natural light that bathes your home during the day provides a gentle and flattering illumination, enhancing the warmth and authenticity of the photographs. For families with newborns, choosing a time after breakfast or when the little ones wake up from a short afternoon nap proves to be optimal. During these moments, the ambiance is tranquil, and the newborns are often at their most serene, allowing for genuine and heartwarming snapshots that beautifully encapsulate the essence of family life.
Q5: What should we wear for a Newborn session?
You may want to dress in what you would typically wear around the house on any given day. I encourage moms to opt for something comfortable and flowy. However, please be mindful of prints, logos, and bright colors, as these elements can distract attention from your family members.
Q6: Will you bring props or pose us at the Newborn session?
I'll usually don’t provide props for the session, because I opt for a natural approach and utilizing your home's surroundings.
Q7: What should I do to prepare the house for a Newborn session?
Clear some space near windows for natural light. Tidy up areas you'd like featured in the photos. No need for a deep clean; a lived-in feel adds charm.
Q8: What should I expect during a Newborn session?
Expect a relaxed, unhurried session focused on your family's unique dynamics. I'll guide you through the process, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
You will be my only clients that day, and I will craft the photoshoot around you and your family’s flow. So we basically have no rush at all.
Q9: What if my baby doesn’t sleep during our Newborn session?
Unpredictability is part of the beauty, because our goal of the session is to be relaxed in your own space. No matter if your little one is sleeping or awake, we can always have so many shots captured the baby's personality and make for cherished memories.
Q10: When should I book my Newborn session?
Newborn sessions are typically happened when your child is between 5 days and 2 months old. So it's ideal to book during pregnancy, ensuring availability during the precious first weeks.
