5 Tips to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Newborn Photo Session
Welcoming a newborn into your family is one of life’s most precious moments, and a lifestyle newborn photo session is a perfect way to capture the beauty of those early days. Unlike posed studio shoots, lifestyle photography focuses on the natural, candid moments at home, preserving the emotions and connections in your environment. To help you get the most out of your newborn session, here are five essential tips to prepare for a successful shoot.
1. Choose the Right Time for Your Session
Timing is critical when it comes to newborn photography. The best time for a newborn session is within the first two weeks after birth, usually between days 5 and 15. During this period, your baby is still in that sleepy, curled-up phase, which allows for relaxed and tender moments. However, lifestyle photography also lends itself well to older newborns, as it’s about capturing your family as it is, not adhering to strict timelines. Consider your baby’s schedule, and choose a time when they’re typically well-rested and calm.
2. Prepare Your Home, But Don’t Stress
Lifestyle sessions take place in the comfort of your home, which makes for more intimate and personalized photos. However, this doesn’t mean your home needs to look straight out of a magazine. The focus is on your family, so while tidying up the areas you’d like photographed in is helpful, don’t stress about perfection. Soft natural light is crucial for these sessions, so choose rooms that get the best light, like the nursery, living room, or master bedroom. If possible, avoid harsh artificial lighting during the session and embrace the soft, natural glow from the windows. If you're not comfortable doing it at home, I, as a photographer, will always provide you with options to achieve the best results in a cozy photo studio.
3. Select Simple and Comfortable Outfits
When choosing outfits for the family, think simple, neutral, and comfortable. Soft, neutral tones like whites, beige, or pastels allow the focus to remain on your baby and your family’s interactions rather than on bold patterns or bright, dark colors. Avoiding clothes with large logos or text is also a good idea. Babies are often wrapped in blankets or wearing simple onesies during these sessions, so keep their clothing minimal. Most importantly, everyone should feel comfortable in their clothing—this will reflect in your photos.
4. Embrace the Candid Moments
Lifestyle newborn sessions are about capturing genuine, authentic moments, so don’t worry about everything being perfect. It’s okay if your baby cries, needs a feed, or you need to take a break for a diaper change. These everyday moments are just as unique, adding to your photos' genuine feel. If your baby is awake and alert, that’s wonderful! If they’re sleeping, that’s equally beautiful. Your photographer will guide you into gentle poses, but the focus will be on your natural interactions as a family—those unscripted moments often result in the most meaningful images.
5. Relax and Enjoy the Experience
The best thing you can do to prepare for a session is to relax and enjoy it. These photos are meant to celebrate your family’s unique connection, so feeling at ease is essential. Trust your photographer to capture the beauty of your family’s real moments, and don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. Babies can be unpredictable, and that’s okay! The more relaxed you are, the more authentic and heartfelt your photos will be. Consider the session a time to slow down, snuggle with your baby, and create lasting memories.
A lifestyle newborn photo session is a beautiful way to capture the tender moments of those early days at home. By choosing the right time, preparing your space with natural light, selecting comfortable outfits, embracing candid moments, and focusing on relaxation, you’ll ensure that your session is a success. These photos will become treasured memories of the beginning of your journey with your little one—moments you’ll look back on with joy for years to come.
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