How to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session

 

Are you eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new baby? This is such a magical and sacred time, filled with joy as you prepare to welcome your little one into the world. If you’ve been exploring ways to preserve these precious, fleeting moments, you’ve likely discovered two main styles of newborn photography: lifestyle and posed. While posed newborn photography can be beautiful, lifestyle newborn photography holds a special place in my heart. It embraces the chaos and love creating natural, nostalgic memories of your baby’s homecoming. Lifestyle newborn photography captures the raw essence and genuine connections that uniquely tell your family’s story. 

Lifestyle newborn photography holds an inherent essence of nostalgia.

What is lifestyle newborn photography?

Lifestyle newborn photography is the art of capturing natural, genuine moments shared between you and your family.  It’s a collective gallery full of candid, real-life scenes that beautifully represent your everyday life. Posing is minimal, yet orchestrated by your photographer to create emotively expressive photographs that tell your family’s unique story. 

Continue reading for tips on how to prepare for your lifestyle newborn photography session.

Consider Lighting

First and foremost, lighting is the most important aspect of a successful in-home newborn photoshoot. During our pre-consultation conversation, we discuss what your lighting looks like in your home. As a natural light photographer, knowing what rooms in your home receive the best soft light and when is helpful. Knowing this information beforehand sets the scene and flow of your photo session.  

 

What is the best time of day for your lifestyle newborn photoshoot?

While this depends on factors like window direction and the outside environment, late morning to early afternoon is often best. At this time, the light from the sun is high in the sky and diffused. I ask you to observe the sunlight in your home throughout the day and send photos of the main areas we will photograph(living room, main bedroom, nursery). This allows me to plan accordingly and deliver a gallery that matches the quality you see in my portfolio. 

Create A Cozy Environment

Declutter & Remove Distractions

This doesn’t mean deep cleaning and organization. Focus on tidying the areas where we will photograph, like coffee tables, side tables, counters, and shelves visible in the background. As a mother, I remember those first few weeks of welcoming a newborn home being messy and chaotic. When I arrive, I typically help with this part, sometimes moving older siblings’ toys or rearranging furniture. I always return items to their original place. 

 

House Temperature

In Phoenix, Arizona, especially during the summer, we set the A/C  to chilling temperatures. However, with a newborn who cannot regulate their body temperature, we want to keep them comfortable. Having the A/C set to a higher temperature will help ensure your baby remains peaceful and relaxed.

 

Wardrobe & Styling Details  

Guiding you on what to wear is part of my JSP experience. Wardrobe planning can be daunting, especially with a newly postpartum body. Three weeks before your session, we discuss color palettes and clothing styles for the entire family. This ensures a seamless photoshoot day and helps to eliminate last-minute styling stress. I offer a Client Closet with various options to bring to your home. After hair and makeup, we have a brief wardrobe try-on session so you look and feel your best.

Have a Cohesive Look That Compliments Home Decor

I recommend neutral colors, muted tones, and pastels for my clients to create a light, airy romantic feel. Bright colors and busy patterns can distract from the emotion. Consider your home decor and design color palette to ensure your images blend seamlessly into your home once displayed. 

Preparing Baby 

My baby-led approach to lifestyle newborn photography requires little prep for baby. We go with the flow to keep your baby relaxed and comfortable, mostly in your arms. It can be helpful to feed and change your baby before we start, but it isn’t necessary as we allow for these moments during the session.

TIPS FOR SIBLINGS

• Let them be involved with the planning. Older siblings often enjoy being a helping hand.
• Allow them to choose their clothing(carefully curated) and enjoy their favorite toys and snacks. Familiarity breeds comfort and joy.
• Let them be little and enjoy this season of life as a family.

Incorporating Pets

I love including your fur babies. They’re part of your growing family. Your pet’s personality will determine the level of care needed to include them in the photographs. If your pets are very active, separating them into a safe space or having someone help manage them will be best. If they’re uninterested, I capture them artistically, acknowledging their presence in your home environment.

Important note: we will always prioritize safety when posing pets with your newborn. 

 

When to book a lifestyle newborn photography photoshoot

I recommend scheduling your lifestyle newborn photoshoot when baby is between 2-3 weeks new. This is perfect for capturing their tiny details while they drift in and out of sleep. Since your baby will be in your arms most of the time, a lifestyle newborn photoshoot can be done even after three weeks, still achieving a beautiful gallery. 

Have a custom-tailored lifestyle newborn photoshoot

Jasmyn Sambac Photography offers a full-service portrait experience helping you feel beautiful, be present, and create heirloom artwork of your life. To ensure availability and provide the utmost care, I take a limited number of due dates each month. Contact me as early as your second trimester to check one more thing off your to-do list before your baby arrives. 

 

If you’re traveling to the the East Coast during your pregnancy, you may want to drop in for a few Prenatal Yoga Classes in D.C.! My sweet friend and fellow Motherhood Photographer, Steph Honikel compiled a wonderful list of options!

Enjoy more valuable articles in the journal below:

When to Take Newborn Photos

The Benefits of An Indoor Maternity Photoshoot

6-Month Milestone Photos | Scottsdale Baby Photographer

Scottsdale AZ Photographer: 5-Important Reasons to Print Your Images