Lifestyle Newborn Sessions with Scottsdale Newborn Photographer

As a Scottsdale Newborn Photographer, I love helping you capture the fleeting moments of newness as you welcome your baby home.  To say you are exhausted is an understatement. But, you still want to savor the sweet memories being made with photographs that will last a lifetime. Being a Scottsdale Newborn Photography, in-home newborn photoshoots are my favorite way of documenting the newborn phase for many reasons, mainly that they’re relaxed and easy-going at your and your baby’s pace. 

What is a lifestyle newborn session? 

Lifestyle newborn photography captures the raw essence of emotions that are still fluttering high from the birthing journey. Instead of using props, this style of newborn photography naturally highlights the excitement around the arrival of your newborn baby. Family heirlooms and simple headbands/head coverings can be used for a bit of added flair, but my personal style is to keep things simple and focus on your baby and the connections being made. I document the tiny details, the sweet baby coos, yawns, sneezes, and stretches of your newest family member, who is quickly growing and changing every single day!

Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your home to captivate the nostalgic memories that are forming. Images from your newborn session can include the nursery that you’ve been obsessing over for the past 9 months! If you don’t have a nursery, that’s no problem! The bedroom, living room, and the areas in the home where you spend the most time connecting can all be photographed.  We will put more focus on wherever in the home with the best natural light.

What if my home isn’t “Pinterest-worthy?”

Any home is perfect because it is yours. However, if your home is very dark or you want more stylized decor, an in-home setting can be mimicked in a studio. 

What are the benefits of in-home newborn photos?

Baby-led Photo Sessions

One of the main benefits of having in-home newborn photography is that it allows mama and baby to be comfortable and relaxed for the entire photoshoot.  You are still navigating life’s new daily routine of coordinating feeding and sleeping schedules, plus taking care of older siblings if this isn’t your first baby. Let’s be honest. You’re probably too tired to do much else and the thought of packing everything and everyone sounds even more exhausting.

Also, the comfort of an in-home newborn photography session is perfect for you if you’re healing from a C-section which can take weeks. 

Siblings Included

Parents often enjoy catching moments of older siblings loving on their new baby sister/brother. Siblings are just as overjoyed as parents and want to cuddle them too. These precious moments will be cherished for many years to come.

Incorporate Pets

Your furry friends may join in as well, safety-permitting, of course! Pets are part of the family too and at times the first “baby” of the family. Their curiosity and protective nature always make for the cutest photos! 

Include Your Nursery

You’ve spent months pouring your heart into designing your nursery. It too will grow and change as quickly as your baby.

A Chance at Generational Photos

Grandparents and close relatives are often visiting from out of town to lend a few extra helping hands. They may not be able to easily travel in the future. This is a great opportunity to capture your family’s legacy to pass down for years to come. I always say “These photos aren’t just for you; they’re for your children too.” 

 

How to prepare your home

We may move things around and tidy up any clutter in the background to make the photos a bit more pleasing to the eye. However, remember that you are documenting YOUR life as authentically as possible. The memories being made in your home are ones that you never want to forget, even if it’s not your “forever home.”  I utilize the natural light that shines through your home, so we will pull the curtains back in the rooms that we will photograph.

What time of day?

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions start around 10 AM. This is typically when the sunlight is softest coming through the home. Also, newborn babies are usually most tired mid-morning. The session generally lasts between 1-2 hours allowing for breaks if needed for feeding or if your baby gets too fussy. We take our time through the session with no pressure to get your baby asleep for photos. But, I also try not to overstay my welcome!

What to wear for a lifestyle newborn photo session?

As a Scottsdale Newborn Photographer, I generally recommend light-colored neutrals for in-home portrait sessions. Whites, creams, tans, soft pastels, and muted colors work best. While we plan for the session to occur during the best natural light, lighter-colored clothing helps enhance the light and bright photos that my style likes to achieve. It’s best to avoid dark solids because they can be overpowering and details get lost due to limited natural light. If you absolutely want to wear black or navy, pair it with lighter-colored clothing. I always suggest still being yourself! You want to be comfortable during your session.

 

Wardrobe & styling assistance

Part of the experience that I offer for lifestyle newborn sessions includes access to my client wardrobe & styling assistance for the entire family. I know it can be stressful to run around to multiple stores and order a million items online to find the perfect outfits. You already have your hands full with a newborn baby, so I take care of all of that for you! I provide a personalized Pinterest board to put together a cohesive look for your family. I have a wide selection of styles and sizes of dresses for mom and little girls and shirts for dad and young boys. You can learn more about What to Wear: for Lifestyle Newborn Session.

If you do want to do a bit of shopping yourself, here are a few stores where I recommend purchasing classic, timeless clothing pieces:

Baltic Born

Jamie Kay

Noralee

ZARA

Nothing Fits But

Doen

Gap

J. Crew

 

When should I book my Scottsdale Newborn Photographer?

You should start planning to book your newborn photoshoot as early as your 2nd trimester. I recommend this early as your energy has picked up and you’re starting to prepare for your baby’s arrival. You won’t want to wait until the last minute to plan your newborn session. I only take on a limited number of due dates each month in order to provide a personalized experience for you.

Your lifestyle newborn session should be scheduled for when your baby is between 7-21 days after birth. However, sometimes life is complicated. You may need to schedule outside of this time range, which is okay! We are on baby and mama time!

At this age, your baby is mostly interested in sleeping, eating, and snuggling. This time is the perfect opportunity to photograph the small details like their tiny fingers and toes that make them unique.  The older your newborn is, the more alert they will be. We can still create beautiful photographs only they’ll be more awake, making eye contact, and showing the emotional connection with you, the family, and even the camera!

 

Looking for a Scottsdale Newborn Photographer?

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it helps you make a decision for your newborn photos! Ready to capture your new journey through motherhood? Get in touch with me by visiting my website to contact me.

 

Browse more journal entries by Scottsdale Newborn Photographer, Jasmyn Sambac Photography. 

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Intimate Maternity Boudoir Photography | Phoenix, Arizona

 

For photographers: Donna Taliercio, a New Smyrna Photographer writes up a great article about beach vacation photography giving useful tips for a successful session. Check out New Smyrna Beach Vacation Photography tips for your next beach session!