When you should schedule
You’ll want to plan your lifestyle newborn photos somewhere between 7-14 days after the birth of your baby. This is the time when baby is still sleeping a lot and loves to be swaddled. When your baby is 2-3 weeks old, they are more alert and a little less “squishy”.
It’s a good idea to give a heads up on due date and preferred timeframes. For example, Friday afternoons or Sunday mornings would work best for your family. I have a few clients that are due in April, and I have them penciled in on the calendar. We will confirm a date and time after they have their baby. Another client has a scheduled c-section so we have already planned a weekend for me to come to her house.
Why your home is a great option
I find it easier to have the photoshoot at your own home for a couple of reasons.
1. You JUST had a baby. Allow me to come to you with all my equipment and props and gear. And you and your little one can stay in a familiar place.
2. Photos taken in your home are more intimate and personal to you. Capturing moments of you and your baby in your space–in the crib, in the nursery, your living room–makes for timeless keepsakes. This is the place you welcomed the newest addition to your family.
Lifestyle vs. Posed Newborn
Lifestyle newborn photos are different from posed newborn photos. Posed photos tend to be more artistic/themed shots, more props/outfits, and in studio. If you are looking specifically for posed newborn photos then you may opt to find a specialized photographer. They typically have a studio where they have a setup to obtain the poses that you are looking for. These photographers are also experienced in safely posing newborns and editing multiple photos together to get the desired end-result photo.
I shoot lifestyle newborn photos and tend to get creative with locations in the home for baby-only portraits. I also bring my own set of props, like my favorite basket and the many (20?) colors of muslin swaddles. Lifestyle sessions tend to focus on your family in your environment rather than intricate or formal posing. I love capturing the dynamics between family members.
If you need more information on which option is right for your family, there are articles/posts online that explain in detail the differences. I am also happy to discuss which option may be better suited for you based on your preferences. Both sessions create beautiful memories of your new babe.
Pre-session Preparation
Decide where you would like photos taken in your home. But be open to allowing multiple locations with a lot of light to be options as well. I prefer to shoot baby detail portraits in front of a large door or window for lighting, like sliding glass doors if that’s an option.
For example, if your master bedroom has wonderful light, you may want to sit on the bed as a family or use the bed as a backdrop for the baby’s portraits. As a photographer, it is my job to find the best angle and lighting. That means I may ask to move something or stand in a weird little corner to get the perfect shot.
I don’t expect your house to be perfected organized (remember, you just had a baby) and the focal point is on your family. A quick way to make your home appear tidy in photos is to clear clutter, like tucking away the tissue box and remote on the coffee table or cleaning off the nightstands.
What to expect during the session
You should allow 1-2 hours for this lifestyle session. Newborns eat more frequently and nap for shorter periods of time (usually). All babies are different so this is just an idea of how long to expect your session to go and how to plan for that.
If you have older children in attendance for the shoot, try to plan the session around meal times and nap times (for toddlers – no newborn is on a predictable schedule). We will do the family portion at the very beginning or the very end so we can maximize your toddler’s attention span and minimize camera time. I also find bribing with snacks has worked wonders.
Your newborn will dictate the flow of the session but if there are certain colors or props, I will make sure we have gotten all of those shots before wrapping up the session. Newborn sessions take a lot of patience and a little flexibility. Don’t worry! There will be plenty of photos taken and I’ll handle everything.
Post-session Expectations
After your session, you can expect about 2 weeks before you receive your edited photos. Newborn editing takes a little longer as I want your baby to look the best they can in the photos that you will keep near and dear to your heart. I will send you all the processed and edited photos and the print release document.
If you are interested in a lifestyle newborn session, contact me here, and I’ll be happy to discuss the details of your newest family member.
