Lifestyle Newborn Session Guide | Brenna + Tyler | Meridian Idaho Newborn Photographer

What is a lifestyle newborn session?

A lifestyle newborn session is simply a photo session featuring your new baby in your own home. Lifestyle session are more relaxed than studio sessions because your baby doesn’t have to be asleep the entire time.

Brenna + Tyler’s lifestyle newborn session has officially gone down on my “unofficial” list as one of my favorite sessions to date! They were so warm and welcoming me into their home. Brenna booked me last minute so we could capture baby Mack at this newborn stage. Babies literally can change overnight and it’s so important to capture this special stage in their life.

Keep scrolling down to find more information and FAQs on lifestyle newborn sessions!

When is the best time to have newborn pictures taken?

The most ideal time to have newborn pictures taken is anywhere from a few days old to 2-3 weeks old. When a baby gets past a month old they tend to have a harder time staying asleep and they may breakout with baby acne. Plus, they grow faster than a weed, so the earlier the better. But it’s never too late to get photos taken of your baby. So even if they are a few months old, that’s ok too!

I love how relaxed lifestyle newborn sessions are. These sessions take place in the comfort of your home. While it is nice to have a sleeping baby during your session, the baby doesn’t have to be asleep during the entire session. When I show up to a lifestyle newborn session I know I’m on the baby’s timeline, so there’s no rush. This session will last around 1.5- 2 hours, depending on the amount of time you booked, and the baby and siblings.

What do I wear?

I suggest that parents keep your outfits very simple. Colors that coordinate but not match. Soft, neutral colors and tones are best. Tans, whites, creams, grays, and browns are best. No contrasting or busy patterns. Avoid solid black and neon colors.

I always tell moms to pick out their outfit first, then work everyone else’s around it. Moms, wear comfortable and flowy, such as a maxi dress. You can also wear a light sweater or cardigan over a nursing tank, like the mom did in the photos below.

Please do not have anyone wear clothing with large prints, lettering, or logos as those can be very distracting.

There will be lots of close-up shots with you holding the baby. Parents’ hands will most likely be in a lot of close-up pictures, so it’s important to have them look best (trimmed and groomed).

Prepping your home

Natural light is key! I will be using natural light during your session, in other words, the light coming in through your windows. Session will be held sometime around 10 am- 1 pm, depending on the season. A room with a lot of light (south facing) is preferred, but not required. I often will ask to turn off ceiling lights, since the artificial light can mess up the white balance or coloring of your photos.

If it’s cooler outside, raise the temperature in your home a few degrees. Babies tend to stay asleep better is they are cozy and warm.

I’ll ask you to choose 2 rooms in your home, usually a family room and a bedroom/baby’s room. Upon my arrival I will take a look at the rooms you’ve chosen so the window blinds or curtains should be open.

One big misconception about lifestyle newborn sessions is that you have to clean your entire house. Not true! After you’ve chosen your two rooms please de-clutter these rooms/spaces as much as possible. No need to go overboard cleaning the rooms (you just had a baby!) but please put anything that could be distracting in the background into another room for now.

If we are photographing in a bedroom, please consider neutral, solid colored bedding. If you have bedding with busy patterns, then it can be covered by another solid colored blanket. Blankets with texture in the fabric work great.

Do you bring any props?

Simply put, no I do not. Lifestyle newborn sessions are all about capturing your family and new baby in a natural setting. I ask to provide your own blankets (usually just two) and a small headband (for baby girl) or hats. Just make sure anything that goes on the baby’s head- fits! Loose headbands or hats don’t photograph well.

This is a lifestyle session so it will be focused on the candid and documentary nature of the session. I leave any ‘props’ that you’d want to include up to your discretion! Feel free to incorporate your own items such as swaddles, hats, a basket, headbands, outfits, etc. Outfit/blanket changes are absolutely okay and I love when we get some a variety of pictures of the baby!

Prepping your baby

Newborns are best photographed when they are in a deep sleep. This is mainly because their eyes are still developing and they often will look cross-eyed. It’s also so much easier to pose a peacefully- sleeping baby in photos.

Simulate and try to keep your baby alert for a 2 hour period in the morning, just before our session. Hold off on feeding your baby until just before I arrive. This will hopefully make them extra sleepy for the session. If you are breastfeeding, I recommend cluster feeding about 30 minutes before I arrive (or feeding several times during the hour) and then topping them off with a bottle or breastfeed to make sure they are full and happy. You know your baby best, so use your best judgment. If you’d like to capture your baby breastfeeding, I would love to work that into your session.

All babies spit up and have blow outs- totally normal! Please plan on having 2-3 outfits and 2 swaddle blankets ready to go, just in case they need to be changed. We usually will start out the session with the baby swaddled (asleep).

What happens after I book my lifestyle newborn session?

After your session is booked I will send you a questionnaire which will allow me to get to know you and your family better. This will give me information about what is most important to you, what props you might want to use, and help me plan out your session.

If you have any other questions about lifestyle newborn session, feel free to reach out to me!