In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session Preparation Guide

There's nothing more precious than the love your growing family shares when you welcome a new baby! Babies are perfect, and we will capture some of the early moments you cherish with your sweet little one.

BEAUTIFUL, NATURAL NEWBORN PHOTOS


If you're reading this, then you're either expecting a baby or have just welcomed a new baby. Congratulations!! What an exciting time for you and your growing family! These once in a lifetime newborn days...weeks...months are a whirlwind of memories and emotions. I'd be so honored and thrilled to capture some of your family's early memories with your new little love!


 

I capture simple, natural newborn photography that speaks to the heart. I’m captivated by natural newborn movements, expressions, details, and snuggles, so you won't find elaborate poses or props in my pictures. If documenting this exciting new chapter in your growing family's story in a way that's genuine and authentic feels right for you, keep reading to learn more details about my newborn photography.

WHAT IS NATURAL NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY?


I describe my style of newborn photography as natural, family-centered lifestyle photography. My goal is to capture your baby in a way that is genuine, so I don't try to make babies fall asleep for their newborn photos or pose them with many props. The way they grab onto your finger with their tiny hands. The crinkly yawn face. How he nuzzles into your chest with a big sigh after a good feeding and a burp. The full on crying face in one shot followed by a sweet little gassy smile in the next shot. That moment she discovers her hand and can't take her eyes away from it because it's the most fascinating thing she's ever seen. And possibly my favorite detail (one that many newborn photographers sacrifice for the sake of posing): those wide open eyes as they explore their new world with wonder. 

 

I don't pose newborns because focusing on their expressions and movements and all the little moments of connection you share with your baby is what feels true and honest to me. Snuggles and lots of love are all we need to create beautiful newborn photos together!

WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS?


Most all of my newborn sessions take place when baby is anywhere from 5-10 days old. This is important because I like to capture when baby is still in the womb-like stage and very sleepy. (you know… when their days and nights are flip-flopped ;-) ). Another reason being; baby acne. It happens to most every baby so shooting before it makes its appearance is the goal. If your baby already has it, no worries! My rule of thumb for re-touching is; if it’s temporary (i.e. pimples, bruises, scratches) they get taken out. If it’s a birth mark, I leave them. You’ll want to remember your little one and every little detail. Trust me.


One of the wonderful things about natural newborn photography too is that the age of the baby is very flexible because your baby doesn't need to be asleep to create beautiful memories. I limit the number of newborn photoshoots I reserve each month so that we have scheduling flexibility based on when your baby arrives and what works best for your family. Here's a quick overview of the age options when it comes to scheduling your newborn photos:

 

  • 1-2 weeks old - If it's important to you to capture her when she's the tiniest she'll ever be, then this is the perfect time to schedule your newborn photos. You typically get more pictures of the baby sleeping in those first two weeks after birth, so we’ll want to schedule your newborn photoshoot soon after the baby is born if you’re hoping to capture your baby in that tiniest sleepy newborn stage.
  • 3-4 weeks old - If you have your heart set on a mix of sleepy and bright-eyed, expressive newborn pictures, I recommend scheduling your newborn photos for around 3-4 weeks old. Most posed newborn photographers will tell you this is too old for newborn photos, but that's only because they need the baby to be in a deep sleep to pose them. Many of the families I work with take me up on this recommendation and absolutely love all the variety and sweet expressions we capture at this age. 
  • 5-8 weeks old - Some of the babies in my newborn portfolio are even 5-8 weeks old, and they are some of my favorite photos I've taken! This is right around the time when babies start smiling and interacting with their parents, and I guarantee your heart will melt when you see your baby smiling at you in your pictures. Whether it's the unpredictability of pandemic life, extra time spent in the hospital after birth, or families who reach out to schedule their newborn photos after the baby is born, there are so many reasons why doing your newborn photoshoot a little later might be the perfect timing for your family.

SELECTING OUTFITS


Simple is best. Comfort is key. Keep colors neutral but don’t be afraid to add a little bit of color! Whites, creams, grey, and subdued colors always photograph the best. Try and avoid bright and bold colors (neons), big patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want the focus to be on you and your little one, not what your shirt said. Same rules apply to siblings. Try and avoid clothing with characters, sequins and neons.


From a cozy oversized sweater and leggings, to a pretty floral or linen dress, the options are endless for you mamas!


  • Neutral Approach
  • Stick with all whites for a bright & classic look
  • Pair white & black for a dramatic contrast
  • Choose coordinating light-colored neutrals
  • Bright & Colorful
  • Select one beautiful pattern/color and pair with white/ivory for contrast
  • Light & Airy
  • A light-colored wardrobe is typically best suited to this editing style → white, ivory, light gray, pastel colors
  • Warm & Moody
  • Typically earth-tones are best suited to this editing style → ivory, taupe, tan, brown, rust/deep oranges


HOW TO PREP:


Once we narrow down our session date and time (they usually take place around noon, for lighting purposes) I will ask what areas of your house you would like to session to take place in. I like to have clients pick one or two rooms that have the best natural light. Master bedrooms, living rooms, baby’s nursery and spare bedrooms are most common. Opening all blinds and curtains before my arrival will help me to figure out which spaces are best. Please do not feel the need to deep clean your entire house before I come. Please. However, if you can, try and declutter items on counters/floors in the spaces you’d like me to photograph in. Less is more when it comes to these type sessions. That’s why spare bedrooms are always clients favorite rooms to shoot in because most of the time, those are the rooms with just a bed. Also, keep in mind your bedding. There are some really wonderful colors and patterns out there (which is amazing) however, if you have a white sheet/blanket/comforter definitely bust that out and lay it on top. The reason being, bright and bold colors will cast shadows and colors on skin, leaving a tint of whatever color the blanket is. So if you can, keep it simple and plain. Whites and creams are always ideal to ensure esthetically please images to the eye.


If you have older kiddos, let me know before we schedule a time. I always like to make sure we aren’t heading towards a nap while I’m there. I try my best to be flexible on the time of day we shoot to accommodate for such schedules.



If possible, try and keep your house warmer than usual. Babies love being warm and cuddly and when the house is cold, they’ll let you know if they don’t like it.

MY BEST TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL NATURAL NEWBORN PHOTOS


1. There can never be enough newborn snuggles and kisses! 

2. Embrace the hiccups! 

  • Go into the session knowing it won’t go exactly as you planned it. But if you embrace this and let your baby and kiddos guide the flow of the session, the moments you capture will be even better than you expected. You’ll end up with natural newborn photos that are true, genuine, and authentic.

3. Choose a window or door where the sun isn’t shining directly through the window and hang a sheer curtain to soften the light coming in. 

4. Turn off all indoor lights.

  • The sun is a different tone than artificial indoor lights, so trying to white balance for competing light sources is difficult to impossible to fix with editing.
  • Take a closer look around the room and go beyond just flipping light switches. Be sure to turn off other light sources like the TV or night lights because they may cast unwanted colors onto your baby’s skin. 

5. Tips to soothe your newborn if the baby gets fussy or starts crying during the session:

  • Take a deep breath and relax. This is normal and expected. Fussing and crying is a baby’s way of communicating with us and is typically not a reason for alarm. Babies can also sense tension. The single most important thing you can do to help your baby and older siblings to have a great session is to relax and snuggle them and love them fully and deeply even through the tears when they come.
  • Feed the baby. Even if the baby just had a full feeding right before the session began, cluster feeding is common at this young age when newborns are changing and growing so fast. Whether you have a bottle ready for a little snack or need to stop for a full nursing session, additional feedings are part of almost every newborn session. And let your photographer know if you want some photos taken of you feeding the baby, too. These tender moments are special and absolutely worth preserving!
  • Try Swaddling the baby. Newborns are too young to follow a set schedule yet, but they do have an ebb and flow to their days. They spend a little bit of time awake, eat a meal, get some burping pats and a diaper change, and take another nap. A newborn session inherently interrupts this natural newborn rhythm. The baby may be getting sleepy and ready for a nap, but changing arms so a new person can hold the baby for pictures or switching to a new outfit may keep the baby awake even if they would have otherwise fallen asleep for a nap. Swaddling a young baby can help soothe a baby so they fall asleep if they’re getting tired, or it can comfort a fussy baby even if they’re not quite ready for a nap.
  • Turn on a sound machine or white noise app on your phone. If you’ve already tried feeding the baby and think they might be getting tired, then this simple step can help the baby fall asleep if that’s what they need right now. They’re used to being in mom’s belly, which is quite a noisy place! 
  • Switch Things Up. Try holding the baby in a different way. Even as young newborns, babies can recognize their mom and dad by smell before their eyes are even able to fully focus. When someone different comes over for a visit–Grandma, a friend, or even your photographer–babies don’t expect their needs to be met in the same way by these unfamiliar people. There will be so many moments when your baby needs his mommy and daddy to take care of him and give him all the milk and love and snuggles he needs, but at a newborn session there are times when having a moment in someone else’s arms is all the baby needs to settle down and take that nap simply because they’re not expecting something from mom or dad right in that moment. 

7. Tips to help young siblings take beautiful, natural newborn photos:

  • Having young siblings who may be resistant to holding the baby for photos is actually pretty normal and natural. Newborn sessions are difficult for older siblings who are still toddlers themselves. They are used to having all of mom’s and dad’s attention for themselves, and making the transition to sharing that attention when the baby arrives can understandably be challenging for young kids. Newborn sessions are also typically longer than regular family photo sessions, and with so much attention focused on the baby throughout the session, it is the rare exception for older siblings who are still preschool aged to eagerly and actively participate in an entire newborn session. Here are some tips to help young siblings engage in the newborn session to capture the sweet moments you have your heart set on:
  • Have your toddler pick out a special item for “show and tell” when they meet the photographer. Having the toddler take the lead in breaking the ice by sharing something they already love and are excited about is a great way to warm up for photos when the photographer arrives.
  • Swaddling the baby for family and sibling shots can make it easier for your young toddler to hold the baby because they don’t have to manage a wiggling baby. 
  • Have the young toddler sit on mom and dad’s lap so they can help support the baby, and then get in close and fill the frame for a sweet sibling snuggle shot. Then you can just take a few steps back and get full family shots without any rearranging needed, so two of my favorite shots of the session often come from this one combination!
  • If the toddler actively tries to push the baby away when asked to interact, don’t force the issue. Give the toddler a break for a quick snack and a bit of play time before trying another round of sibling shots later in the session. Sometimes a little break is all it takes for a young sibling to get curious and hop on mom’s lap to get in on the snuggles after a little time has passed.
  • Make a game of it! Lay the baby somewhere safe (bean bag, bed, couch, etc.) and have daddy fly the toddler in from above to tickle the babies toes. These are the kinds of silly games that make your heart melt when you’re all snuggling together on the couch on a Saturday evening, so capturing these kinds of candid, natural newborn photos is extra special!