How to Prepare for A Meaningful Lifestyle Newborn Session:

My Top 10 Tips

I am all about planning sessions that feel true to you, and that includes newborn sessions. These sessions in particular are so sacred and should embody every little feeling about this sweet season, about your love, about your story. My goal is to help each and every one of my families in this season plan a session that’s a genuine reflection of them and their home. I want to give you a few ways to do just that. There are many things you can do to plan a more meaningful newborn session, from being intentional about locations to making the pictures more documentary style. I want to share some of my tips that I think will help families plan an experience that is heartfelt and deeply authentic to them, all while feeling ready to step in front of the camera.

10 ways to prepare for a lifestyle newborn session

1. SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF BIRTH

Since my focus on lifestyle sessions is a mix of documentary and editorial with minimal props, you have the flexibility to schedule your newborn photos a few weeks after birth. You’ll have more of a routine at home and feel more at ease. If you wait too long past the two-week milestone, baby may start experiencing intestinal colic, which can make them more restless and prone to fussiness and crying without an obvious cause. This would just lead to more rocking them back to sleep.

The ideal time for an at-home newborn session is during daylight hours, particularly in the morning. I recommend scheduling between 9 AM and 2 PM to take advantage of the best natural light, which enhances the quality of the photos. Additionally, this timing often aligns with when your baby is well-rested and content, making for a smoother and more enjoyable session.

2. PICK EARLY MORNING

3. CONSIDER ROOMS WITH NATURAL LIGHT

Natural light creates a beautiful, soft glow that’s perfect for capturing your newborn’s photos. I recommend choosing a room with ample daylight and keeping the blinds open to maximize the light. There’s no need to add extra lighting, as we’ll be using the natural light already available in your home. We’ll position you close to windows and move around the house as needed to find the best lighting for each shot. Embracing your home’s unique decor and style will add a personal touch to the session. For newborn sessions, I like to document in the nursery, outside, and in the living room.

4. DECLUTTER

No need to stress about making your home spotless for the session. While aim to minimize clutter in the background (TV remotes, shoes, clothes, snacks) a bit of it is perfectly fine and adds to the lived-in feel of your space. We can rearrange furniture if necessary and don't require a lot of room. My focus is typically on the baby’s room and main living spaces. I do recommend making the bed and adding some cozy blankets and pillows to introduce texture and color. Simple crib shots of the baby can be incredibly cozy and offer a great blank canvas to showcase the nursery.

Small details can make a big difference, so here are a few tips:

  • Start by clearing off bedside and end tables. Feel free to leave any artwork or framed photos you’re comfortable with in the background, but tuck away items like receipts, paper piles, snacks, stray pacifiers, and nipple cream into the nearest drawer.

  • Remove the baby monitor and store the diaper caddy out of sight, along with any other practical items that might clutter the space. This will help achieve a cleaner look.

  • For the crib and master bed, use clean, neutral bedspreads. A cream or white, solid-colored comforter or sheet works best. If your usual comforter has a bold pattern, you can use the inside of a duvet or a plain white sheet instead.

Don’t worry about a sink full of dishes or an un-mopped floor. These things won’t affect the photos, and there’s no judgment here!

When choosing outfits for both parents and the newborn, I recommend opting for neutral tones such as creams, soft blues, blush, and gray. These colors are less likely to reflect onto the skin and help keep the focus on your family rather than the outfits. For the crib bedding, light colors work best to maintain a cohesive look. However, if your nursery features vibrant colors, I love that! I appreciate a touch of color, especially in elements like pillows and artwork, as they can add a delightful pop to the photos.

5. FOCUS ON NEUTRAL COLORS

This approach might make the newborn a bit sleepy, but it will also help ensure a more content baby during the session. If you need to change or feed your little one in the middle of the session, don’t stress. One of the great benefits of having the session at home is that you can stay comfortable and relaxed. Many new moms also appreciate having nursing photos included in the session too, so feel free to incorporate those moments if you'd like.

6. TRY TO FEED BEFORE

If you keep the baby awake for at least 60-90 minutes leading up to the session, this period of wakefulness can help ensure that the baby is more likely to fall into a deep, restful sleep during the photo shoot. This is ideal for capturing those adorable, peaceful poses. You can engage your baby in gentle activities like a soothing bath, some tummy time, or soft music to keep them alert without overstimulating them. A well-rested baby will not only be easier to pose but will also be less fussy, making the session smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

7. KEEP BABY AWAKE BEFORE SESSION

In my at-home newborn sessions, I aim to capture the beauty of each moment as it unfolds naturally. Instead of focusing on elaborate poses or staging, I’ll guide you with a few simple prompts to help you feel relaxed, and then let your family’s love take center stage. My goal is to capture the real-time connections that make your family unique.

When it comes to props, I leave the decision to you. If there are any special items—like headbands, hats, swaddles, or toys—that you’d like to include, I’m happy to incorporate them into our session.

8. DON’T THINK ABOUT POSING

I recommend preparing at least three outfits for your baby before our session. This gives us options in case of any unexpected messes or if your little one needs a quick change. You can choose to have them wrapped snugly in a swaddle, dressed down to just their diaper, or in an adorable outfit. Having a few options on hand ensures we can keep the session moving smoothly while capturing a variety of looks.

9. HAVE A FEW OUTFITS READY

Remember, this is such a precious time in your life, and it's important to take it all in. Welcoming a newborn is a momentous occasion, filled with so much love and joy. During our session, I’ll make sure you have plenty of time to cuddle with your little one and savor every bit of that newborn magic. Though you might be running on little sleep, the images we capture will instantly bring you back to these sweet, fleeting moments.

10. SOAK IT IN

It’s a true privilege to witness and capture the joy and love surrounding a new little life. If you’re looking for someone to document these precious moments, please fill out my inquiry form so we can connect and start planning to preserve these memories. <3