So you are pregnant with your first baby. Or you just came home from the hospital with your little one. Are you wondering How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session at home?
Lifestyle newborn sessions may take place in your home, backyard, or at another outdoor location. During your newborn session, I love to capture moments with parents (and siblings) and, of course, those delicate newborn features.
Lifestyle newborn photo shoots are unposed, relaxed, and natural. These sessions are about the unconditional love and connection between you, your baby and your family. They are about preserving the precious details of those first few weeks of life.
What to Wear
- Be comfortable and show your unique style! All sessions include further styling assistance, but here are some general tips to get you started.
- For your newborn baby, a simple onesie, swaddle, or even a diaper with a neutral diaper cover, photograph well.
- You and your partner (and any siblings) should be comfortable in your clothes, too. Choose outfits that are neutral tones, light and casual. Mom can wear a simple tee or a blouse, or choose a flowy dress.
- Start with one outfit you love and pull colors from your inspiration piece that are complementary and the same color intensity. It’s ok to mix patterns and solids, too. You also want your family pictures to be timeless, so please be mindful of characters and large logos/graphics on clothing.
- For your lifestyle newborn session, neutral colors (grey, blue, cream) photograph well, vs. bright vibrant colors (red, orange, yellow) which can leave a color cast on the baby’s skin when you are snuggling.
Preparing for Your Session
- Life with a newborn baby at home usually means some piles of laundry and dirty dishes. You do not need to power clean your house before our session. However, do plan to take pictures in the rooms of your house that have the most natural light (ie, family room, bedroom, nursery). I will ask you about the lighting in your house when we schedule your session. If anything in the room is too distracting, I will simply move it, or move myself to use a different angle. Weather permitting, I also schedule outdoor newborn sessions in your backyard or at another outdoor location.
- Newborn sessions typically last 1-2 hours. Sometimes baby sleeps the entire session, and sometimes baby is awake for the entire session. Most importantly, I want you to feel relaxed and pampered. This session about the connection between you, your baby and your family. It is raw and it is real and it is beautiful. If baby needs to eat, be changed, rocked, etc., we have time for that. I also suggest making sure your house is warm enough that baby would be comfortable naked or swaddled.
- It is also helpful to have some neutral swaddles and/or soft blankets on hand for baby. If you have any special family heirlooms or gifts that you also want to include in your session, just let me know ahead of time. I want your session to feel unposed, natural and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my session?
Lifestyle newborn sessions are typically scheduled within the first two weeks, but I have also done newborn sessions when the baby is up to 8 weeks old. It really depends on what works best for your family and your birth story.
Where will my session take place?
Lifestyle newborn sessions may take place in your home, backyard, or at another outdoor location. I am happy to provide suggestions for an outdoor location nearby, weather permitting.
How long will the session last?
Lifestyle newborn sessions typically last 1-2 hours.
When do you schedule sessions?
Lifestyle newborn sessions are typically scheduled during the week. Think about what rooms you want to use for photographs, and when those rooms get the most natural light. Outdoor sessions may be scheduled in the morning, or 1-2 hours before sunset. If you have older siblings, you also want to consider a time of day that works best for their schedules.
How many pictures do you take? Do we get to see them all?
After your session you will receive an online gallery of 50 images, which has been thoughtfully curated to a collection of beautiful moments.
Do you offer retouching services?
Yes, simple retouching is included. As a general rule, any blemish or mark that would not otherwise be there in a month can be removed as requested.
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session at Home | Colorado Lifestyle Photography
Welcome to Colorado Lifestyle Photography. I am Kristin Christian, a wife, mama, and lifestyle photographer living in Colorado. Through the use of vibrant colors and emotive imagery, I focus on the moment first, giving you uninterrupted time to be together. I am committed to capturing authentic connections and finding joy in the tiny details, all while creating a fun and stress-free experience. Please CONTACT ME for more information about planning your maternity & newborn sessions. Colorado Lifestyle Photography serves Denver and Boulder area families.
