Prepping for an In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session

So, you’ve just had a baby and you’re thinking about getting some professional photographs taken. You want to capture those first precious moments in your new little family, but you’re not sure where to start. Personally, I feel that an in-home lifestyle newborn session is the best decision you can make. You don’t have to stress about bringing your newborn or other family members somewhere so soon after coming home from the hospital. You can capture something beautiful in the comfort of your own home. You can take time to breathe in that baby scent, bask in the oxytocin flooding your body while cuddling your precious little one, and relax. And you know what? In-home lifestyle newborn sessions can better capture the true essence of your new family and life.

Here’s a little guide on how to prepare for your own in-home lifestyle newborn session.

Breathe and Take Time for Yourself

First things first, take a deep breath. This is a huge milestone in your life and it’s important to take a moment to appreciate it. These photographs will be a memory you’ll treasure forever, but it’s also important to remember that this is also a time for you to take care of yourself and your baby. So, take a moment to relax, take a shower, and put on some comfortable clothes. You deserve it.

When it’s time for the session, breathe in that new baby’s peaceful energy. Try to pause and take time to appreciate the blessing this little newborn is in your life.

Focus on You and Baby

This session is all about you and your new little one. So, don’t worry about anything else. Leave the dishes in the sink and don’t stress about the laundry. You just had a baby for crying out loud! This is your time to focus on your newborn and how amazing it is to be a new parent. Trust me, your photographer will be able to work around any mess and will make sure you and your baby are the focus of the photographs.

Wear Solid, Neutral Colours

So, what to wear? Wearing solid neutral colours are the way to go. Earthy tones are my favourite, but you do what suits your personality best. Whatever you do, make sure to lean more toward the neutrals. They’re timeless, classic, and will make sure you and your baby are the focus of the photographs. Also, avoid bold colours and busy patterns as they can be distracting.

Prep Other Family Members and Littles

If you’re planning on having other children in your newborn session, make sure they’ve eaten beforehand and are dressed in something that coordinates with what parents and baby are wearing. You do not need to match exactly! Remember, choose a colour palette that looks nice together. Also, let them know that the focus is on your baby, so be prepared to give that little one all of the attention.

Don't Stress about Cleanup - We can Move Things Around

As I mentioned earlier, don’t stress about the cleanup. I know life can be overwhelming those first few weeks, and your in-home newborn session should not add to that! Your photographer will be able to work around any mess and will make sure you and your baby are the focus of the photographs. When there’s something in the background that you’re not happy with, don’t worry, we can move things around.

Choose the Room with the Most Natural Light

When it comes to where to have your photographs taken, choose the room with the most natural light. The best room is usually a room with a big window that lets in plenty of natural light. This will bring you the bright, airy, and beautiful photos you want or even the moody contrast you need for a different style of shoot.

Stay Close to a Good Window

When you’re getting ready for your photographs, make sure to stay close to a good window for natural light. If you are doing an in-home newborn session with me, I won’t be turning on any house lights because they cast odd shadows, so a window will be the best way to get that beautiful light.

Feed Your Baby

When it comes to the actual session, make sure to relax and take care of yourself and your baby. Your photographer will take care of everything else. If you’re doing a session with me, I’ll capture a few photos of you feeding baby as well. I think these moments are so special and you will definitely want to remember them in the future.

Wait, What is Lifestyle Photography?

Really quick before I finish, I want to make sure you know what I mean be lifestyle photography. If you are familiar with my work, you probably already know, but for anyone who isn’t sure, let me tell you a bit about lifestyle photography. Lifestyle photography is all about capturing real moments in real life.

It’s about capturing the essence of your new family and the love that you share. It’s not about stiff poses or perfect smiles. It’s about capturing the love, the joy, and the beauty of your new little family. I’m all about feelings, emotion, and memories. If you want something highly airbrushed, edited, and posed, lifestyle photography isn’t your thing.

Enjoy your Lifestyle In-Home Newborn Session

In conclusion, an in-home lifestyle newborn session is the perfect way to capture those first precious moments with your new baby. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and captures the true essence of your new family. Remember to take a moment to breathe and take time for yourself, focus on you and your baby, wear solid neutral colours, prep other family members, and don’t stress about cleanup. Choose the room with the most light, stay close to a good window for natural light, relax and feed your baby during the session. Lifestyle photography is all about capturing real moments in real life, it’s about capturing the essence of your new family and the love that you share. Embrace the mess, the chaos, and the love. These photographs will be a memory you’ll treasure forever.

Saanich Peninsula and Victoria, BC family, newborn, maternity, and baby lifestyle photographer. For families looking for an artistic, laid back, emotional photography experience.

Let's Book it!

Let me know what you’re interested in and a little bit about you! I’m here to help. I have limited availability, so it’s better to book now while you’re already here. Send me an email and we can set up your very own amazing experience.