Why Choose a Lifestyle Newborn Session at Home?

Welcoming a new baby into your home is one of the most precious moments in life, and capturing those first weeks through a newborn session is a wonderful way to preserve those memories forever. But when it comes to choosing between a traditional newborn session and a lifestyle session at home, you might wonder which is best for your family. Let me walk you through the differences and the unique benefits of an at-home lifestyle session, along with tips to ensure your session is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Traditional Newborn Sessions vs. Lifestyle Newborn Sessions

Traditional Newborn Sessions typically take place in a studio environment. These sessions are focused on posed portraits, often with elaborate props, intricate wraps, and setups. The lighting is carefully controlled, and the photographer spends a lot of time coaxing the baby into specific poses. While these photos are undeniably beautiful, they don’t always capture the natural, day-to-day love and connection that you share as a family.

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions, on the other hand, take place in your home and focus on the beauty of real-life moments. These sessions are about connection, love, and your family’s unique story. While I still include a few posed shots of your baby—all cozy in a wrap or a simple outfit—the heart of the session is documenting candid, authentic moments. Think of it as a glimpse into your life as a new family: snuggling on the couch, gazing at your little one, or dad feeding baby a bottle.  

Benefits of an At-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session

1. Comfort and Convenience: There’s no need to pack up your baby and all their essentials to head to a studio. Instead, I come to you, bringing everything we need for the session.

2. Meaningful Memories: Your home is where your baby’s story begins. Capturing your family in the spaces where you spend your time adds a personal and emotional layer to your photos.

3. Relaxed Atmosphere: Babies (and parents!) tend to feel more at ease in their own environment. This helps the session flow naturally and keeps stress to a minimum.

4. Incorporate Your Style: I love seeing your home when I arrive. It helps me select colors for props and wraps that will complement your space, making your photos look even better when printed and displayed.

5. Flexible and Baby-Led: Whether your baby is awake or sleeping, we go with the flow. Awake and alert? Perfect for family shots. Just fed and drifting off? Time for those sweet, wrapped newborn poses.

Tips for a Successful Lifestyle Newborn Session

1. Warm Up Your Home: Keeping your house a few degrees warmer will help your baby stay comfortable, especially during outfit or wrap changes.

2. Don’t Stress About Baby’s Schedule: I’ll follow your baby’s cues. If they’re awake, we’ll start with family photos. If they’re sleepy, we’ll jump right into those newborn shots.

3. Choose a Clean, Well-Lit Space: All I need is one clean space near a window for natural light. Bonus points if there’s hardwood or natural flooring I can use as a backdrop, but don’t worry if not—I bring floor overlays.

4. Prepare Your Favorite Spaces: Many families like to use the nursery or master bedroom for photos, but I can always find the perfect spot when I arrive.

5. Don’t Worry About the Mess: I’ve been a new mom twice, so I completely understand those sleepless nights. No judgment here! Your house doesn’t need to be spotless for beautiful photos.

6. Wear Neutral, Cozy Clothing: For family photos, I recommend soft, neutral tones and warm, cozy fabrics. Avoid busy patterns or dark colors to keep the focus on your baby and create a relaxed, beautiful vibe.

7. Session Length: My sessions typically last 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives us plenty of time to take breaks for feeding, changing, or comforting your baby as needed.

What to Expect During the Session

• Props and Poses: I bring everything we’ll need, including wraps, outfits, blankets, baskets, and more. We can also incorporate special items like a sign or a sentimental outfit you’d like to include.

• Safety First: As a former pediatric nurse and a mom, your baby’s safety is my top priority. I monitor their breathing, coloring, and comfort throughout the session. I never force a baby into an uncomfortable or unsafe pose, and I always enlist a parent’s help if I step away.

• Low-Stress Environment: If your baby cries or needs a break, that’s completely fine! I only schedule one newborn session per day, so there’s no rush. I’ll even take a moment to relax on the couch if you need time to feed or comfort your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to schedule a newborn session? I recommend scheduling your session for when your baby is between 7-12 days old. This is the perfect window for those sleepy, curled-up poses. I don’t photograph newborns before they’re 7 days old to give you time to bond and recover. That said, I’ve done sessions with babies up to 6 weeks old, so don’t worry if you miss that early window.

Do you offer breastfeeding photos? Yes! I think breastfeeding is beautiful and am happy to include tasteful, intimate breastfeeding photos if requested.

When should I book? I recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot. I allow one free reschedule for newborn sessions because I understand how unpredictable babies can be. If needed, additional reschedules may be allowed in certain situations.

How do you keep my baby safe? I’m up to date on all vaccinations, wash my hands before every session, and sanitize all props and wraps with hypoallergenic detergent. I’ll also wear a mask if requested and never show up under the weather. Plus, I’ll never leave your baby unattended in a pose or prop.

Choosing an at-home lifestyle newborn session ensures your photos will feel natural, meaningful, and uniquely yours. My goal is to make the experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible while capturing the beauty of your family’s newest chapter. If you’re ready to book or have more questions, I’d love to hear from you!