Tips for a Lifestyle In-Home Newborn Session
I take a lifestyle approach to my sessions. This means the session is all about capturing candid, real moments and the interactions between you + baby in a relaxed, casual way. 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, how the siblings look at them with awe.
Keep scrolling for outfit tips, what to expect, and how to prep your home!
STYLE
My biggest tip is to make sure you FEEL good in your outfit. It’s your home, so please get comfy.
Think about your family’s overall style. Jeans and t-shirt? Great! Dress?! Yes, ma’am! Jeans are a classic & you can easily dress them up and they can help tuck in any post baby belly. Dresses can “dress” up the session. I recommend a longer dress or skirt.
Dressing your postpartum body is tough, I’ve had 2 kids so I definitely know what that feels like. Flowy dresses is what I personally felt best in, so that is what I wore for my newborn photos. I can’t stress enough that your comfort is key! And if shoes is another thing to worry about, then ditch em. Barefoot is always welcome!
Keep it simple for dads! Plain tee, sweater, henley, or button down usually does the trick! Same for big brothers. Big sisters: twirly dresses, rompers, or jeans with a cute top.
COLOR PALETTE
My go to suggestion is to stick with neutral colors & avoid logos, words, or super busy patterns. We want the focus to be on baby and not on the brightest color in the photos. If you want some color in your images, then avoid all neon colors as these can cast unflattering colors onto your skin and baby’s skin.
You can add the color by coordinating. That means you don’t have to match, but wear colors that complement one another. The best way to achieve good coordination is by picking a color scheme. For instance, pick one or two colors that you can base your outfits on. We can use a swaddle to add some color as well if you don’t want to use an outfit.
Side note: Please take off the apple watch. Promise your tan line can be easily edited out ;)
BABY
We will photograph everyone together first. Some of my clients prefer baby to be wrapped & some want more personality with an outfit. BOTH are perfect. I can bring a few swaddles/wraps for you to choose from or put them in an outfit from your closet. Try the outfit on before session day. More than likely, it swallows them - so either a smaller size or something simple like a onesie or gown. Everyone will be photographed together & separately with that newest bundle of joy.
Sibling photos are up next if baby has an older sibling(s). I change this up to every kiddo. Some are big enough to hold their baby & some I have to do some games to get them near their baby! Haha, I think it shows personality - and you know I am all about that :)
Finally, solo of baby. This can be in the baby’s outfit you already have on, swaddled in your fav, or one of mine that I bring. We usually do these in baby’s crib or on the bed. I do not put baby in un-natural poses. These are more for closeup & detail photos since most of the session will be family based.
*IF you want me to bring something to put them in (like a basket or “prop”) then please request this as I do not keep these in my vehicle.
MORE DETAILS OF A LIFESTYLE IN HOME SESSION
A session at home shows YOU. Your space…your bedroom, your furniture, your artwork, your family photos, the framed ultrasound photo of your baby on the dresser. The nursery with the rocking chair you have been spending so much time sitting in and rocking your little one. The books, toys, & decor that you picked out just for your baby. It’s authentic and personal. Also…BONUS…you don’t have to leave the house!
My posing is easy and natural.
Session is 1-2 hours long.
Top three spots people usually want during their session is the nursery, parents bedroom, & living room. Again, this is your session & I am down for all your special spots.
Here's the big secret: you do not have to perfectly clean & decorate your ENTIRE house. Here are a few tips to help guide you:
1. Focus on 2-3 spots you want to take pics at & declutter that area. Pick areas that has natural light. How do you figure that out? Turn off all the lights during the day & see which rooms bring in the most light. I am a natural light photographer, so lights will be off during the session.
2. Clean off end- tables in the bedroom, make the bed, add some decorative pillows.
3. Tidy up the nursery - mainly the crib & rocking chair area.
4. Find one clean background next to a window. Strange request, I know, BUT I think these are great spots for solo of mom & dad with the baby. Plus that natural light right beside a window is perfection!
5. Let’s go outside! Front porch, back yard, a tree that blooms that most gorgeous flowers - it could be something so random that my photographer eye might see that I think could be a good background. This isn’t something we HAVE to do, but I think it adds to your gallery!
And don’t forget — I’m here to help! Please reach out to me at any time.
