You want a Newborn Lifestyle session but do not know what to expect or how to prep for it? This post is meant to help you feel prepared and know that you are not in this alone… I may be the photographer, but I am also your friend. Here we go with some Newborn Lifestyle Photography Session Tips…

Baby is BOSS…

YUP I SAID IT…. this is the ONE time where they get to decide what happens! Part of this session is following the baby’s lead. Do they need to eat? No problem, we can get a picture of sibling feeding them! Do they want to lay in their crib? OK, lets get some solo shots! Need to be held? Lets pick up the little one and gets some cuddles in!

We may have a plan but it’s important to be flexible… and to not apologize if you feel like the kids are not cooperating! I embrace the chaos and love getting that split second shot you didn’t see happen. Kids will be kids and there is no need to feel embarrassed when things do not go smoothly. It does not bother me AT ALL!!

Natural Lighting is key to Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Most homes will not have a lot natural light flooding in. The key is to have areas set up with the windows in mind! Do you have a favorite rocking chair? Have it positioned new a window already (this may require some furniture to be moved around temporarily!). Just remember to pull back all the curtains & open those shades! Let that sunshine in!

Clean makes the different!

Does your whole house need to be perfectly clean? NOPE. You can have piles everywhere. It does help to have the main photography areas picked up though! What are these areas? The master bedroom & nursery are the two main areas to worry about. The Livingroom couch or rocking chair is another picture location to consider! Clean just means the have the piles of clothes in a different corner haha & toys stuffed in a closet. It does not mean everything is required to be perfect. There are no judgements during newborn sessions. At the end of the day, it’s about survival and what can be “realistically” accomplished before a session haha.

Props brings the details alive & tell a story

Is there a doll that you had from childhood and gave to the baby? Is there a theme in the nursery? Props in photos can add a lot to the story of your session. Grab those little cowboys boots your husband gave the baby and lets find a way to add them to a photo!

Newborn Photography Fashion tips

Now the question as old as time! What to Wear?! (It’s like pulling out hair over and over again uuuggghhhh) I’ve got your back!

Your body is not feeling like your own but IT IS BEAUTIFUL! You just created life and the emotions may be a little raw right now. The Key is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and trust your photography to have “the eye” for unflattering poses. I encourage a flowy dress or fluffy winter sweater with black leggings to snuggle into like below!! (Yes, some of these are my own that my mom took shhhh lol)

Most likely it is more than just you & baby in the photo. So avoid being “matchy-matchy” with the rest of your family! The pictures are supposed to represent you in mom-mode! Let’s face it, no one matches clothes perfectly anymore & THAT put together every single day. Just be sure the colors you each wear complement each other. Using a pop of color to tie all the outfits together will help them flow well. Since these are meant to be softer newborn photos, neutral colors help with the feel of the photo and look effortless on camera (Blues, creams, blush pink, grey, brown all work with each other).

How to have fun in Newborn Photography Session

Most important is to BE IN THE MOMENT!!

It is exciting to have a new addition to the family, especially for the siblings! This session is a time for family bonding and not worry about where the lens is! Let the siblings cuddling and kiss their new brother/sister. It is a organic precious moment that should be shot naturally instead of posed! Sometimes all the siblings pill into the crib with the baby or want to fed them because the baby is fussy. We have time for you to enjoy the moment with your family. Your photography will guide you along if needed!!

HAVE FUN!

You want adorable pictures of your family with the new bundle? I’ve got you girl!! As you already know, having a newborn is not all roses & rainbows. Along with the beautiful pictures, consider taking a couple fun pictures that represent your chaotic household now (with a cute flare of course!) Maybe this is you sitting in the middle of the bed with the other kids jumping around you. Here are a few to get your mind going that maybe you want to take at the end (these are not my photos, just inspiration)

Are you looking for a Newborn photographer in Kingsland, St Marys, St Simons Island, or Jekyll Island Georgia?

Hi! I’m Calli, a newborn lifestyle photographer specializing in candid and authentic photos that capture the love, fun and true personality your family. I am happy to serve families along the coast line of Georgia, from Savannah Georgia to Jacksonville Florida. You ready to have an amazing time together for your Newborn session? Message me today!