Lifestyle Newborn Photography is all about capturing connection. It’s about telling your story through moments.

Here’s my guide to making the most of your lifestyle newborn session. Have a question? Just ask!

The Home:

-Lifestyle newborn sessions rely solely on natural window light. I start out most sessions by turning off artificial lighting and opening up curtains and blinds. If you’re comfortable with it, I may move a few things around to optimize the lighting in key rooms like the nursery. Darker homes typically render moodier photos, but they’re beautiful just the same! I tend to schedule sessions mid-morning or mid-afternoon, but there’s a lot of flexibility in that. If you know that your home has the most natural light at a certain time, feel free to share that with me.

-Don’t stress about cleaning. We can always move things as needed!

-Try to keep your house just a bit warmer than you might typically. If you happen to own a space heater, feel free to bring that out. The goal is for the baby to be warm and cozy.

-I bring white bedding to all of my sessions. I will have a king size duvet cover as well as a crib sheet. It’s purely optional to use! White bedding photographs nicely and lightens up dark spaces. There is absolutely no pressure to use this bedding though! I just offer it because I find a lot of clients enjoy the look of white bedding in photos.

The Baby:

-In order to get your newborn nice and sleepy, please feed him or her prior to our session. Keep him or her stimulated and awake prior to the session, if possible. But remember, if your newborn decides to stay awake for photos - there’s nothing wrong with that!

-If your baby is fussy, hungry, needs to be changed, etc, we can absolutely take a little break to give your baby whatever he or she needs! There’s no rush.

-I will bring a few swaddles with me that you are welcome to use. You’re also welcome to dress your newborn in an outfit or a swaddle you provide. Most parents like to pick 1 outfit and 1 swaddle, but planning for just 1 outfit change is a good idea. (Multiple changes can make the baby unnecessarily fussy.)

The Family:

-I recommend wearing clothes you feel comfortable and confident in. Light colored neutrals photograph best, but I typically just advise against wearing bright/neon colors, saturated reds and pinks, or anything with big logos. Feel free to dress up or go casual! Want a second opinion? You’re welcome to text me at 765-617-0350. (For a full style guide with examples, click HERE!)

-If you have a toddler who naps at a certain time, please let me know, and we can plan our session around this.

-No matter the person’s age, I find all humans are happiest when they’re well rested and well fed. Keep this in mind for you, your spouse, your baby, and any other children you may have!

-Have a toddler who loves screens (I mean…what toddler doesn’t)? Consider having a screen-free morning. Turning off the TV upon my arrival can be a tough transition, so non-screen toys might be best if you think this will be an issue for your child. I usually try to start out with all the must-have shots that include the older sibling. Once the older child is “over” pictures, we’ll give him or her a break. This is a good time for a snack or play time with dad while I take photos of just the baby. Toddlers often come around later and want to be included in other pictures after they’ve had some time away. (Caveat: if they’re watching TV during their break, they’re unlikely to want to re-join photo time.)

-Have a pet? Awesome! We’ll chat about your pet’s temperament and if/how you’d like to incorporate them into photos. Don’t feel like you need to hide your dog in another room. I LOVE dogs and don’t care an ounce if they jump up on me. Please make sure to have treats on hand if you’re hoping to have a furry friend in photos.

The Process:

-I’ll arrive wearing a face mask. This is just a precaution I find a lot of new parents prefer.

-If you’re comfortable with it, I like to start the session off with a tour of the house. I can then make a plan based on optimal lighting for photos. 

-While taking photos, I may move a few things around or unplug things like lamps to provide optimal backdrops for photos. I will ask first and only move things you’re comfortable with me moving.

-I will guide and direct you through poses that feel authentic and organic. I will ask you to look at each other instead of looking at me for most photos.

-I always try to take photos of just the baby, mom and baby, dad and baby, baby with any siblings, and the whole family. The order I take these photos depends on how sleepy the baby is and if there is a toddler in the mix.  I’m flexible and happy to take breaks if your little one(s) need a moment to snack or calm down for whatever reason. 

-If you’d like to change your clothes or the baby’s clothes at any time, feel free. I may also swaddle the baby for a few photos if you would like me to (I will bring a couple photography swaddles with me).

-If you have props you’d like to incorporate, please just let me know! I typically don’t bring props, as my focus is capturing lifestyle images that feel candid rather than posed.

-Lifestyle newborn sessions typically last 1-2 hours. You will receive at least 50 digital images available for download within 30 days of the photo session. Depending on when your session is, you’ll likely receive your photos much faster.

1 More Thing:

I understand chaos. Please don’t stress! It’s all going to be great. My goal is to capture your crazy, beautiful life and tell your story in photos. I’m not asking you to be a model or have the perfect home. Your home and your family are perfect the way they are. You are more than enough, just as you are.