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The Essentials of a Lifestyle Newborn Photography

  • Writer: Melody Coarsey
    Melody Coarsey
  • Jan 11, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 13

Capturing beautiful and memorable newborn photographs at home requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the essentials of a lifestyle newborn photography session at home:


1. Communication with Parents:

- Discuss expectations and preferences with the parents before the session.

  • Make sure the parents have any items they want to include in the session ready. Often a sentimental item, treasured heirloom or just an outfit a specific family member gave to them that they want to use.

2. Timing:

- Schedule the session during the baby's sleepiest time, typically in the morning or early afternoon.

- Allow enough time for feeding, diaper changes, and breaks as needed. I typically tell families the session will be 2-3 hours long.


3. Natural Light:

- Utilize natural light whenever possible. Position the baby near windows to achieve soft, flattering light.

- Turn off artificial lights that might cast unnatural colors.

  • Having a reliable flash or external light source that you know how to use often comes in handy at Lifestyle Newborn photoshoots as you never know if a cloud will block light or there just isn't enough natural light in the home.

4. Comfortable Temperature:

- Ensure the room is comfortably warm, as newborns are sensitive to temperature.

- Use swaddles and blankets to keep the baby cozy.


5. Props and Blankets:

- Have a variety of soft, neutral-colored blankets and wraps for swaddling.

- I am not a big prop person, but if there is a specific piece of furniture or item that means something to the family know how to safely incorporate it.

6. Background:

- Choose a clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing background. BUT do not make the family clean (they just had a newborn). Just move anything out of the shot that causes a distraction.

- Consider using the baby's nursery or the parents' bedroom for a personal touch. If there is a pretty sunroom or living room that gets lots of natural light use it!

7. Camera Equipment:

- Use a camera with a fast lens (wide aperture) to create a shallow depth of field.

- Ensure your camera settings are optimized for low light conditions.

8. Patience and Flexibility:

- Be patient and flexible, as newborns can be unpredictable.

- Take breaks when needed, and don't rush the process.

9. Posing Techniques:

- Focus on natural and comfortable poses that showcase the baby and the connection and love of the family.

- Capture candid moments and expressions.

10. Family Involvement:

- Encourage parents and siblings to participate in the session for meaningful family shots. Adding in pets is another way to make the session more meaningful for the family.

- Capture genuine interactions and emotions.

11. Safety First:

- Prioritize the safety of the newborn throughout the session.

- Avoid risky poses and always have someone (ideally a parent) nearby to assist.

12. Client Comfort:

- Make sure the parents feel comfortable and involved in the process.

- Address any concerns or questions they may have.

By focusing on these essentials, you can create a positive and enjoyable experience for both the newborn and their family, resulting in beautiful and cherished photographs.


~Melody



Two young children sit on a beige armchair, holding a swaddled newborn while the boy points at the baby in a bright room.

Smiling family of four with a newborn sits on a patterned rug in a nursery beside a black crib and beige armchair.

Parents and two children sit on a patterned rug in a floral nursery, cuddling a swaddled newborn beside a black crib.

Mother holds toddler and swaddled newborn in a cozy nursery, both looking down at the baby on a black-and-white patterned rug.

Mother cradles a newborn in floral white swaddle while a young child kisses the baby on a patterned rug.

Mother sits on a rug in a nursery, holding a newborn while two children cuddle close in a tender family moment.

Family on nursery rug: mother cradles newborn as father and two children kiss the baby, beside a black crib and beige chair.

Two children peer into a black crib where a newborn sleeps swaddled in floral blanket on pink REAGAN ELIZABETH bedding.

Sleeping newborn in a crib with black bars, wearing a floral onesie on pink bedding with faint text.

Sleeping newborn in a floral onesie lies on pink crib bedding, framed by black crib bars with repeated ELIZABETH text.

Sleeping newborn in floral outfit on pink blanket printed with Reagan Elizabeth, peaceful close-up.

Sleeping newborn baby in a floral onesie on a pink blanket with repeated name text, eyes closed and fists curled.

Close-up of a baby’s hand in a white floral sleeve resting on a pink blanket with cursive white text, soft and tender mood.

Man cradles a sleeping newborn in a floral onesie on a beige chair, wearing a warm, tender expression.

Father gently kisses a sleeping newborn in a floral onesie, cradled on a beige couch in a warm home.

Couple gently cradle a sleeping newborn on a couch, leaning close in a calm, tender home scene with soft light.

Smiling couple with newborn on a couch in warm light, the woman leaning over as the man cradles the baby lovingly.

Mother gently cradles sleeping baby in floral swaddle on a beige couch, in a warm, quiet home setting.

New parents on a couch gently holding and admiring a sleeping newborn in a floral onesie

Couple cradles sleeping newborn on a beige couch in a warm, cozy home, both looking at the camera.

New parents gently cradle a sleeping newborn in a softly lit home, both looking down with tender expressions.

Sleeping newborn in floral blanket cradled by woman in pink dress, with another person supporting at left.

Mother cradles a sleeping newborn in a floral blanket, gazing down softly in warm indoor light.

Black couple cradling a sleeping newborn in a close indoor portrait, faces tender and calm in soft light.

Parents cuddling sleeping newborn; father kisses mother’s cheek, both holding baby in a warm indoor scene.

Mother cradles newborn while young girl kisses the baby in a cozy armchair, with warm light and a patterned rug nearby.

Mother cradles a sleeping newborn while a young child leans in beside her on a couch, warm family scene.

Mother holds a sleeping newborn while her young daughter reads a colorful book beside her on a beige couch in a cozy living room.

Mother breastfeeds a newborn on a couch while a young girl reads a colorful picture book in a cozy living room.

Mother cradles a sleeping baby while a child points at a colorful picture book on a patterned rug.

Newborn baby swaddled in white, tiny feet raised toward the camera against a soft beige background.

Newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket, lying on a cream background and gazing calmly at the camera.

Close-up profile of a newborn baby wearing a silver jeweled headband against a soft beige background

Smiling older child cradles a swaddled newborn on a white bed, both in cream tones, creating a warm, tender scene.

Close-up of a newborn’s tiny clenched hand against soft beige bedding, warm pink tones, peaceful mood

Close-up of a sleeping baby’s face, soft pink cheeks and lips against a blurred beige background, calm and peaceful.

Close-up of a newborn’s tiny hand with three fingers raised, wrapped in a white blanket, softly lit and peaceful.

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