What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Is essentially a baby-led and incredibly relaxed approach to capturing the newest addition to your family; all in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
The focus is on your connection as a family, meaning I do not prop or pose little one into unnatural positions, but instead document all the heartfelt moments and tiny details (Think tiny toes and BIG stretches!) If you’re curious about booking a Newborn Lifestyle Session, then you’re in the right place to find out about common concerns and questions asked by parents:
What age should newborn photos be taken?
A Baby-led approach means there is no strict age restriction.
One of the most common concerns is whether you have missed the window for a Newborn Session. This stems from the world of Posed Newborn Photography where a lot of the poses require baby to be sleeping, so ten days is usually stipulated as being the ideal time.
This isn’t the case for Lifestyle Newborn Photography sessions.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography uses baby-led posing, meaning that your baby will tell us where they want to be positioned. Usually nestled in your arms and when/if they feel settled then popped down somewhere safe where they can stretch out, be wide-eyed, or fall asleep.
Although every baby is so different in temperament, there are some generalisations that can help with planning for when you would want your Newborn Session:
1-2 weeks: Babies are generally very sleepy, settle easily, and usually haven’t developed baby acne yet (3 weeks onwards).
2-4 weeks: An in-between phase where they could be either sleepy or wide awake. Not quite smiling yet but will typically look towards you.
4-6 weeks: Usually alert and can be sensitive to being moved around. They make eye contact and may have developed a social smile by this stage.
Ultimately a Lifestyle Newborn Session allows you the flexibility to book in for when you feel ready, a beautiful example of an older Newborn session can be found here.
Baby Cohen is 3.5 weeks old here, and was born prematurely.
How long is a lifestyle newborn session?
You can expect a Newborn Session to last up to 2 hours.
Leaving plenty of time for nappy changes, feeds, settling, and even a cup of tea! Essentially there’s no rushing and our session flows around whatever little one needs. Throughout the session, we’ll chat and I’ll encourage you to move, interact with little one, cuddle in, and essentially just be yourselves.
Where do you take photos for a lifestyle Newborn session?
I come to your home and usually set up within the nursery, living room and/or master bedroom depending on the natural light and your preference.
On arrival I’ll ask to have a look around to assess the rooms with the most flattering light which can sometimes include your hallway! You do not need to stress about the state of your house, cleaning should be at the bottom of the ‘to do’ list when you’ve got a Newborn baby!
So the best thing is to decide on where you would like the photos and focus your attention on de-cluttering that space, even if it’s just stashing some stuff from that room to the next for the time being. Trust me, I know how it is!
How can we prepare?
For a laid-back and relaxed session there are a few things you can prep:
Once booked in parents are eager to know how to prepare for their Newborn Photography Session which is great! I have written a separate blog all about How to Prepare For Your Newborn Session which includes what to wear.
Would a Newborn Lifestyle Session suit our family?
A Lifestyle Approach to Newborn Photography allows you the opportunity to create meaningful photographs
This approach to photography is PERFECT for you if:
You prefer a relaxed and baby-led approach
You LOVE the candid and in-between photographs + tiny details documented
You’re looking for a minimalist approach that focuses on connections
You’re wanting to celebrate your new baby and document this hazy but special time.
If you are still undecided, then why not check out 5 reasons to choose a Lifestyle Photographer
When Should we book in?
The sooner the better really!
We can put in a tentative date approx. 1-2 weeks after your due date with the flexibility to change it OR if little one is already here then secure one of my available dates. I only ever schedule one session a day, giving you the flexibility to choose a time (As Newborn Sessions are at home, they can be anytime to suit you)
Ultimately a Lifestyle Newborn session is time set aside to capture you as a family and is a chance to give that little baby of yours a cuddle and your sole focus whilst I’m the one busily working around you.
Check out my pricing and please do not hesitate to get in touch to ask any questions or better yet, book me in !