Unlike traditional posed newborn photography, lifestyle sessions focus on the authentic moments between you and your family, creating images that feel relaxed, natural, and full of love. Lifestyle setheirssions are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed approach and want to document this stage in a way that feels real and true to your family.

What is a Lifestyle Newborn Session?

Lifestyle newborn photography is all about capturing the simple, heartfelt interactions in a natural way. Instead of focusing on formal poses, this session emphasizes candid, everyday moments between you and your newborn. Think of snuggling together in your bedroom, feeding or soothing your baby, or watching them stretch in their crib. The result is a collection of genuine, timeless images that reflect your family’s personality and bond.

I can include some posed newborn pictures during our session. However, my style is minimalist, with only minimal use of props.

Setting Expectations

First and foremost, there’s no rush in lifestyle newborn sessions. On average, these sessions last a few hours, but only part of that time is spent photographing. I typically start the session around 10 am. We also take time to prepare, adjust, and get the perfect shots. And really, there’s no need to worry if you’re not ready right when I arrive. I’ll be setting up, testing the light, and making sure everything is just right.

You’re in the early days of a whole new life chapter, with all the chaos of sleepless nights and a major routine shift. Don’t stress if the house isn’t spotless or if things feel a little hectic, that’s totally normal. So let’s take it easy, enjoy the process, and capture these precious moments together. The goal is to create a comfortable and stress-free environment, allowing moments to unfold naturally. It’s about enjoying the time together as a family rather than posing for a perfect shot

Pre-Session Consultation

Before the session, we’ll have a consultation to go over your vision, style preferences, and any specific shots you’d love to capture. This is also the time to address any concerns or questions you may have about the day, so you feel prepared and relaxed when the session arrives.

In the days leading up to the session, consider prepping your home by choosing a few rooms with good natural light, like the nursery, living room, or bedroom. Don’t worry about having a picture-perfect space! I’m an expert at finding the best angles and light, so it’s all about capturing the moments, not the background. If you’re unsure about the spaces, I’m happy to guide you or even take a look at some photos of your home to recommend the best areas.

How to Prepare Your Baby for the Day of the Session

For the best results, aim to keep your baby awake for about an hour before the session to ensure they’re ready for a good nap during the shoot. A warm bath can help keep them alert initially and ready to sleep afterward. Feeding your baby just before we begin will also help them feel content and comfortable for those snuggly, sleepy shots.

In terms of attire, keep things simple! Neutral tones and soft fabrics photograph beautifully, letting your baby be the star of the show. For your newborn, a white onesie or swaddle is perfect for capturing their tiny details. And if you’d like to include any personal items like an heirloom blanket or a favourite toy, these can add a meaningful touch to the photos.

Wardrobe Tips for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session

For a cohesive look in your photos, natural, neutral tones are the way to go. For moms, think soft shades like nude, white, camel, grey, baby blue or light pink. Simple options work best, such as a white shirt with a camisole paired with jeans or a skirt. A flowy dress in cream or white is also a lovely choice. Avoid busy prints to keep the focus on your family, and remember, you have access to my client closet. I’m happy to bring any dresses I have available on the day of your session.

For dads, coordinating with mom’s colours is ideal. A nice shirt in shades like nude, white, or dark grey pairs well with jeans, tan shorts, or khakis. Similarly, for siblings, simple T-shirts or shirts and pants or neutral-coloured dresses work best. Again, avoid prints and logos to keep the look clean and timeless.

It’s a good idea to prepare one or two extra outfits for everyone, just in case of any spit-ups or leaks. This way, we’ll be ready for anything while keeping everyone looking fresh and comfortable.

Props and Newborn Wardrobe

There’s no need to provide any props yourself. I’ll bring my full newborn session kit, which includes:

• Bows and beanies.
• Basic newborn outfits (ribbed onesies in dusty pink, light blue, and cream).
• Diaper covers (newborn and 3-month sizes).
• Swaddles (a wide variety of colors and textures).
• Newborn baskets.

Feel free to use any special outfits or items you’d like your little one to be photographed in. If you have something specific, like grandma’s knitted romper, just let me know when I arrive so we can incorporate it smoothly into the session.

What Happens on the Day of the Session

On the day of your lifestyle newborn session, we’ll take our time to create a relaxing experience for you and your family. We’ll start in one of the pre-selected areas of your home, following the natural light. As we go, I’ll guide you into natural positions and interactions, helping you and your family feel comfortable without focusing too much on posing. We can even go for a family walk to add some variety to the session.

Expect the session to be slow-paced, with plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, and cuddles. Some of the best shots happen during these breaks, capturing the little details like a parent’s gentle touch or a sibling’s curiosity. I’ll also work with you to include other family members, even pets, to capture the complete family dynamic.

After the Session: What’s Next?

After the session, I’ll carefully select and edit the best images to ensure they’re high-quality and reflect the warmth and love of your family. You can expect a variety of shots, from close-up details to broader family moments. Once the editing process is complete, you’ll receive a gallery of images to view, download, and share with loved ones.

I also offer print options, albums, and other products if you’d like to create a tangible keepsake from your session. I’m here to guide you through the choices, so you can cherish these moments for years to come.