Planning Your Newborn and Family Photography Session
Your baby is almost here, let’s get your newborn and family photos planned!
Welcoming a new baby into your life is an extraordinary moment, whether you’re pregnant, adopting, have gone through IVF, or welcomed your little one via surrogacy. The big moment is almost here—or maybe it has already arrived—and now is the perfect time to plan your newborn and family photography session. These timeless images will become cherished memories as you celebrate this life-changing milestone.
To help you navigate the process and ease any stress, here’s a complete guide to planning your newborn and family session. One thing I know as a maternity and newborn photographer of 15 years is that making your life easier is invaluable when you don’t have much time on your hands.
1. Choosing Between Lifestyle and Studio Newborn Photography
One of the first decisions to make is whether you’d like a lifestyle session or a studio session, as each offers a unique way to capture your growing family.
Lifestyle Sessions: A Glimpse Into Your New Daily Life
Lifestyle newborn photography takes a more documentary approach, focusing on your family in the comfort of your home. These sessions highlight real-life moments, capturing interactions such as cuddles on the couch, feeding time, and the simple beauty of your new routine. This style is perfect if you want:
- A natural and relaxed feel.
- To showcase the baby’s nursery or favorite corners of your home or our boho daybed area in the studio.
- To include siblings or pets in a familiar environment.
Before the session, we’ll discuss the best areas of your home to use, prioritizing spots with the best lighting and your family’s comfort.
Studio Sessions: Styled Posing in Adorable Props
Studio newborn photography captures your baby in adorable, carefully posed positions—think tiny hands curled under cheeks and snug, womb-like wraps. These sessions focus on styled setups with soft posing fabrics, hand-picked props, and dreamy textures. Studio sessions are ideal if you want:
- Artistic set ups including props.
- Poses emphasizing tiny features like flaky toes, fuzzy cheeks, and curled fingers.
- A controlled environment where lighting and temperature are optimized for your baby’s comfort.
For studio sessions, you’ll receive a preparation guide to help ensure a sleepy, happy baby, along with a discussion about the colors and setups you prefer.
2. When to Schedule Your Newborn Photography Session
The best time to photograph newborns is within the first two weeks after birth. During this time, your baby is still in the sleepy, curly stage, making it easier to capture those sweet, tucked poses. They also retain their fresh details—soft skin, flaky toes, and tiny hands—that change quickly in the weeks after delivery.
If your baby arrives early or later than expected, don’t worry—just let me know, and we’ll adjust the timing as needed.
3. Preparing for Your Session
Planning ahead can make the session stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. Here are some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:
For Lifestyle Sessions
- Keep outfits simple and comfortable for everyone, opting for neutral tones that complement your home.
- Don’t worry about tidying every corner—we’ll work around the spaces that matter most.
- Plan activities for older siblings to keep them engaged during the session.
For Studio Sessions
- Follow the prep guide I’ll provide, which includes feeding and nap tips to help your baby feel calm and sleepy.
- Bring extra diapers, wipes, and a pacifier (if your baby uses one) for quick soothing.
- Choose simple, neutral clothing for parents and siblings, keeping the focus on your baby.
Including the Whole Family
Your newborn session is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate your family as a whole. Whether it’s just you and your baby or a larger family, I encourage you to join in the photos. Parents, siblings, and even pets can add layers of connection and joy to these images. Don’t worry about feeling camera-ready—my focus is on capturing authentic love and connection.
Why Newborn Photos Matter
In the blur of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, it can be hard to slow down and take in how fleeting these early moments are. Newborn photography freezes this small windor in images you’ll treasure forever. Whether you’re cradling your baby at home or admiring their tiny features in a studio portrait, these photos will remind you of just how small and perfect they were.
Ready to Plan Your Session?
Whether you’re planning ahead or just realizing it’s time to book a session now that your baby has arrived, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s capture the joy, love, and connection of this incredible chapter in your life.
