5 Tips for Planning Your Lifestyle Newborn Session From An Expert Photographer

Tips For Planning Your Lifestyle Newborn Session

For my shooting style, a lifestyle session is the perfect way to capture the excitement and love of a new baby. As a Northern Virginia birth photographer, helping you plan and prep for your lifestyle newborn session is at the top of my list as your session approaches. These sessions are laid back and don’t require new parents to load up their baby gear and leave their house.

There are no props, no forcing babies into uncomfortable sleeping positions, and no stressed-out parents when the baby doesn’t sleep. 

Top 5 Tips For Planning Your Lifestyle Newborn Session

Here are five of my favorite Tips For Planning Your Lifestyle Newborn Session!

Prepare Your Space

We will spend most of your session in the primary bedroom and the nursery. Opening the blinds and drawing back the curtains allows for the most natural light to enter the room, making for bright, well-lit images. Keeping nightstands and dressers clear of any clutter helps to keep distractions in the pictures to a minimum.

Get a Bite To Eat 

Feed your baby (and yourself) just before I arrive. Babies with full tummies tend to stay happy much longer, and “milk-drunk” babies make for the most adorable images. This tip also applies to dads and older siblings!

Keep Wardrobe Simple for Baby 

Most newborns do not fill out their clothes and are usually more content when wrapped in a swaddling blanket. I cannot recommend “organic cotton” swaddling blankets enough. It is much more sturdy than muslin swaddling cloths and will keep baby nice and cozy for our session. 

You can find them on Etsy by searching “organic cotton swaddle”! You can find a few of my favorite swaddle blanket shops here and here. 

If you can’t find one you love, I will bring a simple white one on the day of your session. If baby does fill out a onesie, a simple white one is best!

Plan Ahead for The Rest of The Family 

You’ll want to be comfortable in what you decide to wear! Light, neutral colors are always a safe choice. White, cream, and gray are great and soft pastels are also an excellent option. 

Remember, you don’t match your partner; instead, choose complementary options.

For men, pants are usually preferable over shorts, and a button-up or v-neck t-shirt works well. 

For mamas, if you have a maternity dress you love, feel free to prepare that for the day of. Maxi dresses tend to be the most flattering to photograph. 

I am also happy to bring a few from my in-studio wardrobe. Just chat with me before our session so I can pull a handful of beautiful options for you! 

Take a Deep Breath 

Remember to relax. Babies can sense if you are anxious! Newborn sessions can take some time as these little ones like to be snuggled, fed, and changed frequently. I don’t keep track of the time and never schedule other sessions on the same day as a newborn session just to be safe. This gives us plenty of time to capture you and your family in those first few weeks without the stress of a timeline on the day of your session. 

Bonus Tip 

For parents with toddlers: shoot me an e-mail and let me know if and when their nap time is! I always recommend having the toddler “practice” holding the baby beforehand. Use extra pillows if you have to, or have the toddler sit in Dad’s lap with the baby in your toddler’s lap for support. 

Having a “treat” on hand is good, such as m&m’s, fruit snacks, or teddy grahams. Something that we can reward the toddler with each time they smile or kiss baby for a picture tends to encourage them more than promising a larger treat at the end!

Tips For Planning Your Lifestyle Newborn Session

Did you enjoy reading this post about Tips For Planning Your Lifestyle Newborn Session? Are you hoping to see more posts like it? You can find more newborn photography blog posts from a Northern Virginia Newborn Photographer here, here, and here. If you are looking for studio maternity photos or lifestyle newborn photography in your home, you can find those here and here!

Ever wondered what a newborn photographer recommends you pack for your newborn session? Find my packing list over on this blog post. If you are looking for more tips and tricks, you can find my Must Have Newborn Items From A Newborn Photographer here, or Breastfeeding Must Haves From A Twin Mom Here. 

Looking for nursery inspiration as you decorate for your new little love? You can see our Gender Neutral Twin Nursery Here, and our Gender Neutral Safari Theme Nursery here.

Please contact me if you’re looking for an in-studio lifestyle newborn photography session, an in home lifestyle newborn photography session, or a studio maternity session, or a milestone session with your baby and loved ones. I would love to work with you! You can also visit my portfolio here or follow me on Instagram for updates on availability and upcoming events. Santa sessions take place each fall in the studio and all families are welcome to join the waitlist!  You can also visit my portfolio here or follow me on Instagram for updates on availability and upcoming events. Additionally, head over to my Pinterest for ideas and inspiration for our session together.