The birth of a newborn is a magical time filled with priceless, (but fleeting) moments. With more families opting for a lifestyle newborn photography approach to documenting those early memories, it is becoming increasingly popular to capture those memories with authenticity and heart. Lifestyle newborn photography is much different than posed newborn photography because it incorporates the genuine interactions, feelings and beautiful chaos that exist in your home while welcoming a new baby into your life.

In this article we will unpack everything you need to know about lifestyle newborn photography including prep tips and recommended practices, along with why this style is on the rise in popularity!

 

What Is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?

Lifestyle newborn photography is a more modern approach to documenting the newborn baby with their family. A lifestyle newborn session is intended to capture interactions between your newborn baby and other family members, including sibling interactions and even pets. The goal with a lifestyle newborn session is to show a true representation of the newborns first few days spent at home versus placing them in very stylized poses with lots of elaborate props.

Elements we feature in lifestyle newborn photography include:

•  Moments that are natural and unpos
• Family connection and interactio
•  Use of natural light
• Authentic family home settings rather than a studio backdrop

The end result will be a timeless collection of timeless images that represent your family’s authentic love and joy.

 

What are the Benefits of Lifestyle Newborn Photography

More and more families are turning to lifestyle newborn photography for some very good reasons:

1. Authenticity

The beauty of lifestyle newborn photography is that it’s truthful. The tiny yawns, sleepy cuddles, and sibling curiosity, are captured just as they are – with no forced posing or set up.

2. Comfort
Lifestyle newborn photography typically occurs in the family’s own home, which means everyone can feel more comfortable. Parents can more easily relax, and babies can be comfortable in their own environments.

3. Storytelling
Every family has a unique story. Lifestyle newborn photography shows your baby’s first crib, the family dog peeking in, and your kids’ connection – the subtle details that add depth to and make your family’s story unique.

4. Flexibility
In a traditional newborn session, much of the time there are restrictions regarding when the session can occur. Most photographers require that the session takes place within the first 10 days of baby being born, while lifestyle newborn photography does not need to take place at a specific point in time. This type of photography can be done when baby is a couple weeks old, a month, or even a couple months old! your family is much more flexible, and traditional photographers do not offer this benefit.

 

Preparing for a Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session

Preparing for a lifestyle newborn photography session is straightforward but essential for capturing beautiful, stress-free photographs.

1. Choose Comfy Outfits
Choose neutral and soft colors, and simple clothing that won’t be distracting in the photograph. Coordinate outfits that fit your family, but they do not have to be matching outfits for lifestyle newborn photography.

2. Tidy Up A Little
Your home does not have to be spotless. Tidy up just a bit and declutter the areas you want to be captured for the photos. You can tidy up areas like the nursery, living room and master bedroom. Remember, lifestyle photography is all about being real and genuine NOT perfect.

3. Plan For Daylight
Natural light is important for lifestyle newborn photography. The best time to schedule your session would be in the daytime when natural light shines best in your home. Your photographer will probably want to find the brightest rooms in your home for the session.

4. Have Everything Nearby
Have a couple of swaddles, pacifiers, and burp cloths nearby, just in case. If the baby needs a break or feeding or diaper change, those can be incorporated and will ultimately just help tell the story.

 

What Will You Get in a Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session?

A lifestyle newborn photography session will be relaxed and adaptable to your family.

1. Candid Routines
Rather than having you forced-posed for the pictures, your photographer will take you through your natural activities like snuggling, feeding, or staring into each other’s eyes during your session. Those real moments are what lifestyle newborn photography is all about!

2. The Whole Family
All family members, including siblings and pets, are encouraged to participate in the session. At the end of the day, lifestyle newborn photography involves capturing your new dynamic as a family.

3. Limited Props
A lifestyle newborn photography session is not going to include elaborate props or backdrop considerations. A blanket, special toy, or chair may be included, but the focus will be on capturing the connection with your baby and your family, not the chosen props.

 

Advice for a Great Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session

To get the best out of your lifestyle newborn photography session requires thought and lots of love.

1. Trust the Photographer
It is important to hire a photographer that specializes in lifestyle newborn photography and trust their artistic vision. They will know how to make great use of the light, go out of their way to find perfect angles, and anticipate emotional moments.

2. Be Patient
Newborns are unpredictable. If your baby needs to be fed, needs to cry, or needs to sleep…that’s part of it. Some of the most moving images come from real moments that wasn’t on your previous ‘to-do’ list.

3. Focus on Each Other
Forget about holding the camera, holding the settings, and holding focus. Think about your baby, your partner, your family. Raw emotions produce the prettiest images.

4. Keep It Light and Fun
Permission to laugh, snuggle and play are critical to a successful lifestyle newborn photography session. Lifestyle newborn photography takes advantage of showing authentic, loving experience between a mother, father, or family members emoting real love.

 

How to Choose The Right Photographer for Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Not every photographer is a lifestyle newborn photographer, so it’s important to make sure that you find a lifestyle newborn photographer whose style matches your vision.

Remember to consider the following when you are looking to find the right photographer for you:

• Review the photographer’s portfolio for consistent natural emotional images.
• Ask the photographer how he or she handles the safety and comfort of your newborn baby.
• Read a few testimonials to ensure you are getting a photographer who has history of satisfied clients and is experienced.
• Discuss how the photographer will handle lighting, posing and the setting of your home.

If the photographer understands lifestyle newborn photography, their goal should be to capture beautiful images of your newborn baby and your family in a way that keeps your infant happy and safe while still telling a beautiful story in that moment in time.

 

Commonly Asked Questions About Lifestyle Newborn Photography

1. When Should the Baby Be Photographed?
The great thing about lifestyle newborn photography is that it’s very flexible! Traditional posed newborn sessions normally happen within 7-14 days after birth, however, lifestyle newborn photography sessions can mostly happen any time in the first 2 months.

2. What Is The Duration Of A Session?
The average duration of a lifestyle newborn photography session is 1.5 to 3 hours. This longer duration allows for feeding, diaper changing, and comforting of the newborn to happen naturally, rather than being rushed through the session.

3. What If My Home Is Small or Dark?
Photographers who specialize in lifestyle newborn photography, have the experience and skills to work with different lighting situations as well as smaller spaces. It usually only takes at least 2 or 3 good lit spaces to create beautiful and compelling images.

 

The Future of Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Lifestyle newborn photography will continue to grow, as families are looking for meaningful and authentic ways to document their families. The accessibility of lifestyle newborn photography has changed a lot. Virtual consultations, in-home studio setups, and hybrid documentary style are all making lifestyle newborn photography more attainable.

With the influence of social media, the desire for real is growing. Many families are sharing unfiltered and raw photos without any interest in perfection.

 

Conclusion—Why Is Lifestyle Newborn Photography the Best Choice?

If you want to look back on your baby’s first days of life (for many years to come) in an honest and authentic way, Lifestyle newborn photography is the best choice. It doesn’t just capture the way your baby looked, but also the way your family loved, connected and lived during this incredible transition to postpartum.

Lifestyle newborn photography is so special because it is real, it is authentic, it is comfortable, and it is a unique storytelling opportunity; for families who are seeking something more than pretty photos, it is a family documentary that encapsulates what being a family is all about.

If you are experiencing pregnancy for the first time, or adding to your family, booking a lifestyle newborn photography session means you will have meaningful and emotional photographs to remember for a lifetime.