If you're a parent-to-be in the Oakland, CA, area, you may be interested in a lifestyle newborn photography session.
These sessions capture your little one in their natural environment, in your arms, instead of posed shots in a studio.
This brief guide will provide an overview of what to expect from a lifestyle newborn photo session and tips for getting great results.
Quick Overview of Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Lifestyle newborn photography is a great way to capture the love and connection with your new addition.
Lifestyle sessions take place in the comfort of your own home and can capture moments like diaper changes, feeding time, bath time, and more.
The goal is to create timeless and artistic images of your bond with your newest family member.
As a lifestyle photographer, I opt for natural light, no fancy poses, just simple props (like a baby blanket), and artistic editing to ensure your newborn's true personality, and your connection shines through in the photos.
Benefits of a Lifestyle Session
Lifestyle newborn photography offers several advantages over typical studio newborn shoots.
The most obvious benefit is it allows you to capture your baby at home in their natural environment, surrounded by the people that love them. Packing a bag and loading everyone in the car is unnecessary.
And home sessions make for a more relaxed atmosphere and often result in better photos - since parents, siblings, and babies tend to be more comfortable and cooperative when in a familiar setting.
How to Prepare for the Photo Session
Before I arrive, there are a few things that you can do to make the session run smoothly.
First and foremost, your home doesn’t need to be clean and clutter-free. Let me repeat that, your home doesn’t need to look like a cover of architectural digest. You just had a baby! I’ll move anything that I think might be distracting. It does help to open all blinds and curtains and turn off any artificial lighting that might interfere with the images.
Finally, ensuring your baby is well-rested, fed, changed, and generally content before the photographer arrives is important. But, even if you do all those things, it doesn’t ensure that baby won’t need to be fed, changed, or comforted during the session. And that’s okay. I aim to capture a glimpse of your real life with a newborn. And your real life includes all of those things and more.
What to Expect on the Day of the Shoot
On the day of the shoot, I will arrive a few minutes early to get a feel for the space.
I like to start by greeting the siblings and ensuring they are comfortable with the camera. We’ll discuss any ideas or special requests you may have for the photos, and then move on to shooting in various locations around your home, such as a nursery or living room.
I’ll capture real moments of your little one with the family. I don’t do fancy poses; I believe the best place for your little one is in your arms. Sessions typically last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
After your session, you can expect to receive a selection of stunning images that capture all the joy and beauty of this special time in life.
Tips for Getting Great Results from Your Photos
To get the most out of your lifestyle newborn photography session, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Prepare by creating a comfortable atmosphere and ensuring your baby is rested, fed, and content before the photographer arrives.
- Discuss any ideas or special requests you may have with your photographer before the session.
- Don’t expect siblings to want to be involved the entire time. Depending on the age of the siblings, there may be a little or a lot of participation.
- Remember to relax and enjoy the moment - this is a precious time you'll never get back in your family's life!
With these tips, you will be sure to capture beautiful memories of your newborn through lifestyle photography. Enjoy the moments - they won't last forever!
So don't wait - make sure to book your session today!
Leigh Ann – Your Oakland, CA, Family, and Newborn Photographer. Serving perfectly imperfect families throughout the Bay Area.
P.S. Be sure to signup below for my monthly newsletter, where you can get tips and tricks for capturing your adventures with your family and early access to my shoot dates.
