tips for your
at home newborn Photoshoot
Lifestyle photoshoots aim to capture a more natural, un-staged appearance to the images. At-home lifestyle newborn sessions are about the connection and love that family members have for their new addition. During your session, I'll capture special moments with each family member and the baby, as well as the family all together. If you have pets, we can also include them in some images.

Where will we shoot?
The session will take place at your home, preferably in the nursery, master bedroom, and/or living room. We can also take some photos outdoors if the weather permits.
You should open the blinds/curtains to let in as much light as possible. Try to keep the areas near the beds, windows, sofa's etc. tidy and minimal. Move anything that has wires showing, such as baby monitors, or anything you don't want in the shot, like baby swings. If you need to, just push some things to one side of the room, to keep one area (near the windows) as minimal as possible. Think instagram vs reality! You should make your bed and if possible, have a neutral quilt/comforter on top.


How can I make my baby comfortable for the shoot?
It's a good idea to try and feed your baby and change their diaper right before the shoot, so that they are sleepy and content. However, newborns are unpredictable. Please do not worry if they are crying or need to be fed/changed during the shoot. Lifestyle photoshoots are about capturing the real moments. So just relax and let me capture sweet moments for you!

What should we wear?
First and foremost, I always recommend wearing whatever you are comfortable with. In the case of newborn sessions, I advise to keep it simple and comfortable. Neutral, light (creams, whites, earth tones, grays or pastel tones) work best. Neon colors and bold patterns etc. are distracting, we want the focus to be on your sweet baby. Stay away from prominent logos or writing on clothing. You should try to subtly match with family members. You can do this by picking 3 or 4 colors from the same color palette and avoiding patterns that will clash. I have two other blogs that advise on what to wear for photoshoots. You may find them helpful to give you a general idea.
Please remember that these are just suggestions. I know that those first few weeks of having a newborn are hectic. I barely had a moment to drink a cup of tea, yet alone pick out matching outfits. I am there to document the real moments. So, if that means you will be wearing your pajamas that's OK too!


Try to relax
I know that it can feel stressful. This is such a special time for your family, and I know that you will want everything to be just perfect. But try to relax and have fun. I will take your baby’s lead and allow them to be the focus of the shoot. If they cry, need a diaper change or feed, it’s okay. Just do whatever you need to do, and I will create sweet images that you will look back on in years to come and love.


Siblings
Depending on the timing of the shoot, try to keep older children on their regular sleep schedule. We want them to be well rested and happy for the session. Try to keep the tone of the day fun leading up to my arrival. Tell them that a friend is coming to take some fun photos of our family. If possible, think about having a friend or family member come along to occupy little ones if they are not wanting to participate or if we need to focus on the baby for some shots. Please don't think that your children need to be perfectly behaved. I do not expect that. I expect children to act like children. If little ones are cranky or not wanting to "pose" we can work around it and capture some sweet candid moments.
