tips for your

at home newborn Photoshoot

DENVER NEWBORN PHOTOGRAHER

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.

Close up image of a newborn feet cradled in a womans hands

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.

Woman sat in a nursing chair in a nursery, she is holding a baby in her arms,looking down one hand is holding babys hand
Shot from outside the bedroom looking in, woman sat on a bed feeding a newborn, guitar on right side wall

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!

Image of a woman holding a newborn baby. She is looking down at the baby and smiling

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!

Woman and man stood next to a window, woman is holding a newborn, both looking down smiling at baby
Side shot close up on a baby held in mothers arms, head in mothers hands, fathers arms wrapped around moms from behind

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.

Woman and man sat on a bed, woman holding new born, both looking down at baby smiling
black and white close up of a newborn held on mothers chest, babys head on mothers shoulder, she is wearing a white bow

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.

mother sat on front corner of bed, holding a newborn in her arms, little girl hugging mom, sat down, boy jumping on bed