FEEL PREPARED AND AT EASE AS WE CAPTURE HEARTFELT MOMENTS THAT WILL TELL THE BEAUTIFUL STORY OF YOUR FAMILY.

Newborn lifestyle session style guide

​

Congratulations on welcoming your little one! A lifestyle newborn session is a wonderful way to document this special time with authentic, heartfelt photos. To help you prepare for your session, here are some tips for outfit choices, preparing your home, getting your little one ready, and involving siblings.

Clothing Suggestions


For Parents:
  • Choose neutral, pastel or earthly colors, such as white, beige, cream, gray, blush, brown, green or blue. These tones keep the focus on your family and your baby.
  • Choose a color palette you love and work within it to pick outfits. See below for color palette ideas.
  • Avoid bold patterns, logos, or bright colors that might distract from the natural feel of the photos.
  • Flowy dresses, knit sweaters, or simple button-up shirts photograph beautifully. Opt for fabrics with soft textures.
  • Keep your look timeless by avoiding overly trendy pieces. Barefoot or cozy socks can add a relaxed vibe if photographed indoors.

For Baby:
  • Keep it simple! Neutral onesies, swaddle blankets, or a plain diaper cover are ideal. Avoid clothing with text or bold patterns.
  • A lightweight swaddle in soft textures, like muslin or jersey, adds warmth and versatility. Have a few neutral options ready.


For Siblings:
  • Dress siblings in complementary colors to the parents’ outfits. Soft, solid tones work best.
  • For younger children, consider outfits like simple dresses, plain rompers, or knit sweaters.
  • Avoid clothing with characters, logos, or busy prints.
  • If your child is comfortable, barefoot is perfect for an in-home session.

Preparing Baby


TIMING

Sessions are typically held within the first 2-3 weeks when your baby is still sleepy and cuddly.


FEEDING

Aim to feed your baby just before the session to help them feel content and calm. Breaks for feeding or soothing during the session are always welcome and expected.



WARMTH

Ensure your home is warm enough to keep your baby cozy, especially if we’re doing photos with minimal clothing or swaddling.

Preparing Your Home


One of the beautiful aspects of lifestyle sessions is capturing your family in your own space. Here are a few tips to get your home photo-ready.


NATURAL LIGHT:

I love to shoot in naturally lit areas, so open up curtains or blinds in the rooms we’ll be using. If your space doesn’t get much light, no worries—I can bring additional lighting if needed.


KEY SPACES:

We’ll typically shoot in the nursery, main living areas, or primary bedroom. Make sure these areas are tidy and clutter-free, but don’t stress about perfection! We can adjust things as needed during the session.


PERSONAL TOUCHES:

Include meaningful elements like a cozy throw blanket, favorite books, or nursery decor that reflects your family’s style.

Tips for Siblings


  • Let siblings know that the session will be relaxed and fun. We’ll capture playful and candid moments to keep things light and enjoyable.
  • Bring along a small favorite toy or snack to keep them happy during downtime.
  • Allow them to interact naturally with the baby—gentle kisses, snuggles, or holding hands make for the sweetest photos.
  • Keep expectations realistic for younger siblings; it’s okay if they need a little encouragement or a break.

Additional Notes


If you have a special item, like a family heirloom blanket or a meaningful stuffed animal, feel free to include it in the session. I will bring along a few neutral swaddles and a woven basket to use for some of the photos if you would like.


Relax and enjoy the moment! The goal is to capture the love and connection between your family members during this fleeting, beautiful time. I can’t wait to document these cherished memories for you! If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.