Prep Guide for your In-Home Newborn Lifestyle Session
I love to document newborn sessions in your cozy home!
You get to showcase your brand new family member in the comfort of your home with parents, siblings, and pets. Babies change so much in the first few weeks, so I love being able to capture that brand new goodness for parents in the familiarity of your own home.
While lifestyle newborn sessions are pretty laid-back, there is some prep work & planning involved for our session.
NOTE: Lifestyle can be as real life as you want it to be. It’s all about your comfort level; this shouldn’t be a stressful process. Don’t worry about dressing a certain way or cleaning the house top to bottom. You’re tired and recovering, Mama. This is just some guidance. We want to focus on the moments and connections of your growing family.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
We will have a tentative date on the calendar for 7-10 days after your due date. After your baby arrives, I like to have my Mama's email me after their little one is here, that way we can adjust the date for our session, if needed. Most of my newborn sessions take place when baby is anywhere from 7- 14 days old. This is important because I like to shoot when baby is still in the womb-like stage and very sleepy. This timeframe can be extended if you would like your baby documented a little older because this is YOUR lifestyle session.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Start with mom’s outfit and build from that. Simple is best but remember to also be comfortable.
Keep colors neutral but don't be afraid to add a little pop of color! Whites, creams, greys, and subdued colors--especially earth tones-- always photograph the best. It also helps to keep photos from looking heavy and dark. Light colors just feel dreamy!
And if you aren't concerned, you can stop reading this part now. Try and avoid bright and bold colors (neons), super dark colors like black and navy blue and big patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want the focus to be on you and your little one, not what your shirt said. Same rules apply to siblings. Try and avoid clothing with characters, sequins and neons.
From a cozy oversized sweater and leggings, to a pretty floral or linen dress, the options are endless for you Mamas! This is totally up to you! And if you're unsure, send me pics. I'm more than happy to help!
And what about Dad? Guys look great in a basic tee or henley. Think timeless. Brown, olive green, or tan cords, jeans, khakis, or linen pants are some other alternatives to blue jeans. If dad insists on an outfit with blue jeans, please have him be the only one.
Baby typically looks best wrapped up in a blanket or wearing a well-fitting gown or set (Lou Lou & Company) or a plain white outfit (H&M has a great kimono style onesie).
SESSION TIMING:
I start my sessions around 10-10:30AM, for two reasons. First, baby is usually more
settled in the morning and likely to be sleepy & content. And second, I need all the light I can get, and the late morning/early afternoon is going to give us the most light. If this time just doesn't work with siblings, Dad working, etc I'II do my best to accommodate!
NATURAL LIGHT:
I LOVE natural light and capturing your new baby and family in the natural light in your
house! We will be embracing your home's natural light (open up those window
curtains), turning off the overhead lights and taking advantage of the natural brightness as much as possible. This is why it's important to do these sessions during the brightest part of the day. I'll get you all next to windows as much as possible - we will take full advantage of the light coming into your house.
I will bring my bassinet basket to take come close up images of your baby in the best lighting possible. Sometimes nursery's are a little dark so this helps capture the little baby features.
Sending me a few pics of locations you'd like to use in your home, so I can see what kind of lighting I'll have. Please email them to me at tsteffenphoto@gmail.com.
PREPPING IN THE DAYS PRIOR:
If you love the look of fresh nails and hair, or you've been meaning to get your
eyebrows done, etc---this is your reminder--schedule your appointments.
Keep baby lotioned up to help battle the dry skin and flakes. Try on any new outfits to ensure
they fit, comfortably. Bodies change SO much during pregnancy and post-partum.
If it'd make you feel more at ease, pick up any areas we'll be using. It's helpful for clutter to be cleared off the dressers, floors, nightstand, etc., before the session. The best rooms to tell the story of your new baby are typically the nursery and your bedroom (ideally on a white or very light/neutral bedspread). It's totally up to you--if you really want lifestyle and some real life, let it be. But if you know it'll bother you it's worth the prep work.
THAT MORNING:
Take a walk around your home or the areas we'll be photographing in, looking for anything you don't want in your pictures. Go stuff 'em in a closet for now. Make sure little one has a fresh diaper. Try and feed baby just before your session time or when I arrive, if at all possible. This ensures baby has a full belly and will hopefully be happy and cooperative for pics! If you would like any feeding/nursing pictures, we absolutely can do this at the beginning of the session…so hold off feeding baby until I get there and we'll get some feeding/nursing pics done first!
Give baby and siblings faces a quick wipe down. Check outfits for any stains they may have gotten at breakfast.
Anyone wear a smart watch? These often glow and stand out in pictures. I recommend taking them off but ultimately it's up to you. Have Dad take his wallet, cell phone, keys, etc out of his pockets for the time being.
PROPS:
A lot of our time during your lifestyle session is candid yet strategic (on my part). Leave any 'props' that you'd want to include up to your discretion! You can absolutely round up your own items to incorporate into photos, such as your own swaddles, hats, baskets, headbands, outfits, etc... for baby
Outfit/blanket changes are absolutely okay and I love when we get some a variety of pictures of baby in different outfits and blankets!
POSING:
So although lifestyle sessions are heavily candid, I'll still be assisting with some basic posing. Nothing wild, cheesy or awkward! If I notice I can't see baby's face while they're in your arms, I'll have you adjust. I might need you to change positions, angles, etc. I might have an idea for something that I want to try. But really, my priorities are lighting, comfort, and showing your connection. And sometimes a little rearranging needs to happen.
Providing me with a list of some shots you'd like to get definitely helps so I can guide the session accordingly and make them happen. So if you have any images you're drawn to please shoot me an email at tsteffenphoto@gmail.com.
LENGTH OF SESSIONS:
These sessions usually last from 1 to 2 hours. The sessions tend to take longer if a baby is having a fussy/ unsettled day. Breaks can also be taken through the session if a little one needs diaper changes, feedings, or soothing. So I don't rush--because baby runs the show and we follow suit and pivot as needed.
Lifestyle sessions are laid back, by nature, so we are able to be relaxed and take our time.
TURNAROUND TIME.
When will you get your pics? I post a sneak peek on my social media (make sure you
follow me!) within the first week. I'll be honest- as a Mama, life can be busy and unpredictable. I do my best to return your edited images within 2- 3 weeks. I will communicate if it's taking me longer, but that's only if it's "busy season" (fall & holidays) or I've had extenuating circumstances. Trust me, I know you want your gallery. But I also take my time with editing. I frequently give myself a break through the editing process so I can look at your gallery with fresh eyes and make changes if needed. Each gallery consumes me until it's complete, I promise you that.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE GET:
50 edited images, at the VERY least. There's a lot of factors affecting how many images
your gallery will have. Are there siblings to include? Was lighting sufficient for the entire time I was there? How cooperative baby is (well, let's be honest--Dad and siblings too!) during the session. When I'm finished I email you a link to your online gallery, where your edited images will be waiting for you to download, share and print.
Please reach out with any questions you have along the way. It's my goal for both of us to feel comfortable and prepared, and get the best use of our time together. You can reach me by email at tsteffenphotos@gmail.com, and prior to our session I provide my cell number in case you need to reach me faster.
I look forward to meeting you and your family! - Theresa