How to Prepare for a Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot- Cincinnati Ohio | Loveland Newborn Photographer | Cincinnati Newborn Photography

“How to prepare for a lifestyle newborn photoshoot” This is one of the most common questions I’m asked by Cincinnati area clients!

Have you wondered what lifestyle newborn photography is all about? Why is it important? How do in-home sessions work? What should you wear?

Well, I have the answers, friends! Below, I’m sharing all the things you need to know about lifestyle newborn photography!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A LIFESTYLE NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT | LOVELAND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT IS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY ALL ABOUT?

I love lifestyle newborn photography because it’s simple: It’s all about you and your brand-new baby. The majority of the newborn photography sessions that I do are in-home sessions! This means that I come to you, and work within your home with you and your family. I love in-home sessions because it’s easy for you and baby! No rushing out the door, trying to remember all the things that you need for an outing, and no worrying about having a cranky baby away from home! It’s a relaxed environment, so we can focus on the love!

Your entire family is welcome! Parents, siblings, and new baby, of course. These sessions are meant to truly capture the sweet beginning of your newborn’s first days, while still being in the comfort of your own home.

WHY IS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY IMPORTANT? – Cincinnati Newborn Photographer

Even if you don’t love having your photo taken, you will want to have these pictures to cherish and help you remember these sweet newborn days. I say this often: There is nothing else like the dreamy, early newborn days. Sure, you’re sleep deprived and you’re adjusting. But after waiting for this sweet child for nine long months (or longer), when they’re finally here, you’re ecstatic! Nothing else matters except this tiny little babe.

And as the saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Before you know it, your little newborn baby will be turning one, or five, or fifteen! So, let’s capture these magical moments for you to cherish forever and fondly remember this special, fleeting time in your lives.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT DURING YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?

A Newborn Photography Session is simply your family at home. Most people prefer to work in the baby’s nursery, but we can work wherever you’re most comfortable! These sessions are very natural with light posing prompts that will help you to feel relaxed and present in the moment, You might even forget that you are getting your photo taken! Don’t worry, we will still include a couple of photos where you are looking at the camera, but this is really just about capturing this moment because this is a moment you will never get back!

We include up to 90 minutes for a newborn photography session so that we can go with the flow! If baby is hungry, we can stop for a feeding or whatever else is necessary! If your older kids are hyper, and need to run around, or even need a bribe to cooperate, no worries! We will get all the photos that we need, even if they’re not “in order.” Going outside is also a great option!

Check out this blog post for more toddler tips!

I have years of experience working with little ones, so we will do what it takes to get the best, most natural pictures! Don’t worry about posing, either! I will guide you with various prompts, and I will take lots of candid photos along the way.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT WORKING IN YOUR HOME?

During in-home newborn photography sessions, the environment matters! Let’s talk about the lighting and the background!

We will plan the time and room of your in-home session based on the best lighting in the room where you want to shoot! We want lots of natural sunlight for an airy look. Let me know what you’re thinking, and we will work together to get the ideal lighting.

As for the environment, a clean, clutter free setting makes for beautiful pictures. Of course, we want to capture your family’s current home, lifestyle, and phase of life, however we want the primary focus to be on your and your lovely family and not the background.

Minimize as much clutter as possible. Keep surfaces light and uncluttered. Consider moving unnecessary things out of sight (thank goodness for closets!) during the session. This might include laundry baskets and clothes, toys (especially brightly colored, distracting ones) and diaper pails to name a few. Unplug devices (cameras, sound machines or thermometers) from outlets so there are no visible cords. All of these small things will “clean” up the setting and will make for a fresh, airy picture.

If possible, try to keep the colors in the area we’ll be photographing in neutral. Too many colors in the background will divert attention away from the main subjects – your family, and that cute new baby! A minimal, clean background always makes for better photos. I suggest using white crib sheets and bedding, or the lightest ones you have!

HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE PERSONALITY IN YOUR SESSION?

Personality is still important, though! Don’t worry if the nursery walls are painted a non-neutral color, or that there’s color in the decorations. One of the most charming aspects of in-home photography is that it captures the essence of your family’s life, so feel free to work in details that are important to your family. Personalized onesies and bedding, special books and stuffies, or toys that have meaning to you will make your pictures all the more magical. (Peep the little baby sized soccer ball. This little girl’s dad is the soccer coach at the local school!)

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR YOUR IN-HOME NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?

The same advice applies to clothing as well. The more neutral the colors of your clothing, the cleaner the photo will appear. If there are too many colors, it will be distracting. Neutrals will also give the pictures a classic, timeless look. I also suggest going barefoot for a more natural look. Let’s lean into the comfort and coziness of being in your own home!

For more style tips, check out this blog post!https://peuranewbornphotography.com/family-photography-session-style-tips-dayton-ohio-photographer/

JUST RELAX, AND I’LL DO THE REST!

The most important thing to remember is RELAX! This is going to be a fun session, so don’t stress! Even if things don’t go perfectly (and really, do they ever?), we will still get some fantastic pictures that you are going to love!

Check out some of my favorite in-home lifestyle newborn photography sessions here and here. And reach out to me if you want to get started on a family session of your own!

Talk soon, Janelle