Every parent knows that kids grow up so fast. That’s why having photos of your children at every stage of their life is so important, especially when they’re newborns. Those images can help you remember years later just how small your little ones were.

 As you’re getting ready to welcome a new addition to your family, take time to consider booking an in-home lifestyle newborn session to capture this amazing moment in your life. Not sure what a lifestyle newborn photo shoot is like? To help you out, here is a list of common questions many first-time parents have.

How old should my baby be for the photo session?

For a lifestyle newborn photo session, the baby’s age doesn’t matter as much as it does for a posed session. So, no need to worry if you’ve “missed the window” so to speak on what many photographers suggest for the ideal age. If your baby is under two weeks old, he or she will still spend a majority of their time sleeping which can make a photo session go quicker with less time needed for soothing. But if your baby is older than 2 weeks of age that’s totally fine, especially for unposed, lifestyle images.

When scheduling your session, keep in mind that your newborn will grow quickly and will look completely different at one month than they did at birth. To capture that fresh newborn stage, less than 2 weeks of age is best, but definitely not a deal breaker. The important thing is capturing this time in your baby’s life.

When should I book my in-home newborn session?

The earlier you can book your newborn session, the better! Session times fill up fast, and since you only have a limited window of time in which to get the photos taken before baby gets too big, you want to be sure that your photographer is available.

What if my baby arrives earlier than expected?

Every newborn photographer knows that babies arrive when they’re ready. With that in mind, I always hold time around your scheduled session to make sure we have flexibility, and then confirm a date once baby is here.

How long does an in-home newborn session last?

Typically, an in-home newborn photo shoot lasts about 2 hours. If that sounds long, have no fear—you won’t be in front of the camera the whole time. Part of that time will be spent feeding your newborn and soothing them for photos. If things go smoothly we can often wrap up in 60-90 minutes.

How should I dress my newborn for photos?

Definitely keep it simple! A onesie in a solid color or even a subtle print works great. You want the focus to be on your new baby and not the clothing. You can also utilize a swaddle wrap for a few shots as well which not only provides a clean, minimalistic look but also will help keep your baby cozy and soothed for photos.

For the rest of the family, simplicity is key here as well. Coordinate outfits from the same color palette with a neutral base, and consider your home’s aesthetic too since these photos will adorn your walls as gorgeous art work.

How should I prep our house for an in-home baby session?

I know what you’re probably thinking, so let me reassure you….you don’t need to have a spotlessly clean house, really! You literally just had a baby and the last thing on your list of priorities is a so-called Pinterest worthy home. Many of your photos will be close ups of your baby so any potential clutter won’t show at all in the final images. I make sure to watch camera angles to avoid anything you’d prefer not to include, and if needed I just slide things out of the way momentarily so it truly isn’t an issue.

How should I display our photos in our home?

There are truly endless options here, but since lifestyle images are more story-telling in nature I always recommend a wall cluster that helps showcase that story in a place where you can see it every day. Canvas wraps are always timeless and classic, and look fantastic in any home.

Most importantly, ask me any questions you have about your session. And don’t be nervous! It’s my job to help you feel comfortable and get the images you want of this wonderful moment in the life of your family. Get in touch to learn more and to plan your in-home lifestyle newborn session today.