How to Prepare for Your At Home Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot
Newborn photoshoots are a cherished way to capture those early moments of a newborn's life. At-home photoshoots are becoming more popular as they allow for a comfortable and personalized environment for the baby and family. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to prepare for your at home lifestyle newborn photoshoot. If you want to read more about why I love lifestyle newborn photography read my blog post Capture the Joy of Parenthood with Lifestyle Photography.
When to Schedule a Newborn Photoshoot
Choosing the right length and time is crucial for a successful photoshoot. Typically with newborn sessions the quicker after birth you schedule the newborn session, your baby will still be in that really sleepy stage which makes the photoshoot go a little easier. The big perk of lifestyle newborn photography is that isn't a really strict rule since you will be interacting with them during the photo shoot you don't need them to be asleep the whole time like in the posed studio sessions. A newborn's schedule can be unpredictable, so it is best to schedule a session around 90 minutes long. This will allow plenty of time to change diapers and take a break to feed if needed. If you are on a feeding schedule, feed your baby right before your session so they are happy and sleepy. Your photographer will totally understand if you need to take a break to feed or change a diaper.
Preparing for the Newborn Photoshoot
Setting up a comfortable environment is also important for mom and baby to feel comfortable during the photoshoot. Typical locations in your home for newborn photoshoots are the couch, the parent's bedroom, and the nursery. It is recommended to choose a room with a lot of natural light and minimal distractions to ensure you aren’t taking focus away from you and on objects in your house. If you have solid light-colored bedding for the crib and master bedroom that will help to provide a background with limited distractions.
Clear the Clutter
Learn from my mistake. I thought my house was pretty clean for my first newborn photoshoot, but accidentally had some stuff stored under a side table I didn’t notice and it’s all I notice in my living room pictures. I know you just had a baby, so I’m not saying to focus on deep cleaning your whole house. Haha Just try to clear one area in each room you would like to try to take photos. If you are going to take some in the master bedroom you can just make the bed and clear the nightstands. In the living room, clear the couch and side tables next to it. In the nursery, the space to the sides of the crib and next to a rocking chair if you have one.
Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Newborn Photoshoot
The goal when choosing outfits is to not choose something that will be too distracting. You want the focus to be on your family. Neutral colors with limited patterns are a great way to make your images timeless and beautiful. To get a little more detail about tips for outfits visit my post What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot.
Items You Will Need for Your Newborn Photoshoot
As mentioned earlier, you never know when your baby will need a diaper change or a bottle. Try to gather a basket with changing supplies to keep close if you’re going to be shooting in different locations in the house. This will ensure you can do a quick change if needed to not cut too much time into your session. Same with having a bottle prepared if you are bottle feeding. That way if the baby gets too fussy you can easily grab the bottle and not have to take time to go prepare one.
Choosing Props for Your Newborn Photoshoot
When preparing for a newborn photoshoot, props can add a unique and personalized touch to the photos. There are many types of props that can be used, including swaddles, Moses baskets, letterboards, headbands, hats, and blankets. If you are planning on using a letterboard or any sort of birth stat sign, be sure to have that filled out before your session.
In conclusion, preparing for an at-home lifestyle newborn photoshoot can be a wonderful way to capture those early moments of a newborn's life. By following these steps, you can create a comfortable and personalized environment that will enhance the beauty of the photos and create lasting memories for your family.
Hey, I'm Sarah Marchwiany! I'm a Family, Maternity, and Newborn Photographer in Greensboro, NC. I specialize in lifestyle newborn photography. This can be done in the comfort of your own home or outdoor newborn photography at a local park. I love capturing all those natural unposed moments between you and your newborn. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you would like to book a session click the link below. I can't wait to work with you!
