How to prepare for your lifestyle newborn session

Those first few days after baby arrives can be so intense, but also incredibly beautiful. As you and your family get to know the newest addition life can slip by so quickly. That’s what I love so much about photography, capturing moments for you to revisit and relive forevermore.

I just love thinking about your baby flipping through an album when they’re 10, 18 or 35 looking back at how small they were, and how very loved they were by their family.

I know it can be a bit overwhelming getting ready for a professional photography session, especially if it’s your first time. So I put together some tips to help prepare you for what to expect. 

When to book

I typically open up my calendar season to season, so I tend to book Spring during winter and Summer during Spring etc. As we usually don’t know exactly when your little one will arrive I schedule you into my calendar so that your place for that month is secure, and then when your baby arrives you get in touch to book in a day and time. We usually aim for between 5 and 12 days when they’re still very sleepy and curled up.

Weeks before

In the weeks leading up to having your baby I know there are a lot of things to do so I don’t want to add much to your to-do list. The main thing to consider during this time is what you’ll each wear for our session. When you book with me you’ll receive a style guide to help give you some ideas about what to wear. I do bring along some wraps and baby outfits that you’re welcome to use if you like. 

Whatever you decide to wear I recommend having a back up option on hand in case of nappy blow outs, leaky boobs or a burp turn vomit.

Once your baby is born

Those first few days with your new addition can be a bit of a whirlwind, so don’t feel that you have to rush to let me know immediately. Once you’re settled and ready just send me a quick text or email to let me know your baby had arrived and I’ll send through the booking link for you to select a day and time.

The day before

Having a newborn is enough work without having to make your home look like a magazine, so please don’t stress about having every nook and cranny perfect. I will use the spaces with the best light, so I usually just suggest making those spaces tidy and free from clutter. But please don’t stress if you can’t get to everything, I am more than happy to move things around as needed. 

The day of

It’s usually best to feed your little one right before I’m due to arrive so that they’re sleepy for our session. Baby’s change their routines so often in those first days and weeks so if your baby feeds longer or seems more fussy than usual please don’t worry about it. The beauty of lifestyle photos is that we will capture beautiful, natural images whether your baby is sleeping or wide awake.

The session

When I arrive I’ll ask to have a little walk around your house first just to get an idea of the best spaces for us to use. Then we’ll get started! If we need to stop for nappy changes, feeds, or just settling that’s all completely fine! Please don’t ever feel stressed that your baby isn’t ‘behaving’ for our session. They’re so tiny, adjusting to a whole new world and we will capture beautiful photos for you even if they’re a bit unsettled. 

And that’s it! You’ll then have honest and artistic images that capture this beautiful stage of life to treasure forever!