How to prepare for your lifestyle newborn shoot

By Jada Parrish

Posted: 09/10/19

Category: Newborn Photography

Lifestyle newborn shoots are filled with so many sweet moments. We take the photos in your home and include the entire famiy. They are filled with candid moments and capture your new family dynamic. Here's a few tips for making the most of your lifestyle newborn shoot!

Schedule the shoot for a week or two after birth

Baby's do best with newborn photos when they are still so tiny. Since these photos will be taken in your home, it is also important you give yourself a few days to adjust and get settled into your home with your new family member. Scheduling the shoot to take place anywhere between 7 - 21 days of birth is ideal.

Feed the baby right before we arrive

Make sure your little one is well fed before we arrive! The biggest reason babies begin to cry during newborn photos is because they have gotten hungry in the middle of the shoot. Even if they have eaten recently, it never hurts to give me a little more just before we begin.

Tidy up any rooms that will be photographed

The most common rooms we photograph in are the nursery, living room, and parent's room depending on which rooms get the best natural light. Pick up any clutter and remove anything that you would not like to be in the background of photos.

Have some cozy blankets on hand

Large, neutral colored blankets are perfect for creating a make-shift backdrop to photograph the baby alone.

Extra clothes are always a good thing

It never hurts to have an extra outfit picked out. Baby's can be messy. Having an extra onesie set aside in case the baby spits up or has a diaper emergency is always smart. It's also a good idea to have an extra outfit set aside for the two of you incase you fall victim to some baby spit up.

Take some time for yourself

Lifestyle newborn shoots include the entire family. So make sure to set aside some time for yourself so you can feel happy + confident during the shoot.

Relax

I think parent's are always a little nervous about how their little one will do during the shoot. RELAX. Babies cry. We are used to it. We will take breaks as necessary if the baby needs fed, a diaper change, or a moment to get settled. Just relax and I promise you will end up with photos you will cherish forever.