Newborn Lifestyle Sessions are designed to depict a day in your life doing what you enjoy with the ones you love in the company of your new little addition. Whether you’re doing this for the first time in the calmness of your first little bub or this is not your first rodeo and you have more than one set of little feet already pitter pattering around your crazy home, a photography session like this is sure to be full of emotion.
If you have older kids, the best way to keep them engaged and have your session look as natural as possible, is to plan to do something with them that they enjoy. So make an extra fun breakfast with them, play trains, have a tea party... gosh, even give an easy batch of baking a go... just give them something to do where their focus isn't on sitting still and this new person in their house.
There is no tight schedule or countdown clock. If your baby needs to be fed, changed, or simply cuddled, we allow space for it all. The session is designed to follow your baby’s natural rhythm so there is no pressure to perform or be on time. You can take a breath and enjoy the time together while I document it all quietly in the background.
This type of photography focuses on telling the story of your life as it is right now. That means the way your baby nestles against you, the way you instinctively rock back and forth, the way your partner strokes that little head while you feed. You do not need to pose or know what to do. I will gently guide you through the experience with simple prompts that keep things natural and relaxed. I capture the family as a whole, bub on their own and all the combinations in between. If you have a nursery set up those details will be on my list to capture too.
Somewhat related to the previous point...leave the stiff Barbie smiles for Aunty Sheila at the next family get together. I deliver galleries with too many images to have everyone always looking at the camera with a cheesy grin. Don't be afraid to look away. In fact, I'd prefer it that way. Keep your eyes on the ones you love. Look at each of your children, look at your partner... look anywhere other than at me (until I ask you to).
I promise I will still get that traditional family portrait... but capturing emotion is my priority. And, although it would be pretty cool if I had some sort of emotion-provoking superpower, I don't... so we ain't gonna get that if your eyes are locked on me.
If I had to give only one tip... it would be this one! Don’t be afraid to pick up your children and toss them in the air. Give your wife a sweet kiss on the cheek, sing your babies a song and play little games. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Snuggle. Play. No-one knows better than you do, what makes your child giggle. Doing these things will allow the emotion to shine and elevate the "beautiful ordinary" of your family.
Your fur babies are part of the family too, and I absolutely welcome them in your newborn session. Whether it’s a curious sniff, a gentle paw, or just resting nearby, these small moments add so much heart to your photos. If your pet is comfortable around your baby and in your home setting, we’ll find natural ways to include them without forcing anything. Their presence tells a little more of your family’s story
You do not need a perfectly styled house for a beautiful session. I work with natural light and a few key areas in your home such as the master bedroom, living area, or nursery. I will gravitate to the rooms with the most natural light. If you have time to clear away a few items in these spaces, great. If not, I will shift thing around when I get there so that the focus stays where it belongs... on your family.
Newborn lifestyle sessions usually run for one and a half to two hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, settling, and just taking it slow. If things are flowing, we may wrap up sooner, but we are never in a rush and if you have a toddler in tow and it's their snack or lunch time... bring it on.
Newborn sessions allow for more time than typical family lifestyle sessions as newborns, and new mums, sometimes require a little more TLC. I have built in plenty of time for extra feeds, outfit changes and toddler tantrums. Take your time, relax and if you haven't quite managed to have breakfast before I arrive... we'll document that too. Once you're out of this newborn haze, you won't easily remember all the breakfasts you devoured with one hand, baby in the other all while your toddler tipped their bowl of cereal on the floor for the 4th day in a row.
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