Newborn photography wasn’t really a thing back when my girls were born, but boy, I wish it was. Today, you have options for newborn photography. There are studio newborn sessions which are a beautiful art. But it’s not the only option when it comes to newborn portraits. Since I have become a professional photographer, I have fallen in love with lifestyle newborn sessions, and how I wish I had these precious photos of my girls! You may be wondering what exactly is lifestyle newborn photography, and why should you choose it?
What exactly is lifestyle newborn photography?
Lifestyle newborn photography takes a more relaxed approach than typical posed newborn photography. Sessions are held in in the comfort of your family’s home. It puts the focus on not just your baby, but your entire family (even your furry babies!) It captures your home and your life as it is in this new season of life. That is about as special as it can be.
During a lifestyle newborn photo session, I capture photos of the entire family, siblings, each parent individually with baby, and baby by him or herself. The goal is to capture those tiny newborn details, along with the immense love and joy your family has surrounding this newest family member.
- You don’t have to go anywhere!
A lifestyle newborn session takes place in the comfort of your own home. You have everything you need right there. When you just had a baby, the last thing you want to do is pack up and go somewhere! Being in your own home means everyone is more comfortable, at ease, and relaxed. It also means we can capture where life with a newborn happens, usually focusing on rooms like mom and dad’s room, the nursery, and/or the living room. - Don’t ever worry your home isn’t good enough.
I am here to tell you that I promise your home is more than good enough. When I get to your home I will do a quick walk around to determine the best lighting and go from there. I often like to use the parents’ bedroom, baby’s nursery, and main living space, but there may be other spots that work, as well. I might also move things around to declutter or create a space for photos. - And on that same note….please don’t ever worry you don’t look good enough.
I know you just had a baby. My sessions are designed with a focus on the baby, and the inclusion of you will be done in the most flattering and comfortable of ways. Both you and your child will be so happy to have photos that include you during this special time.
- If you have older children, it’s a plus that you don’t have to take them anywhere.
If they’re toddlers they can get fussy, but it helps when you have their favorite toys, tv shows, and food handy in your home! We can let the kids be themselves without stressing about them sitting still and posing for a portrait. - The timeline is a more relaxed in a lifestyle session.
The ideal time to photograph newborns is around 5-15 days. However, since lifestyle newborn photography is focused on emotion and connection, there is flexibility around this timeline. You could schedule your session for when your baby is 5 days old to 30 days old, it doesn’t matter.
There are many more reasons why I think you should choose lifestyle newborn photography, but I’ll leave you with this for now:
What I would give for photos of me feeding my baby girls in the rocking chair. In the room that we painted and decorated just for them. Photos of my almost two-year-old playing with her toys nearby, and of my husband there too. These are the photos that I would so treasure today. That sweet, chaotic, magical time in my life, that goes by in a blink of an eye.
To get in touch with me about a session of your own, click below. I’d love to chat!
Linda Sobolewski is an on-location, natural-light, professional photographer specializing in seniors, baby, family & children photography.
Linda Sobolewski Photography is based out of Old Saybrook, CT and serves the Connecticut shoreline and surrounding areas.
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