As a New Hampshire photographer, newborn family photos are some of my favorite sessions to capture. They’re also some of the most meaningful images you’ll ever have. The moments go by so fast! And those little tiny fingers and sleepy yawns are beyond precious. 🥹 You’ll be so happy to have this special time documented.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a newborn session, this post is for you. I’m sharing all my best tips so you know exactly what to expect for your session!
Newborn Family Photos: My Best Tips for Lifestyle Newborn Photos You’ll Treasure
A lifestyle newborn session is actually a little different from a traditional newborn shoot. Instead of posed setups in a studio, the focus is on the natural and authentic interactions between you and your baby. We’ll photograph things like you cuddling your baby and snuggling them in close.
The goal is to capture the real moments that make up those early days at home! (And don’t worry, we’ll still grab a few shots with everyone smiling at the camera, too.)
For this reason, most lifestyle newborn photo sessions take place in your home, but they can also be done at an outdoor location if that feels more like you. Either way, we’ll create images that feel warm, real, and perfectly you!
When to Take Newborn Photos?
The best time to take newborn family photos is when your baby is between 3 and 21 days old. During this time, babies tend to be extra sleepy and snuggly, which makes for the most beautiful, peaceful images. I recommend booking your session before your due date so we have a date on the calendar and can adjust easily once baby arrives!
{Currently expecting and considering maternity photos? Check out this post!}
Tips for Newborn Family Photos
What to Wear
I always recommend sticking to certain colors that don’t reflect on your baby’s skin, so colors like white, beige, navy blue, denim, or any other muted colors work really well. And like any photo session, I always encourage my clients to shoot for a cohesive color palette, not perfectly matching.
Your House Doesn’t Need To Be Perfect
This is a big one! Please don’t stress about deep-cleaning your entire house before I arrive. We’ll focus on just 1-2 rooms during the session, usually the nursery and/or master bedroom, so that’s all you really need to have “photo ready.” And even that term is pushing it–remember we’re aiming for authentic, not perfection! Plus, you just had a baby, so no need to overdo it :)
The Biggest Perk of an In-Home Session
One of my favorite things about lifestyle newborn sessions is how stress-free they are for new families. You’ll have enough going on, so having to pack up the baby, diaper bag, extra outfits, and everything else is a lot of extra work. So it’s much easier when I come to you!
And the best part – since we’re already at your home, the whole family can be a part of the session, including your pets!
New Hampshire Family Photographer
Those early days with a newborn are so fleeting, and I’d be honored to help you hold onto them. If you’re expecting and starting to think about newborn family photos, I’d love to hear from you! Reach out to me through my contact form, and I’ll be in touch right away to hear all about your vision. I can’t wait to meet you and your new little one!
{And if you’d like to get to know me a bit first, check out this post!}
