Spokane area newborn lifestyle shoot: what to expect
What to expect from your lifestyle newborn session.
Lifestyle newborn sessions take place within the comfort of your home. My style is Fine Art Lifestyle photography, which means I will come into your home and beautifully photograph this fleeting time in your life in a laidback and comfortable way. I bring nothing with me but my camera. I do not use flashes, beanbag chairs or any other props. These sessions are very relaxed and calm as I do not like to disturb the household more than necessary or overstimulate the baby.
Day of the Session: When I arrive, I will take a quick tour around your home to look for the area with the best light for our shoot. I most often use the master bedroom, but the couch and nursery can also be great options. I completely understand how the first few weeks are with a newborn, so please don’t clean the house before I arrive. I want you to focus on your new little love as much as possible. I’ll help you tidy up the room that we decide to use for the session.
Your Baby: Your baby is perfect exactly the way he or she is. I do not try to make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. My sessions are baby-led, so what your baby needs, your baby gets. I suggest that you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form fitting with no graphics or words. You may need a preemie or newborn sized onesie. We will likely remove the onesie for nude or nearly nude photos as long as you’re comfortable with that to catch the fine newborn details. Also, please gather some swaddle or muslin blankets for the baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants 15 minutes prior to my arrival. Sometimes newborn sessions take a bit longer than typical sessions, that is okay. I let the baby guide the session, so feedings, changing, and a lot of holding is common. I do not do any major posing or have any high expectations for how the baby should behave (awake or asleep). What is important is that we document this beautiful stage of life in a comfortable and safe way.
Siblings: A new baby is a big change for siblings in the house. I usually try to get the family shots first during the shoot, often older siblings lose interest in me quickly, so I try to catch them before that happens. I have no major expectations for siblings and will never force them to do anything that they are uncomfortable with. It is best to prepare the siblings by letting them know that a friend is coming over to take some pictures of the family. It is always best not to surprise them.
Mom & Dad: You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful at the same time. It is not my job to make everything look perfect in this season of life, but to show you how beautiful it really is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease while I photograph your family. I do not expect you to be anything but yourselves.
Wardrobe: I recommend neutral colors and comfort. What is important is that you are comfortable, think: leggings, sweaters, denim, bare feet. I am always happy to advise you on wardrobes, please ask me!
This is the information that I send my families when they book a newborn session with me, I like to keep things as simple as possible. If you’re ready to book your newborn session, click the link below and I’d love to talk with you!