When I was pregnant with my son, Henry, I was consistently told to cherish every single magical and not-so-magical second of the newborn stage because babies are only tiny for a nanosecond. Did I believe everyone who told me that? Sure. Did I understand it? No. But I am so thankful that I listened and had a photographer lined up to take lifestyle newborn photos of us.
While studio newborn photography has become what most people think of when they hear “newborn photography,” lifestyle photography is an amazing option that showcases your unique season and story. Here are five reasons why it might just be the perfect fit for you:
1. Your home is the backdrop.
After having a baby, life is a little completely upside down and backwards (and sometimes so are your clothes during that stage). Whether it’s your first or fifth baby, there’s always a period of adjustment. Photographing at your home allows you to capture memories of your family where you spend the majority of your time. How special to be able to look back at those moments in the nursery you carefully planned or your bedroom where you spend every 3:00am feeding? I love capturing the tiny details of your life at home that make each family and baby unique.
2. Lifestyle newborn sessions are centered on the connection between you and your baby.
I look at photos of Henry and Charlie now and just can’t believe that they were ever the tiny bundles of joy that had to be evicted from their momma with the help of some doctors. They have such distinct personalities, and we could see them even at just a few days old. It is truly amazing to see how my husband and I interacted with the babies and each other during those first few weeks. The ironic and almost cruel thing about parenting a newborn is that you’re trying to cherish these moments, but you’re so sleep deprived that it is tough to actually remember… well… anything. Having had a lifestyle newborn session for our son has made all the difference in remembering some of those small details.
3. There is more flexibility with time.
When I schedule studio newborn photography, I always try to photograph babies within the first two weeks after delivery. That style of photography is much more focused on getting the baby into the perfectly squishy position, and it’s far easier to do that when babies are younger. The beauty of lifestyle photography is that it is primarily based on the connection between the baby and his or her parents and home, so the schedule is much more flexible. These sessions are therefore done anytime within the first month after a baby is born.
4. Older siblings thrive at lifestyle newborn sessions.
Even though he has a photographer for a mother, my son is still a pistol during family photo sessions in a studio environment; but at home he is his usual smiley, happy self. Having a lifestyle newborn session works amazingly well for older siblings of newborns. They are usually more comfortable at home and are therefore more relaxed during the session. In addition, there is more room to spread out once the siblings are through with photos; they can watch TV, play, take a nap in their own bed, or a grandparent or babysitter can take them outside or to the park. When you’re at home, there is just more flexibility.
5. If you’re hesitant about having professional photos taken, it’s a good way to ease in.
Some people are seasoned in the world of getting professional photos taken, but others are looking for the first time. I remember being so nervous the first time I hired a photographer. (We didn’t even have engagement pictures taken because I was so nervous.) With lifestyle sessions, it’s easy to forget that there is even someone capturing those moments. The natural connection between you and your baby will shine through perfectly, and your nerves will melt away!
Just as with every parenting decision you will make, the style of photos you have taken is entirely up to you. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out and ask!
Ready to book your lifestyle newborn session? Contact me here!
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