Lifestyle Newborn Photography: What Exactly Does That Mean?
How to decide if a Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session in Charlotte, NC is best for you.
What is Lifestyle Photography?
I like to think of lifestyle newborn photography as a balance between documentary photography and posed, portrait photography. In true documentary photography the photographer is considered a “fly on the wall” and the subjects aren’t supposed to act, behave, or dress any differently as a result of having their photos taken. The best example of newborn documentary photography is a birth session.
On the other hand, posed, portrait photography swings to the other side of the continuum. These sessions often take place in a studio and are highly styled and posed. Artificial lighting equipment may be used to create just the “right” lighting. Babies are often posed into specific positions. Some poses are even created post session by combining two images together through editing software. Think of your typical studio newborn session where you might get images of a baby in a basket or a baby with her head propped in her hands.
I love lifestyle newborn photography because it offers a middle ground. In lifestyle photography my clients get the “best version of themselves” with some helpful guidance before and during the session. I coach my clients on what to wear and how to prepare before their session, I make sure they are set up in the best lighting possible, and I give prompts and guidance to bring out the best in them during the sessions. However, they are not directed, posed, and styled into an unnatural or completely different version of themselves. The baby is photographed in a natural, relaxed way without being overly stylized, posed, or without the use of heavy props.
Where do Lifestyle Newborn Sessions take place?
My lifestyle newborn sessions take place in your home in Charlotte, NC or the surrounding areas. Yikes! I know, right?? I can already see your thoughts… “But my home isn’t beautifully decorated.” “ But my home is small and dark.” The list goes on. Believe me when I say that I can make beautiful photos in almost every house. That is my job as the photographer to come in and assess the situation and make a game plan to make your photos look AMAZING even in the most challenging of homes. Plus, I’m a big believer in taking photos that make sense. (That’s the reason I don’t recommend ball gowns in the middle of the woods or furniture set up in the middle of a field) . I strongly believe that a newborn baby makes the most sense in his home with his family. This might mean we snuggle on the living room couch, on the rocker in his nursery, or even in a guest room if the lighting is beautiful!
Can You Just Take Pictures of My Newborn Baby?
I can, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. I think of a lifestyle newborn session as a story of the family. Parents, siblings, pets and all. I like to tell the story of the new baby that came into this world and the beautiful family that he or she is now a part of. (By the way, when I say “beautiful family” I mean ALL families, not just those that have a traditional family makeup!) And, I know, that often times a new mom doesn’t feel like she is “photo ready” right after having a baby. Please believe me when I say that years later you would look back on those photos SO happy you were in them because they capture you with your brand new baby. You will not be bothered by how much you weighed or whether you still had to wear maternity clothes for the session.
Personally, I didn’t have a professional photos taken of my first baby when she was born and looking back on it now it was a big mistake. At the time, my husband and I had to be very budget conscious. With a new baby on the way we had had lots of extra expenses, so the practical side of me thought “ I can take photos. I’ll just do it.” Let me tell you it was a disaster. The combination of exhaustion, hormones, and a fussy baby sent me over the edge. I only got a few good shots and no shots with me it. Now, I really wish I had a couple of shots of us together when she was so small.
Characteristics of a Lifestyle Newborn Session
It takes place in your home. No need to travel anywhere.
While you will get shots of just your baby, the rest of your family will also be included in shots.
You will receive guidance about how to dress the baby and the rest of your family so you can look your best, but no need to get super fancy.
Baby will be swaddled or dressed in simple organic clothes.
There is plenty of time to take breaks, change diapers, and feed. No rush. In fact it might be one of the first times after you leave the hospital that you get to spend time just enjoying your baby without being pulled in multiple directions.
There is no need to worry if your baby doesn’t sleep or is fussy or crying. Lifestyle photography is all about capturing the moments as they happen. A range of emotions will be captured.
A Lifestyle Newborn Photo Session Might Not Be for You If…
You like the idea of dressing your baby up into different outfits or costumes
You don’t want to be in the photographs
You would prefer for your session to take place in a studio, not in your home
You want your baby to be photographed in specific poses and you want specific props to be used
You prefer shots of your baby when they are sleeping.
My biggest suggestion before booking a newborn photoshoot is to look closely at the photographer’s newborn portfolio page beforehand. If you fall in love with the images on his or her portfolio pages then you can be pretty sure that he or she will be the right fit for you!
If the idea of a lifestyle newborn session appeals to you. I encourage you to check out the newborn page on my website. All the information as well as many examples of past newborn session are there to help you decide if we might be the right fit.
P.S. If you book a newborn session with me by March 31, 2023 you will also receive a FREE maternity mini session as well!! Click below for further details!
