8 Tips For Preparing for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session || Baby Kennedy + Family || Centerville, Utah Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

I recently stopped doing newborn studio sessions because they just don't fit my shooting aesthetic. I love newborn lifestyle photography, and really enjoy capturing families in their own homes with a new baby. I couldn't wait to get to Brandi and Steven's home to cuddle baby Kennedy. This family were my cousins through marriage, but now we've upgraded to friends. Everyone did so well for this session. The older two siblings were happy to snuggle their new sister, and mom and dad did great at just rolling with whatever came up. We chatted a lot through the session, and I really enjoyed my evening with them!

One reason this session went so well is because Brandi and Steven were really prepared for it. Here's some of my go-to tips to help prepare for your lifestyle newborn session.

8 Tips to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session

• Feed baby right before your session starts. This way, the baby is content and sleepy. The best part of newborn sessions is that we really don't need a sleeping baby since we don't do awkward posing.
• Pick moms outfit first. When mama loves how she looks, she's more likely to love all the pictures! And mom.... you just had a baby! You're going to look different than you did "pre-baby," but remember that you just GREW A HUMAN!! Pick something you're comfortable in. Flowy pieces work great!
• Have siblings and dad ready to go, too. The session always starts better when you're not running around at the beginning. We try to keep everything light, happy, and calm!
• Pick a few of your favorite swaddles, blankets, outfits, and bows to use for your session. Have them out so your photographer can get an idea of what to use in which rooms, for different poses, etc.
• Pick which rooms you would like to use for your session. Pick rooms with the most natural light and also spaces in your home where you spend a lot of time with baby. The whole purpose of lifestyle is to capture reality!
• Know that your photographer is NOT going to judge you if your entire home isn't immaculate. Ladies, I've had three kids. Bringing home a newborn turns your world upside down! Babies come with A LOT of stuff, you're sleep deprived, siblings' are figuring out new roles.... your house is the least of your worries or mine!
• Go with the flow. If you have a few "must have" shots, that's great! But of the most part, I'll look around your home and get inspired while I'm there to shoot what will work aesthetically and what will be the coziest for you all!
• Don't worry if baby needs fed again during the session. That's totally normal!