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Newborn Lifestyle Session Guide
How we will approach your lifestyle newborn session
Thank you for choosing me to document your family.
Your newborn session is designed to document this season exactly as it is—the connection, the tiny details, the love, and the beautiful chaos that comes with welcoming a new baby. Unlike a posed studio session, a lifestyle session focuses on authentic moments and meaningful interactions in the comfort of your home.
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is preserving your story.
These are the moments that become treasured memories
years from now.
This guide has been created to help you prepare for a relaxed, meaningful experience.
What to expect..
Session length: Up to 90 minutes
Family sessions are designed to be playful, interactive, and stress-free.
Rather than asking everyone to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera, I'll guide your family through activities, movement, and connection-focused prompts that allow genuine moments to unfold naturally. Asking little ones to stand and smile at the camera rarely capture the moments you will cherish the most.
Some children warm up immediately.
Some take a little time.
Some want to run, explore, and lead the adventure.
All of that is welcome!
Your job is simply to be present with your family. My job is to create beautiful images from those moments.
my approach to capturing your most precious moments
A lifestyle newborn session is relaxed, baby-led, and focused on genuine connection. We'll capture:
- Family cuddles and snuggles
- Feeding and soothing moments
- Nursery details
- Tiny fingers, toes, and newborn features
- Sibling interactions
- The everyday moments you'll want to remember years from now
There is no pressure for baby to sleep the entire time. Awake babies, feeding breaks, diaper changes, and cuddles are all part of your story.
how to create those timeless photographs you want
preparing your home
lighting matters
Natural light creates the soft, timeless look you see in my portfolio.
Before the session:
- Open blinds and curtains throughout the home
- Turn off overhead lights and lamps if possible
- Clear window areas of clutter as we will likely be gravitating towards that beautiful natural light.
Don't worry if your home doesn't feel bright enough—I can help find the best light when I arrive.
meaningful items
Consider having a few special items available:
Handmade blankets
Family heirlooms
Books you read to baby
Nursery decor
Special stuffed animals
Hospital bracelet/blanket
Ultrasound photos
Baby announcement items
These details help tell your family's story. Any meaningful items can be incorporated into your photos these are just some examples to help spark your own creative wishes.
general prep tips
Please don't feel the need to deep clean your house before I arrive.
We only need a few areas with good natural light.
Helpful areas include:
- Master bedroom
- Nursery
- Living room or space with large windows
A quick tidy of nightstands, dressers, and floors can help minimize distractions in photographs.
Think "lived in and loved" rather than magazine-perfect.
Want indoor photos but not in your own home?
There are plenty of air bnb options that are beautiful that can be rented to fit your needs, these would need to be booked by the client and you need to ensure the locations allows for commercial photography. I can help if you are looking for a different location!
preparing your babe
I always get questions about how to prepare your baby for the session, I have a few tips and tricks to help us make the most of our time:
- Feed baby shortly before the session begins
- A fresh change of diaper when I arrive works well, this is also when you can get your baby into their first outfit you want them to wear. with a nice, clean bum.
- *Avoid putting their outfit on them before I get there so we don't have any accidents before we get started!
- Have extra diapers, wipes, and burp cloths nearby
- Have a couple changes of clothing available that fit your vision, they very well may be needed
- If you want photos of your baby in just their diaper, ensure the space is warm enough so your baby doesn't get cold during the session. You know your baby best!
Please don't worry if baby is fussy.
Babies cry. Babies eat. Babies need cuddles. This is all a part of the process that we will capture. These are the real moments that will mean so much to look back on.
We'll work around whatever your baby needs.
capturing the little moments
all the close up snuggles
whether you want your breastfeeding journey captured or not, I will always respect your privacy and ensure your session is a safe and comfortable space for your family
if you're breastfeeding
Many parents worry about nursing during the session.Feeding breaks are completely expected and welcomed.
Some of the most meaningful images often happen during these quiet moments.
Styling your session
Important information on styling your outfits
Aim to coordinate, rather then trying to match, you will notice when the colors don't match in your photos
Think a mixture of soft, neutral, or earthy tones
Choose pieces that move (flowy dresses, layers, textures)
When in doubt, go for simple, well fitting options
Ask me questions in advance!
You can always have an outfit change during your session, bring options
Plan your outfits in advance, don't wait to fit the right piece to wear
Aim to have your outfits picked out at least two weeks before your session so there is no last minute rushing causing you extra stress
Try them on and take photos of yourself standing, sitting, from the side and back to make sure you feel comfortable from all angles
Old Navy, Zara, H&M, Simons all have great options for the whole family to coordinate.
Styling tips for moms
Textured fabrics help add to the cozy cuddly feeling - think knit sweaters/cardigans, denim, cotton.
Slippers, bare feet, clean socks are all great options for indoors
Have two options available, and think layers you can add or take away
Hair & makeup: whatever makes you feel your best - a little extra can go a long way on camera if that feels right for you
Tidy up your nails. You don't need a full manicure if that's not your style
Styling tips for dads
Well fitting clothing makes a big difference
Henley's, knit sweaters, solid coloured shirts, chino's or jeans
Neutral tones that complement—not compete or try to match
Avoiding strong patterns where you can - please put down the Hawaiian shirts and bright coloured plaids.
Again, generally think neutral colors and earthy tones. Browns, greens, linen, dusty blue, denim, white
Socks, bare feet or slippers whatever is the most you.
Clean and tidy up your hands and nails. Wash off the dirt from work - we will be getting up close for some shots!
A fresh haircut goes a long way, and a little styling gel if you're into that - ask your barber for some tips for your style
What to avoid
Stretch jersey knit fabrics are not recommended as they can appear unflattering in photos. Fabrics with more structure or texture like cotton, knits, linen, denim, lace are very flattering. However if you have a sketch jersey knit piece you like, it can work if we layer it with other pieces!
Large logos or graphics
Neon or overly bright colors, this can cause color casting and be difficult to correct
Anything you feel uncomfortable in or doesn't fit you well
Anything that doesn't feel like you!
If still feeling unsure, reach out and let's help you find a style that will work for your session.
Styling tips for siblings
Keep sibling outfits simple and comfortable.
Neutral dresses, Linen clothing, Knit sweaters, Simple overalls
Bare feet whenever possible
The most important thing is that children feel comfortable and free to move.
a note for parents
Many parents consider sitting out of photographs because they're tired, recovering, or don't feel camera-ready.
Years from now, your children won't be looking at these photographs to see how rested you were or whether you lost the baby weight.
They'll be looking for proof that you were there.
That you held them.
That you loved them.
That you belonged in their story.
The photographs that matter most are often the ones where you simply show up.
during the session
My approach is relaxed and guided.
I will provide gentle direction while allowing moments to unfold naturally.
You do not need to know how to pose.
You do not need to have perfectly behaved children.
You do not need a perfectly clean home.
Simply focus on loving your baby and being together as a family.
I will be shooting all the posed moments and all the in between, so be less focused on me and more on your family and going with the flow.
preparing siblings
Young children rarely want to sit still and smile on command—and that's okay.
Before the session:
- Avoid telling them they need to behave perfectly
- Explain that a friend is coming over to take photos
- Tell them my name
- Let them know they'll get to play, snuggle, and spend time with their family
- If they have a favourite toy that matches your vision keep it nearby
The best images come from genuine interactions rather than forced smiles from little ones. Don't stress if they are being silly, this is totally normal. We will still get amazing photos of your family connections in the in between moments.
Post Production Phase
After Your Session
I’ll carefully go through and edit your images to reflect the feeling and connection we captured.
Your images will be delivered in a beautiful online gallery where you can download, share, and print.
I will only share your images with consent to share, so if you would like to opt out of me sharing your images just let me know anytime.
I respect all families choices of what they do and don't want shared publicly on social media or my website!
Full gallery: Delivered within 2-3 weeks

one final note
Your newborn session is not about creating a false perfect image.
It's about preserving the feeling of this season—the way your baby fit in your arms, the way your family grew, and the love that filled your home.
One day these photographs will become part of your family's history, and I am honored to help tell that story.
-m
