May 2, 2023

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! One of the best ways to capture these precious moments is through a lifestyle newborn photography session in the comfort of your own home.

Identify What You Want

Newborn sessions are tricky business. How do you prepare for a newborn session? Firstly, let’s identify what type of newborn session you want. There are Anne Geddies type sessions where your baby is wrapped up neatly and placed in objects like a flower pot. (We don’t do that) Or you can find those that are shot in studio on a paper backdrop. Lastly, you can find more glam newborn sessions with mom and baby. The various types of sessions can be daunting, so first you must identify what is best suited for you. What do you find yourself being drawn to the most? 

Olive Studio specializes in candid lifestyle newborn sessions. That means that we capture you uniquely in your home with your baby in a natural setting. We combine documentation of real unique moments with streamlined set ups to focus on you and your baby without a mess of baby stuff in the background. The goal is to get authentic emotions while also capturing how little and adorable your baby is. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a successful and stress-free session.

1. Choose the right photographer:

Look for a photographer who specializes in lifestyle newborn photography and has experience working in homes. You want someone who can capture your family in a natural and relaxed way, without too much posing or staging.

2. Pick a good location:

Find a room in your home with good natural light, such as a bedroom, living room or nursery. Make sure the room is tidy and clutter-free, so that the focus is on your family and not on the mess. Removing items you might not consider as clutter is always a good option. These items include tissue boxes, alarm clocks, water bottles etc. 

3. Schedule at the right time:

First, wait until baby is born to reach out to us. Every birth scenario is different, and there is nothing worse than feeling like a sleep deprived tornado and knowing that your photographer is en route! Wait until you feel ready to have visitors and give us a call, text or email. We can lock in a session quite quickly with you. Whether you want your baby as small as possible or more alert and stretching, that is up to you! Time your session according to when you are the most rested. Look for patterns with your baby and aim for that goal. If your baby tends to sleep early in the morning and that is when you sleep, plan the session for just after you get a sleep block. If you have other kids, plan around their schedule.

4. Dress appropriately:

Choose clothing that is comfortable and coordinates with each other. Avoid loud patterns and logos, as they can be distracting in the photos. Neutral colors, like beige, gray, and white, work well for a timeless and classic look. Make sure that each person is not wearing the exact same colour as the other. Pick 5 colours and integrate various textures among each person. Our family here did a wonderful job selecting the wardrobe. Notice how no one is wearing the same outfit, however no one’s outfit distracts from their face. In addition, each person has a different kind of fabric texture which adds interest. Check out some ideas on Pinterest! 

5. Get props ready:

Lay out any accessories, or outfits you might want baby in so that they are not forgotten. Also pull out blankets, swaddles and soothers that match your colour scheme. Knitted blankets, muslin and cotton blankets look beautiful on camera. 

6. Keep the temperature comfortable:

Newborns are sensitive to temperature, so make sure the room is warm enough for them to be comfortable without being too hot for everyone else. A temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius is usually ideal.

7. Relax and have fun:

The most important thing is to relax and have fun! Your photographer will guide you through the process and capture your family in a natural and beautiful way. Don’t worry too much about posing or smiling for the camera – just enjoy the moment and let your love for your new baby shine through.

In conclusion, a lifestyle newborn photography session in your own home can be a wonderful way to capture the beauty and joy of this special time. By following these tips, you can prepare for a successful and stress-free session that you will treasure for years to come.

xx- april