When my Daughter was around 11 weeks old my Husband and I took her to have some 'professional' photos taken.
A few of my friends had the most gorgeous studio newborn pictures of their little ones and I thought I should do it too. I had been told I had 'missed' the window for the sleepy posed newborn images but I still wanted some nice photos of my girl before she got too big. I didn't really do any research (I didn't even think that there were any other options) and booked in with the studio I knew had the best reputation.
On the day of the session, we drove around before our 'slot' desperately trying to get our baby to sleep so that she would be happy and settled for her photos; we then spent the best part of an hour in an incredibly hot studio trying to get her to 'smile' (or at least look!) in the direction of the camera...Add to that one unexpected poo explosion and a subsequent outfit change and you can imagine that both our little darling and her Mummy and Daddy were a tad frazzled.
Don't get me wrong, the photographs were stunning. I loved them and still have one in a frame on our wall, but I will always remember the experience attached to that day and how stressful it was.
It was only after starting to learn photography myself that I discovered that there was another way.
There was a whole other approach to photography which aimed to make the whole process as natural and relaxed as possible. You could still get the beautiful photographs of your new arrival but you didn't have to shove them into a 'froggy pose' or a watering can to achieve it!
It was called Lifestyle Newborn Photography and I fell in love with it.
There were no props.
No poses.
No hot studios.
Just a baby-led and relaxed approach to capturing the newest addition to your family; all in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS A LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION?
In a nutshell, the main difference lies in how the photographer captures the story. Whilst studio sessions tend to be more posed and formal, in-home sessions are relaxed and baby led. A lifestyle session aims to capture the everyday moments in a beautiful way, in your home, surrounded by your things and your memories.
IS THERE A 'PERFECT' AGE FOR A LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION?
New parents often worry that they have 'missed the window' for a Newborn Session because in the world of studio newborn photography a lot of the poses require baby to be sleeping (this is where the "perfect" 7-10 day old window comes in)
This isn’t the case for Lifestyle Newborn Photography sessions.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography uses baby-led posing. Your baby will tell us where they want to be positioned. This might be in their Moses basket or cot, it may be in your arms. They may be fast asleep or wide awake - there are no rules and no restrictions - they will be where they are most happy and comfortable.
...and this allows you the flexibility to book in for when you feel ready.
HOW LONG IS A LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION?
A session will often last up to 90 minutes leaving plenty of time for feeds, nappy changes, settling and (most importantly!) cups of tea. The session will flow around whatever your little one needs. I might guide you to the room with the most natural light and will encourage you to move, interact with your little one(s), cuddle in and just enjoy your uninterrupted time together as a family.
WHERE ARE THE PHOTOS TAKEN?
I will ask for a quick tour of your home when I arrive so that I can identify which rooms/areas have the best natural light. Sessions will usually take place in key rooms such as the Nursery/Master Bedroom and/or Living Room because these are the areas you spend the most time in these first few months and are all part of your story. If there are any older siblings I will also make sure I spend time with them to make sure I document their story too.
HOW CAN WE PREPARE?
Once you are booked in, I send you a guide on 'What to Expect' which covers everything you need to know. Its incredibly important to me that you feel prepared and relaxed so I am always on hand to help and answer any questions you have.
WOULD A LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION SUIT OUR FAMILY?
This approach to photography is PERFECT for you if:
You prefer a relaxed and baby-led approach
You LOVE the candid and in-between moments
You’re looking for images which tell the story of your family, just as they are.
You know you want to celebrate your new baby and document this special time but the thought of packing up everything but the kitchen sink to attend a studio session is the last thing you want to do right now!
WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK IN?
I know that once your little one arrives, organising a photo session goes waaaayyyy to the bottom of the pile!
If you really have your heart set on a session in the first couple of weeks, I can make a note of when you are due and can pencil you in around that date. Babies have a mind of their own, so even if we schedule in a date we can bring this forward if your baby arrives early (and you are home and well) or can push this back if they are late or you need a little bit more time to settle in.
If you would prefer to wait a while until your little one is a bit older and more alert, that's completely fine. There are so many wonderful moments in those first few months - the memories we capture may be slightly different but will be just as beautiful.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch to ask any questions - I look forward to speaking with you
Claire xx