A Lifestyle Newborn Session with dhollyphoto focuses on capturing natural, candid moments of a newborn and their family in their own home environment. Unlike traditional posed newborn sessions that take place in a studio with specific props and backdrops, lifestyle sessions aim to capture the genuine interactions, emotions, and surroundings of the family. With almost 10 years a NICU nurse I have a very good handle on newborns. I can make most babies fall asleep even at there fussiest moments.

Here's what you can expect from a Lifestyle Newborn Session with dhollyphoto:

Location: The session takes place in the family's home, where the newborn and their family are most comfortable and relaxed. This setting allows for more authentic and meaningful photographs, as it reflects the family's real-life and personal space. I do also have a studio setting that I use if you prefer not to do the session in your home but would like a homey vibe.

Timing: Lifestyle sessions can be booked from 1-8 weeks of life.. This timeframe allows the photographer to capture the essence of the newborn phase and capturing their early interactions with family members.

Candid.& Natural: The photographer will not heavily pose the baby but rather capture them in their natural state. They'll focus on candid moments, such as the baby sleeping, being cradled by parents, or interacting with siblings and other family members. The goal is to document the real emotions and connections among family members.

Details: I have a love for detail shots. I get up close to those little eyelashes, feet, cheeks, and fingernails.

Minimal props & posing: Unlike studio sessions, lifestyle newborn photography uses minimal props, if any. The focus is on the baby and the family's interactions, rather than elaborate setups.

Lighting: The photographer will often use natural light available in the home to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. This might involve positioning the baby and family near windows or using other sources of natural light. I will work with you to decide the best spot for the session!

Family Involvement: Lifestyle newborn sessions often include the parents, siblings, and a lot of the time even pets. The photographer will capture the family's interactions, hugs, kisses, and other loving moments.

Storytelling: These sessions aim to tell the story of the family's new chapter with the arrival of their newborn. The images are meant to evoke emotions and preserve memories of this special time in their lives.

Unscripted Moments: Because the session is unposed and spontaneous, it allows for genuine moments to unfold naturally, resulting in photographs that are unique and personal to each family.

Overall, a Lifestyle Newborn Session provides a more relaxed and personal approach to newborn photography, showcasing the love and connections within the family in their own comfortable and familiar environment. I have an emphasis on a healing mama so if you are not ready to the session we will reschedule & make sure you are in your best mindset for the session!

Scheduling: If possible try and keep me in the loop with plan for delivery - planned c-section, induction date,
or natural delivery. I know that this can change fast, please contact me at your earliest
convenience to let me know baby has arrived. Sitting in the car heading home is the perfect time
to shoot a text, instagram DM, or email - what is easiest! it is very important to note that I do NOT typically reach out to you because I am giving you the space you need at this intimate time. If I have not heard from you 2 weeks post due date - then I will indeed send an email.

Time of day: I like to aim for morning. Most newborn's tend to be sleepiest in the morning. Throughout the day,
they become more awake as their tummies empty faster. This is actually a scientifically proven thing!  It is also super important for you to watch your preferred room's lighting. Is the nursery well light at 1pm and dark at 10am? This will have a big impact on our shooting times if you want the session in the nursery!

Outfits: I highly recommend planning your outfits BEFORE baby comes. This isn't something you are going to want to be stress ordering off Amazon for. Give a little thought to it in your last few weeks of pregnancy! 

Home prep: Declutter. I totally move things around when I'm shooting (i.e. moving things off of coffee tables, moving lamps,
ect.) but please don't expect me to clean. I want to be able to jump right into the session when I arrive. Try and keep
the rooms we are using neutral. For example if you have cream throw blanket/pillows vs a patterned ones. Less is more for these sessions so that we have a timeless photo. Open all blinds to allow all that beautiful light in. 

Prepping Baby: Try and keep baby awake for about an hour and conclude this awake time with a nice feeding
right before I arrive. Baby will generally have a nice sleep after this. It's important that we have our best shot at baby being sleepy! Sometimes we need to introduce a small feed at some point during the session if baby starts to wake up!

Try to avoid baths for about 1-2 days before our session so that we don't have any extra flakey skin. Newborn's truly do not get dirty enough to need one, I promise.

Things to have on hand:
- Pacifier. Even if you aren't offering them one, this is huge for soothing babies in specific positions. I promise. I will sometimes do paci-dips if we have a full baby who will not sooth. (Dip a pacifier in your breastmilk/formula without offering a full feed)
- White noise machine
- A bottle or breast ready

Now, let's make sure you have the perfect outfits. You might be thinking, photos in my home.. what do I wear? I get it.

I want you to be super comfortable. You just had a baby mama, your comfort is my priority I want you to feel and
look good. I want you to start your outfit selections with YOU! Select an outfit that allows you to move freely without
limitations. Everyone is different, if you just had a C-Section.. jeans might not be in the best option. Dresses are in my
opinion always a win. It might feel weird wearing a dress for photos in your own home but I promise you won't regret
it!

Neutrals & Soft Colors! My editing style prefers creamy, neutral colors. These colors are also timeless. Stay away from black, bright, vibrant, neon colors. This is not just a preference, these colors can cause casts on you or your babies skin making it tricky to balance the image. They also just don't edit nicely. Your baby is the focus - bold colors will draw the eyes away from them.

Textures: linen, muslin, knitwear, waffle, ect. Textures give your image layers and personality!

Now for dad/partner, it's easy-- compliment mom, always. A basic color tee or button up and simple pants.

Any siblings, again simple, neutral, no patterns. You get the point!

AGAIN, it's a great idea to have your outfit planned (with a backup option) BEFORE baby comes! 

If you'd like personalized guidance and vision boards please reach out to me in advance!

Baby's Outfit:
I'd like for you to have baby in an outfit before I arrive. Great options are simple one pieces, rompers, knot gowns, ect.
Steer away from neons and brights due to the cast they give to babies skin (Reds, Oranges, Royal Blues, Hunter Greens, ect)
Choose textures, neutral colors, and/or simple patterns

Basket & Wrap: 
I will bring a selection of wraps based on your color choices! I have a few baskets that I rotate.  If you have
basket laying around, I can always shoot with them! I also try and use blankets/little things from the babies nursery for a personalized touch!

Deidre Holly is a lifestyle newborn, maternity, & family photographer in New Jersey. if you are interested in booking dhollyphoto for your own lifestyle newborn session in new jersey, i'd love to chat! Send my an inquiry so we can discuss working together!

what to expect

planning your session

prepping for your session

style guide

babies style guide