Bringing a new baby home is one of the most beautiful and overwhelming experiences of your life. For your in-home lifestyle newborn photography session my goal is to document your family in an honest, natural, and relaxed way—without stiff posing or forced moments.

If you’re wondering what to expect during your session, here’s a guide to help you feel fully prepared and excited for the experience!

1. When to Schedule Your Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session

Unlike traditional posed newborn photography, lifestyle sessions allow for more flexibility. While the first 2-3 weeks is ideal for capturing those sleepy, snuggly moments, older newborns (even up to 6-8 weeks) can also be beautifully documented. There are pros and cons to early or late newborn sessions, which I outline in this post. Check it out if you’re unsure what’s best for your family!

I recommend booking your newborn session during your second or third trimester to ensure availability. I also offer a maternity and newborn bundle at a discounted rate, and I suggest maternity photos take place around the 7-8 month mark. Getting in touch early ensures we can find a time to accommodate both sessions.

2. Preparing for Your In-Home Session

One of the best things about lifestyle newborn sessions is that there’s very little you need to do to prepare! These sessions are about documenting real moments, not perfection.

What You Need to Do:

• Tidy up (just a little) – No need for a spotless home! A quick declutter of the main spaces we’ll use (usually the living room, master bedroom, and nursery) is perfect.
• Dress comfortably – Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully. Choose cozy, casual outfits that make you feel good postpartum. If you’re dressing a toddler, something neutral and without graphics is key. Want more tips on what to wear? See my blog post here about dressing baby for your in home session.
• Keep baby’s routine – There’s no need to keep baby awake before the session. I’ll work around their natural rhythm, whether they’re sleeping or awake. If they get hungry, or need a diaper change, no worries! We will slow down and take as much time as needed.
• Embrace the chaos – If you have older kids, let them be themselves! Lifestyle photography is about capturing their real interactions with their new sibling.

3. What Happens During the Session?

A Relaxed, Baby-Led Experience

• Sessions typically last 1-2 hours, allowing time for feeding, diaper changes, and cuddles.
• There’s no strict posing—I gently guide you and baby into natural interactions and moments that feel authentic to your family.
• If baby is awake, we capture wide-eyed wonder. If they’re asleep, we focus on snuggly, intimate moments.

Family-Focused Approach

• The session isn’t just about baby—it’s about your whole family’s connection.
• I’ll capture parents snuggling baby, older siblings welcoming their new best friend, and quiet in-between moments that tell your story.
• Pets are welcome too! They’re part of the family, after all.

4. After the Session – When & How You’ll Get Your Photos

Your final images will be delivered via an online gallery within 2-3 weeks, where you can download high-resolution images and order prints. I carefully edit each image to ensure the gallery is cohesive and a true reflection of your life.

Lifestyle newborn photography sessions are all about capturing the real, raw beauty of your family’s new chapter—snuggles on the couch, tiny hands wrapped around your finger, the way your older child gently (or not so gently!) kisses their new sibling. We all know babies don’t keep – you will never regret capturing this time!

If you’re expecting and want to document these first fleeting moments in a natural, stress-free way, I’d love to connect! Let’s Chat! Serving families in Chatham-Kent & Sarnia, Ontario, and beyond.