At Home Newborn Pictures in Central New Jersey

Having a baby can be an absolute wonderful experience. Sometimes, we get so captured in the moment that we forget to capture this time. That’s why newborn photoshoots are a necessity. Since being a new mom can be very overwhelming, I decided to write a guide to newborn photos to help you out. If you don’t know me already, I’m Danielle and I’m a NJ family photographer!

What is a Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot?

A lifestyle newborn photoshoot is a type of photography session that captures photos of the baby in their natural environment rather than in a studio with props. Lifestyle photography is a very candid and natural style of photography that focuses primarily on organic posing. Props are rarely used in lifestyle photoshoots, except what is in the baby’s natural setting. For example, pictures may be taken in the baby’s crib, bassinet, or in mom & dad’s arms, etc. Also, lifestyle photoshoots include photos of the whole family (not just the baby.) Lifestyle photography is the choice of photography I use when capturing newborn pictures. Below is an example photo.

When Should I Book a Newborn Session?

I always tell my clients to book a session while still pregnant. This makes it so much easier on you because once the baby is born, you don’t have the extra stress of having to find and book a photographer. A lot of photographers book up months in advance, so make sure you get your baby on their schedule before it’s too late. Also, make sure you are scheduling the session one to three weeks after the baby’s due date. That is when the baby is most likely to sleep and not fuss too much.

What Should I Do Before the Session?

Before the session, I always tell my clients to make sure the baby is well fed. You want a happy and satisfied baby to photograph. You should also turn your thermostat up a few degrees. This helps the baby relax and sleep. Babies like warm environments. They tend to fuss when they are not warm and cozy.

What Should I Have on Hand to Make the Session Run Smoothly?

You don’t really need a whole lot! I make sure my clients have a boppy pillow on hand for posing the baby. I also make sure my clients have a blanket or a wrap they can swaddle the baby in. Babies do best when they are swaddled nice and tight.

What Outfits Should I Put the Baby In?

That is completely up to you! Since I am a Lifestyle Newborn Photographer, I do gravitate to more of a natural look, so I don’t like to put the baby in anything extravagant or fancy. Honestly, a simple onsie can look adorable. Of course, if you have a specific outfit you’d like to put your baby in, that is completely fine. I’d say as long as it’s comfortable for the baby, then that is all that matters.

That’s a wrap! I hope this guide has been helpful for you. If you are expecting a baby right now or maybe you are currently trying for a baby; then I encourage you to look into booking a Lifestyle Newborn Photo session. If you’d like to know more about me, then please check out my website here You can also fill out my contact form here if you’d like more information on how you can book a session.