So, what is lifestyle photography all about?
Think about the photos your parents have of you when you were little.
Maybe you’re sitting on your dad’s lap while he reads a book to you on a lazy Saturday morning. He’s in pajamas and old slippers that have seen better days. You have crazy bedhead. No one looks picture perfect – but it’s a photo that captures a special moment in time.
That’s what lifestyle photography is. It’s real, it’s authentic – and it’s not perfect. Those are the memories that make you smile. Those are the moments that matter.
(c) Kristal Bean PhotographyLifestyle newborn photography, sometimes called in-home newborn photography, isn’t perfectly posed, and that’s what makes it awesome! This is one or two hours where your only job is to cuddle with your baby and marvel over every perfect feature with your spouse.
A huge advantage to in-home newborn sessions is that I will come to you. You won’t have to get up early, get yourself and baby ready, and then drive to someone’s studio. Instead, we’ll find a morning for me to take photos of your family in your home, where everyone is most comfortable.
I usually schedule these sessions any time before baby is six weeks old. Our time together is totally relaxed – no rushing, no stress to get everyone posed perfectly.
Lifestyle newborn sessions continue telling the story that began at the hospital. Now that baby is home, let’s capture dad perfecting his swaddling technique and mom nursing in that special chair in the nursery. Grab that brand new baby bath tub and we’ll get photos of you giving baby a bath. These are fleeting moments, and you don’t want to forget a thing.
There are many aspects of having an infant that seem like they will last forever, like nursing, changing diapers and rocking baby to sleep. In the blink of an eye, you’ll have a toddler running through your house and you’ll wonder how that tiny bundle grew so quickly. A lifestyle newborn session documents these big and little moments so that this part of your story will live on forever.
Usually these photos are taken where you spend most of your time as a family – in your living room, in the master bedroom and in baby’s nursery, but we can use other rooms in your home too. I make sure to get photos of mom, dad and baby, in addition to older siblings interacting with their new brother or sister.
I will provide gentle direction to capture authentic moments, so we won’t do much posing for baby or your family. We keep it simple with baby in a swaddle or favorite simple outfit, taking breaks for mama to nurse if needed. Parents are usually in casual clothes – jeans and a Polo shirt for dads, leggings/jeans and a cute top for moms. Younger siblings are typically in nice play clothes so that they’re comfortable. The focus is on family interactions and celebrating the special connections between parents and children.
Let’s discuss what the lifestyle newborn sessions might look like for your family. I would love to meet you and document this very special time in your life!
