What is a Lifestyle Baby Session

A Lifestyle baby session is a refreshing departure from studio sessions. These sessions offer a glimpse into the intimate and real moments of daily life with a baby, focusing on the connections and interactions between baby, parents, siblings and even the family pet.

These lifestyle baby sessions are meant to be more documentary style than your typical posed studio shots.

The photos will look candid, but I offer posing guidance so you don’t need to worry about what to do or feeling awkward with the camera. This might include me telling you how to stand, sit or where to place your hands. I will also advise you on activities with your baby like reading a book, playing with some toys or how to hold your newborn in an aesthetically pleasing way.

There are no props, except for anything you would like to use in your home like books, toys or their favourite stuffy for example. I like to use things that are meaningful to you and your family. Don’t worry about your baby being fussy either, we can stop anytime and take lots of breaks.

During the lifestyle baby session I will capture the baby with each member of the family, everyone together, parents with baby and some portraits of just your little one. If there are siblings involved, I typically prioritize their photos at the beginning. Family pets are definitely welcome to be included in the pictures as well.

Where does the lifestyle baby session take place

Lifestyle baby sessions take place in your home. Having the session in the comfort of your own home is designed to alleviate stress for the new mom and make it more convenient and comfortable. You don’t have to worry about packing a diaper bag or forgetting anything. There are no concerns about where or when to feed or change your baby.

I also like capturing your family in your familiar surroundings in your home as it is now. One day you will remember that bedspread, those toys, the nursery set up and how the living room looked. It doesn’t matter if it’s not your forever home, but it’s the home you brought your baby home to and that is worth remembering.

Don’t worry if you feel your house is too small, too dark or too messy. I can work with anything and there is absolutely no judgement from me. You do not have to clean your house or make it look perfect! I do recommend some light decluttering (bedside tables/floors) and basic tidy, but nothing crazy or over the top. It’s about angles and light, don’t worry about the state of your house.

See my article about where in your house we can do the session.

Focus is on the family

During a lifestyle baby session, it’s not just about snapping pictures of your baby—it’s about capturing your entire family. From the lively energy of older siblings bonding with the newborn to the serene moments of mom and baby cuddles, I aim to document the full spectrum of your daily life. My focus is on portraying your family dynamics as you embrace your new addition.

So many couples have a dog as their first baby so it’s important to include them in the pictures as well. This is much easier to do in your home than bringing your dog to a studio. Dogs tend to be more at ease in their own environment, lending a natural and relaxed vibe to the photos.

What age should I do a Lifestyle Baby Session

Many parents choose to do a newborn session, but Lifestyle baby sessions can be done at any age!

Newborn – the best time for newborn baby session is typically within the first two weeks. I think the optimal time is between 7-12 days. They have grown into their skin and any jaundice has cleared. Baby acne and colic doesn’t usually appear until after 2 weeks.

3 Months – they’ve got some eyelashes, maybe some dimples, rolls and big bellies. They are full of smiles and often put their feet in their mouths, which I think is the cutest thing. They can hold their head up and are more animated.

6 months – they can usually sit up and it’s a whole new ball game. They are more social, expressive and you can see their personalities shine through the pictures.

1 year – baby is walking, playing with toys and interacting with the family.

See my other article on how to prepare for your lifestyle baby session.