Have you thought about ditching the posed newborn session for a newborn lifestyle shoot which includes pictures that are more natural and include the whole family? I wish I had, when I had my babies. Since you may have heard me talk about, how much I love a classic portrait, you might be wondering “what on earth is she talking about?” Hear me out. You can STILL get a classic portrait at a lifestyle shoot, in fact it’s probably more “classic” than a baby contorted and posed into some unnatural position. I always include portraits of my newborn baby clients, they are just wrapped in a blanket in their crib, or being held by Mom or Dad while I take that picture. Here are 3 other benefits of a lifestyle newborn shoot:

1. They are less stressful for baby and Mom. You don’t have to heat up the room to 90 degrees to keep the unclothed baby comfortable, and you don’t have to spend eons getting Baby back to sleep after they wake up from being fussed with. Think about it, would you rather be snuggled in a blanket or bent in half with your chin resting on your hands? I’ve done them both ways, there’s nothing wrong with either choice, but lifestyle sessions are the only ones I offer now because I prefer it so much more.
2. The session can be in your own home, which is a pretty special place to document. Parents spend a lot of time decorating their babies rooms, so it’s a neat thing to remember. When families are in their own home, it’s easier to document the family dynamic and kids personalities. You can see each brothers personality shine in this shoot for example.
3. Another awesome benifit is not having to load up your kids to take them anywhere. No commute time means, more time for pictures between feedings.
4. If you include the whole family in the session, you not only get amazing newborn pictures, but you can remember the whole family at that stage too, plus you’ll have plenty of pics worthy of your Christmas Card for the coming season.