My Workflow for a Lifestyle Newborn Session

When I arrive at a client’s home I will want to see all the rooms you see as options for areas you want photos taken in. Knowing what the light looks like in those rooms and finding out what is most important to you will help me create a checklist in my head.

My basic shot list includes:

Whole family
Mom and baby
Dad and baby
Dad, baby and sibling(s)
Mom, baby and sibling(s)
Mom, dad and baby
Baby and sibling(s)
Baby alone

Of course this can vary depending on the family dynamics (ie. no older siblings, same sex parents).

Dad dressed in sweats cradles his newborn son in his arms while sitting a queen size bed.

Big brother gives newborn baby brother a kiss.

A 3 year old boy snuggles his mom from behind. They are touching checks and smiling.

The order that I do things in may depend on if there is an older sibling and how cooperative they feel when I arrive. Are they excited of me to take photos of them and their baby sibling or do they need time to warm up to a new person?

I budget up to 2 hours for a newborn session to allow for breaks for siblings, baby feedings, diaper changes and any fussiness from baby.

I typically schedule these sessions in the late morning and sometimes at midday. Unlike outdoor sessions that I recommend scheduling for golden hour, indoor sessions benefit from shooting during the brightest part of the day. I also try to avoid toddler’s nap time and baby’s witching hour. Taking all those factors into account usually lead us to schedule newborn sessions in the late morning.