The ONE thing you need for your lifestyle newborn session

At home lifestyle newborn session in Virginia Beach, VA

We all remember those photographs in the pediatrician’s office—you know, the ones of baby squished into a pot smothered in spaghetti noodles. Yeah, those can stay in the 2000s. 

Maybe you yourself were a spaghetti baby. Or maybe newborn photography wasn’t really a thing at the time. Yet, here you are wondering what style of newborn photos you’re wanting for your baby because now there are so many options. But you do know that you’re trying to avoid the photos that feel like they could be on display at any outdated pediatrician’s office.

And let me tell you. They don’t have to feel that way.

What I find true about photography today is an echo chamber for the world around us: 

We are all craving authentic connection. 

Now more than ever with the digital world at our fingertips and the recovery of social isolation from the pandemic, we are craving the nostalgia that our interpersonal relationships once had. Now that can come back from the 2000s.

You can’t purchase it, but let me tell you, connection is far more meaningful than any letterboard or throw blanket that you could buy for the session, and it’s truly all you need for these lifestyle newborn photos to be beautiful. And guess what, you already have it. No need to run to Target for this one.

Okay, bring the fluffy blanket and letterboard, too. I get it; they’re cute. But let’s not lose sight of the big picture. Connection is all you need.

Knowing this should take the pressure off for how your family will perform for photos—your messy home, your noisy kiddos, or your hungry baby. To me, that is all beautiful, and seriously, I’m not expecting to walk onto a 1950s sitcom set.

Here’s something I have learned as a photographer that may help you: Is it really a session flow if we are demanding a rigid structure from ourselves?

Here’s an example. 

I recently photographed a lifestyle newborn session in a client’s home in Virginia Beach. Actually, I included my favorite photo from that whole session as the header for this blog post. Go ahead, scroll up and see if you can guess why it’s my favorite. And then keep reading to see if you got it right.

It’s the authenticity of the moment. The parents are experiencing their own areas of connection with each of their children, and together, they are a family unit. You can feel the love and excitement.

But there’s actually another reason this photo feels authentic to me, and it’s a detail that I considered editing out, but I left it in because it tells a story.

Brother was racing to and from his bedroom, bringing toys to show me. He grabbed a play camera and an action figure to take photographs alongside me, but seeing that mom and dad were having their own time with baby, he dove into the frame and wanted to be part of the connection again.

Someone who thinks that life must be structured a certain way might walk over to their nightstand, clear off the toys, let the moment pass, and tell everyone to say cheese. But I found authentic beauty in the chaos of the moment, so I intentionally kept that clutter in the photograph to tell the story.

I am reminded of something a mama once told me: “One day I will miss this mess.”

So, mama, as you prepare for your lifestyle newborn session or maybe even your maternity session (because you booked both with me to claim that discount), then you may find yourself in a state of stress about it all. “How will I get the kids to behave?” “Which spare top should I pack in case they spill juice on themselves?” “Did I brush my own hair?”

Mama, this is me telling you to take a breath. I’m not expecting perfection nor wanting perfection from your session. I want your authenticity. And I will capture that connection beautifully.

Okay, let’s get talking about your crazy family who you wouldn’t want any other way. Book your discovery call with me here.