Love the look of lifestyle newborn pictures? Here’s what to expect during your in-home session.

Lifestyle newborn photography (which is what I do) takes place in your home instead of in a studio. It is meant to capture your newborn’s home and family as much as the baby itself. When I photograph these sessions, they typically last around three hours. For those who have never had lifestyle newborn pictures done, I’ve put together this blog to give you an idea of what to expect from your session.

But first: why I love lifestyle newborn photography

There are a few reasons I personally prefer lifestyle newborn pictures. For one thing, you’re most comfortable in your own space. And, if you have any other children, they will also be more comfortable in an environment they’re familiar with. Bringing a new baby into your family is such a big adjustment. Photographing the beauty in what can sometimes be a chaotic, sleep-deprived time is best done where you feel most comfortable.

I love to think about all the photography sessions I do as a chance to document life as it currently is. There’s nothing more telling about your life as it is than to take those first new family photographs in the space you’ve made your home.

So, here’s what to expect from your lifestyle newborn photography session

Your session will be natural and comfortable.

My newborn “posing” is centered around how your new little one is most comfortable. I don’t force poses or use props. The typical “flow” for a newborn session involves family and sibling photos first and then solo photos of your baby. This usually gives us a good gap between family time and solo portrait time to feed and change your baby as well.

Your newborn session will be about three hours long. I won’t be shooting photos that whole time, but that allows time for all the things newborns need (milk, changing, burping, soothing, etc.) in between their sweet, cute naps.

I will bring everything we need for an in-home studio in your space.

If you decide to include images that are “studio-like” portraits with your session, I will bring everything we need to create those types of images. This includes blankets, wraps and white onesies and even a space heater so your little one is nice and warm. I also have a few understated, simple and beautiful bows if you’d like to choose from those for your little girl.

As a mother myself, I am hyper aware of the importance of cleanliness and safety. I am both vaccinated and boosted against Covid, and I get the flu shot every fall. The blankets and equipment I bring for your lifestyle newborn pictures is all freshly washed and sanitized as well.

I understand real life, and I think lifestyle newborn pictures are best taken when there’s no pressure. All we need is some good space where your family can snuggle up for photos together – that can be on a couch, your bed, in the baby’s room – wherever you’re comfortable. I can check out which rooms have the best light once I’m at your home, but I also bring along a flash to create light where needed.

Here’s the hardest part: the waiting

Once we’ve wrapped up your session, your photos will be delivered to you within the next two weeks. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s worth it!

If you know lifestyle newborn pictures are the right fit for your family, book them as soon as know. Feel free to get in touch with me if you have additional questions as well. Here’s a link to my contact form: https://ericahurlburtphotography.com/contact

Lifestyle newborn pictures: what to expect

Erica Hurlburt is an award winning Ventura County Photographer & Santa Barbara Family Photographer who specializes in newborn, family and school photography. Her style tends toward cleaner, classic images, both in how they’re composed and edited. Her goal in every session is to keep things relaxed and fun and to create images that are both meaningful and unique.

Erica serves clients in Camarillo, Ventura County, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake,
Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ojai and beyond.