How to Prepare for your Lifestyle Newborn Session

May 5

Tips from a Kansas City Birth & Baby Photographer

Bringing home your new baby is one of the most emotional, fleeting moments in life—and lifestyle newborn photography captures that magic in the most natural, beautiful way. As a birth and baby photographer in Kansas City, I specialize in relaxed, in-home newborn sessions that focus on connection, comfort, and real-life moments.

To help you get the most out of your session, here are my top tips on how to prepare:

1. Keep Outfits Neutral, Light, and Comfortable

Choosing the right outfits can make a huge difference in how your photos feel.
I always recommend sticking to soft, neutral tones—think whites, creams, beiges, light greys, or dusty pastels. These colors photograph beautifully in natural light and won’t distract from the emotion or your baby.

Avoid logos, bold patterns, and super dark colors, which can pull focus and feel less timeless.

2. Feed Baby at the Start of the Session

Plan to feed your baby right at the beginning of your session—or even during it. A full baby is a happy baby, and that post-feeding calm is perfect for those sweet, close-up detail shots of baby’s lashes, fingers, and toes.

I also love capturing feeding moments, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. These photos often become some of the most intimate and meaningful.

3. Let the Natural Light In

Lifestyle newborn sessions work best in bright, naturally lit spaces. Before I arrive, open up your curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.

We’ll likely use the master bedroom, nursery, and/or living room—so don’t stress about a perfectly clean house, but a quick tidy-up helps! Light bedding and uncluttered spaces create a soft, airy look that lets your family shine.

4. Embrace the Chaos and Go With the Flow

Babies—and families—are perfectly imperfect! It’s completely okay if your little one needs to cry, eat again, or just be held for a while. Sessions are baby-led and slow-paced, with plenty of time for breaks and cuddles.

Have siblings? They’re absolutely welcome! Whether big siblings are full of energy, a little shy, or somewhere in between, I love capturing those real, playful moments. Those giggles, snuggles (and even a little chaos!) are part of your family’s story and make for the most meaningful photos.

5. Relax and Trust the Process

The beauty of a lifestyle newborn session is that it's real. No stiff poses, no studio props—just your family, your love, your space.

My job is to gently guide you and capture those sweet, authentic moments between you and your baby. All you need to do is relax, enjoy, and be present