Elegant white cursive calligraphy letter 'L' on a black background.

NEWBORN SESSION ADVICE

Natural Newborn Photography
& Baby Led Posing

A family of three celebrating the birth of a new baby girl in a nursery, with a smiling man and woman holding the newborn, who is wrapped in a blanket and wearing a large bow with embroidery, in front of a white crib with a monogrammed blanket and cloud decor.

As a mom to our son, William, I’ve come to really appreciate just how special the early days are. Newborns grow so quickly and it’s so important to capture these adorable moments. I find that natural newborn photos are the most sentimental because they capture your little one in the comfort of your home, where you feel most at ease, and the moments are truly authentic to you.

I specialize in natural newborn photography and baby-led posing. Below are tips on how to achieve a timeless look, ensuring you receive natural, heartfelt images of your sweet newborn.

What Lizzie Will Provide

Baby Basket

For your in-home newborn session, I’ll bring this adorable baby basket to use for solo portraits of your newborn by a window in natural light. Please have a baby blanket on hand if you’d like to incorporate it into the background.

Prepare For Newborn Photos

A baby being held by a woman, with the baby's face turned towards the camera and eyes open. The baby is wearing a light-colored outfit with a large embroidered bow and a monogrammed sleeve with the initials "W S M" and a small dog illustration.

Prepare Outfits

Prepare your baby’s outfits in advance. Lay them out in the location where you'll be taking photos so that they're easily accessible. Have a backup outfit (or two) ready. For parents, choose outfits you feel comfortable and confident in. Soft, neutral tones always work beautifully.

Be ready for breaks

Newborn babies (and their siblings) have their own schedules and needs, so be prepared for breaks during the shoot. Don't worry if you need to take breaks for feedings and diaper changes. If your baby is crying or fussy, we’ll pause. It's important to prioritize their comfort.

A white doll crib with a pink lining, stuffed animal dolls, and a white embroidered blanket, placed in front of a window with white curtains.

Special Mementos

I love to document all the adorable elements of a nursery. Think about anything you’d love to see photographed alongside your baby. For example, monogrammed blankets, embroidered onesies, name plates, special toys, or heirloom items. They add personality, story, and a sense of heritage that you’ll treasure for years.

A young girl in a pink and white dress standing next to a bed with floral sheets, reaching through the bars of a white crib to touch a sleeping baby girl in a white outfit.

Clean & Tidy

We’ll typically photograph in the nursery, your bedroom, and living room, so a quick tidy-up in those areas is all that’s needed. I promise, no judgment of your laundry pile. Removing clutter from nightstands and clearing surfaces helps create a clean backdrop that keeps the focus on your family. You don't need to deep clean your entire home, but make sure that the area where you'll be taking photos is tidy and presentable.

A family of four with two dogs sitting on a bed in a bright bedroom. The mother and father are holding a baby, and they are all cuddling and smiling.

Nautral Light

When taking photos of your newborn, natural light is your best friend. Choose a location(s) in your home that has plenty of natural light. This could be a room with large windows (ideally the nursery or your room) or a spot in your living room where the sun shines in during the day. I will turn off the overhead lights to remove any potential color cast.

A happy family sitting on the floor in a nursery with two dogs and a baby, with a crib and the name 'Freddie' on the wall.

Include your pets

I love it when family pets are included in a newborn session. We’ll capture a few sweet images with your pup, along with photos without them, so if your dog tends to get upset when separated from you, having someone available to tend to them can help keep the session calm and relaxed.