What is a newborn lifestyle photographer?
Those first few weeks with a newborn fly by in a blur. Frankly, I only remember a handful of days with my little one. I look back at the photos I took of him in those early days and it helps me pierce through the fog of sleep deprivation and recall the way he smelled and how tight his little fingers gripped mine. The days blur together—soft mornings, sleepless nights, tiny stretches and yawns you never want to forget. One thing I wish I did, was hire a Seattle newborn lifestyle photographer to make sure that I got more photos WITH my baby in those first few weeks.
Lifestyle newborn photography is a little different than the posed setups you may have seen online. Instead of baskets, costumes, or complicated props, it’s about real connection. Your baby curled into your chest. The way siblings peek into the crib. The way the light falls across the blanket you’ve wrapped them in a hundred times already. These are the moments that make up your story. No crazy poses and no outlandish photoshop.
Sessions usually last about an hour or two. Babies need time for nursing, diaper changes, and plenty of soothing. And honestly, so do parents. There’s no rush. We let the day unfold and follow your little one’s pace. I’ll guide you into natural poses, always parent-supported and never forced, so safety is never a question. Think more of gentle adjustments than “posing.”
When do I book? What if my baby arrives sooner/later?
The best time to book a newborn session is while you’re still pregnant, so your spot is secured. I recommend planning for about 2 weeks after your due date. Of course, babies rarely follow calendars, so we keep things flexible—when your little one arrives, we simply shift the date if needed. No extra fees or charges or stress. I only take on a handful of clients every month, ensuring rescheduling is an easy and painless process for both of us. The oldest baby I’d recommend is about 3 months. After that, we look more into sitter sessions and things look a little more like a traditional family session than a typical “newborn session”. Good news? I price ALL my sessions the same. It’s predictable and expected. No confusing process here.
How do I make sure my home is ready for a newborn lifestyle photoshoot?
Most sessions happen right in your own home. That’s part of the magic—you don’t need a spotless house or a styled nursery. All we really need is a window with soft light and a corner where you can simply be. I use what you already love: the heirloom quilt your grandmother stitched, the couch where you rock the baby at 2 a.m., the tiny hat knitted by a friend. Nothing fake, nothing staged—just the beauty that’s already there.
A warm house makes a big difference too—around 75 to 80 degrees is perfect. Cozy babies are content babies, and that comfort shows in your photos.
And don’t worry if your baby fusses, or if siblings lose patience. Those moments are part of the story, too. Some of the most meaningful images come from pauses—the feeding breaks, the giggles on the floor, the quiet breath between it all. Pets wandering in are always welcome; they’re family, after all.
When do I get my newborn photos back?
After the session, you’ll receive a digital gallery of high-resolution images, with the option to choose from 3 collections, two of which include print credit. I include print credit in my gallery selection because it makes it easy to order keepsake artwork – you can always purchase above what’s provided but it makes it straight forward to fill your home with your family’s story and connection. Your family’s photographs deserve to live on your walls, in your hands, not just on a screen. Albums, framed portraits, and canvases turn fleeting memories into heirlooms you’ll carry forward for decades.
The newborn season is tender and fleeting, but it doesn’t have to slip away. Choosing a Seattle newborn lifestyle photographer means the images you hold will be honest, dreamy, and deeply personal—a reflection not only of how your baby looked, but how this time in your life truly felt.
Interested in booking a session?
Preserve your family’s story, authentically, beautifully, in a customized newborn lifestyle photoshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we book our newborn session?
I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant so your spot is secured. Babies don’t always follow calendars, so we’ll keep your session flexible. If your little one arrives earlier or later than expected, we simply adjust—no extra charge.
How long do sessions last?
Most newborn sessions run about one to two hours. That gives plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and just taking a breath as a new parent. There’s no rush—we go at your family’s pace.
Where do sessions take place?
My favorite place is right in your home. We don’t need much—just a window with soft light and a few cozy corners. This way, your images reflect the space where your baby is truly growing up.
Do you bring props or outfits?
I don’t use posed props or “Pinterest setups.” I love using what your family already owns—blankets, heirlooms, swaddles, even the couch you nap on. The goal is to capture your real life with your baby, not create a staged version of it.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. As a mom myself, I know safety comes first. I use only very minimal posing, always parent-supported. You’ll never see your baby in unnatural positions or risky setups. No composites, no crazy Photoshop—just honest, tender images.
What should the room feel like?
For baby’s comfort, I recommend warming your home to around 75–80°F. A toasty space helps keep little ones relaxed and sleepy during the session.
What do we receive after the session?
You’ll receive a digital gallery of high-resolution images to download. From there, you’ll choose between three collections. Two include print credit so you can create framed artwork, albums, or canvases—the pieces that truly last.
Do you retouch newborn skin?
Yes, lightly. I’ll soften blemishes or baby acne while keeping their skin looking real and natural. Your baby will look like your baby.
What if my baby cries the whole time?
That’s part of the story too. We’ll pause as needed to feed, rock, or soothe. Some of the most heartfelt images come from those in-between moments.
Can siblings or pets be included?
Yes, absolutely. The goal is to capture your family together, and that includes the older brother who wants to hold the baby for thirty seconds, or the dog that sneaks in for a sniff.
