Los Angeles and Culver City Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot with Emily Winnie
Having a newborn at home is such an amazing, chaotic, heartwarming time. Those first days go by so fast, and a lifestyle newborn photoshoot captures it all—right in the place where you’re making memories every day. As a Culver City newborn photographer, I absolutely love photographing families at home, capturing those real, intimate moments without the hassle of packing a diaper bag, wrangling siblings, or rushing out the door. So, how do you prep for this special shoot and your baby’s first “official” pictures? Here are a few tips to make your in-home session smooth and fun!
1. Choose the Brightest Time of Day
Good lighting is everything for capturing beautiful, natural photos. For an in-home newborn session, we want to take advantage of the best light in your space. Generally, mid to late morning works best, especially during the winter when the sun dips down early. When we schedule, we’ll pick a time that aligns with the brightest part of your day, so everything looks warm and inviting without needing flash or studio lights. Natural light gives your photos that soft, cozy feel!
2. Pick Out a Few Great Rooms
When it comes to your lifestyle newborn session, there are a few go-to spots in the house that work well for photos:
- The living room or family room: This is usually the hub of the home, perfect for those relaxed, snuggly shots of you all together.
- The master bedroom: There’s something so sweet about cozying up on the bed with your little one, and it’s a great spot to capture that close, connected feel. Invite your favorite furry companion to hop up and hang out with us!
- The nursery: If you have a nursery set up, this is a beautiful, personal space that highlights all the little details you’ve chosen just for your baby.
If certain rooms don’t get the best light, no worries! I’m super flexible. If there’s a bright spot somewhere else or a cozy backyard/front yard area, we can work with that, too. It’s all about finding the spaces that feel the most “you.”
3. Tidy Up (Just a Little)
Since lifestyle sessions are relaxed and candid, I’ll be moving around and shooting from different angles to catch those little details that make this time unique. A quick tidy-up in the rooms we’ll be using helps keep the focus on your family without any distractions. So, clearing away dishes, straightening up, or putting away baby gear like swings or bouncers will help make your space look its best. But don’t stress! It doesn’t need to be spotless—just give yourself a clean canvas, and we’ll take care of the rest.
4. Get Siblings Ready for Their Close-Up
Having a new baby and a new photographer in the house can be a lot for older siblings! I totally understand, so I like to start by chatting with them, maybe asking them to show me a favorite toy or something special in their room. This helps them warm up and feel more comfortable. If you have a little treat or reward planned for them afterward, that’s great too! Let me in on the plan, and I can help keep them motivated by reminding them about that special treat.
5. Be Ready to Roll 15 Minutes Early
I get it—newborn life is unpredictable! But to make the most of our session and catch the best light, I recommend everyone (minus baby, if they need a quick feed!) be ready about 15 minutes before I arrive. This way, we can jump right in, capture those fresh smiles while everyone’s still energized, and make the most of every minute together.
Following these simple steps will help us capture the love and excitement of this new chapter in your life. From cuddles on the couch to sweet moments in the nursery, your lifestyle newborn session will be full of genuine, warm memories that you’ll treasure forever. If you’re looking for a Los Angeles newborn photographer to document these first precious days at home, I’d love to make this experience easy and unforgettable.
Ready to book your in-home newborn photoshoot? Let’s make some memories!
