Update: I have stopped photographing weddings as of December 2021 and became a real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri. If you’re also searching for a new home together, let’s call it serendipity! I can also give you some great recommendations for a wedding photographer. Feel free to schedule a call or reach out at 913-948-3918. Thanks and happy wedding planning!
The new trend for newborn photography is a lifestyle newborn photographer. A lifestyle newborn photographer focuses on photographing natural and posed moments in your own home. I am thrilled this is taking the place of studio posing sessions for so many reasons but mostly for safety. In the past, I took many classes before I started photographing studio newborn sessions. I studied with well-known newborn studio photographers. I practiced. I photographed my own babies before ever offering to do this for another family. Most of the classes and studies focused on the safety of posing a newborn. Sadly, it’s not required to take those classes. If a studio session is your hearts desire, please do your research.
After a few years of studio newborn sessions, I was still wanting the moments that don’t occur in a studio. In the studio, the moments were always posed and never felt natural. I needed to get back to my roots with lifestyle newborn photography to accomplish my goal when delivering your images. Everything I was missing in the studio was right there in your home! A lifestyle newborn session is an in-home portrait session. The best news for parents and siblings is you don’t have to leave the comforts or elements of your own home to have beautiful portraits.
My favorite part of in-home newborn photography is the natural elements and environment, making you more comfortable during the session. It’s always necessary to be comfortable during a session for the outcome of the photographs. The cherished moments between a family, caring for a newborn, captured in natural light and loved for decades are the result. If you also have young toddlers, this is the best scenario for youngsters and portraits. Kids are best in their own environment. This includes the schedule. I generally work around the current home schedule when scheduling your lifestyle newborn session to make sure we have the best success in your portraits.
Lifestyle newborn sessions have become my favorite way to capture moments, newborn portraits and family portraits. It’s the only way I will photograph newborn sessions today. The session is safe, comfortable and stress-free for baby and parents. I love to document the first moments of love between you and your newborn and that takes place in the comforts of your own home.
I traveled to Overland Park, Kansas for this lifestyle newborn session. Nick and Sara make the most handsome baby boys. I am overjoyed when I hear from a previous wedding couple to hear that they’re starting a family. And with each new baby, breathes new life and more love into that family. Being able to watch this couple go from their engagement season of life to young parents is one of the biggest perks of my job as a photographer.
Another perk is also getting the chance to photograph the nursery! Sara and Nick did an amazing job on this chic farmhouse nursery theme. My favorite is the counting sheep crib mobile. You can find your own Mud Pie Lamb mobile on Amazon! I love to get a glimpse into the nursery and the design elements you poured your love into as you were awaiting your baby.
I have photographed Sara and Nick’s family sessions in the past, in parks usually, and Owen loves to give me a hard time! lol. He’s all boy and usually more interested in his new surroundings but in his own home, he gave me ALL the smiles. This precious boy is going to be the best big brother! He is such a helper.
One of my favorite areas to photograph in-home newborn sessions, other than the nursery, is the master bedroom. It tends to be the second living area with young kids. The bed is usually large enough to accommodate the entire family and any pets too! Nick and Sara’s master bedroom had the most amazing natural light. It also gave Owen a great space to explore and play for some candid photos. One of the important parts of a lifestyle newborn session is natural light. I always request all the blinds and curtains remain open to let as much light inside as possible. This and many more tips are provided before your session to ensure an easy portrait session with the best photos. I’m also always available to help and answer questions along the way. I’ve been photographing newborns for over 10 years now!
The master bedroom is also a great place to create posed portraits with the family. Just because we’re doing a lifestyle session, doesn’t mean we don’t focus on posing that sweet baby in your own arms or wrapped in a swaddle. In fact, these are some of my favorite images. After all, newborns are most comfortable cradled in your arms.
I generally finish a lifestyle newborn session in the nursery. Baby Mack was ready for a nap so what better place to finish the portraits. I always hope Mom and Dad get some down time after our session as well. Being in-home is less stress but it’s still a portrait session and I always suggest to plan it before some down time to recover….Momma did just have a baby after all. 🙂
In a studio, the focus is to get baby to sleep so you can move them around but with a lifestyle newborn session, it’s a joy to see the tiny expressions of joy and wonder. I love to see the open eyes!
Aside from capturing the joy of this new season of your life, the baby snuggles are amazing too and I love my job!! I love being a lifestyle newborn photographer. If you’re interested in learning more about booking a lifestyle newborn session in the Kansas City, St. Louis, or Chicagoland areas, give me a call! 913-948-3918
Cheers,
Heather Brulez
