Welcoming your little one into the world is one of the most precious moments you will ever experience, and capturing those early days is something you’ll treasure for a lifetime. At Carolina Bowers Photography, my lifestyle and posed newborn sessions are designed to capture all the little details of your baby and the overwhelming love and joy your family feels.
Our session is divided into two parts. First, we’ll focus on your newborn, documenting those tiny toes, delicate eyelashes, and a few posed shots that will melt your heart. Afterward, we’ll turn the attention to family photos, capturing those raw, emotional moments of you holding and loving on your baby. My goal is to create a seamless and heartfelt experience for you and your family. With years of experience as a Columbus, GA newborn photographer and as mother of three, I know firsthand how to balance preparation and spontaneity for a smooth and memorable session.
In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to prepare for your lifestyle and posed newborn photoshoot—from choosing a location and outfits to getting your family ready. Let’s dive in!
Choosing a Location: Your Home or the Studio?
One of the first decisions we’ll make is where to hold your session: your home or my cozy studio.
At-Home Sessions
For in-home sessions, the natural backdrop of your own space can be incredibly intimate and personal. We’ll typically shoot in the nursery, master bedroom, living room, or even the kitchen, where the soft light from the windows creates a beautiful, cozy setting. Don’t stress about making everything spotless! I’m not expecting perfection. Just tidy up the areas we plan to shoot in, and I’ll handle the rest. Your home’s unique character will shine through in the photos, creating timeless memories that feel like “you.”
Studio Sessions
If you prefer a more curated environment, my studio is the perfect choice. With plenty of natural light, a minimalist design, and white walls that enhance the purity of newborn photography, the space is both welcoming and serene. There’s a big bathroom for changing into one of the many dresses available in my client closet, and I even provide brunch and cold beverages to make the experience extra special. While we focus on baby, there’s also a designated play area filled with wooden toys and puzzles to keep older siblings entertained.
Whether you choose the warmth of home or the clean simplicity of the studio, the location will enhance the feel of your session and reflect your family’s unique style.
Choosing Outfits
I understand that deciding what to wear can be one of the most stressful parts of preparing for a photoshoot, but I’m here to make it easy! My studio wardrobe is designed with moms in mind and offers dresses from XS to XL all carefully curated to flatter every stage of motherhood. With your dress and outfits for babies and children up to 5T, you won’t have to worry about spending money on new clothes—just save that for beautiful wall art of your family!
As part of my service, I offer a wardrobe consultation where I help you pick the best outfits. If you’re still unsure, I can create a personalized styling board to coordinate outfits for your family, down to the last detail. I’ll take the stress out of dressing, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Preparing the Family (aka the Kids!)
Involving your little ones in the excitement of the photoshoot can help reduce any nerves. Tell them how excited you are to have these photos and how much you look forward to hanging their smiling faces on the walls of your home. You can even take them around your home to pick out spots where you might display the new photos. This makes the session feel like a fun family event!
To keep the kids happy and engaged, bring along some snacks and toys—fruit snacks, apple slices, and graham crackers are great choices. Avoid anything sticky or messy like chocolate. During the session, I’ll play with them and capture those natural, genuine smiles. Save giving them your phone or tablet until the end of the session or as a last resort, so their attention stays focused on all the fun we’re having!
Preparing Mom
This is where I want to take a moment to focus on you, Mama. I know how much you want these photos to be perfect, and how much energy goes into making sure everyone else is ready. But here’s a gentle reminder: you deserve to feel pampered and cared for, too.
To make things easier, my client closet offers a variety of dresses that you can browse before even stepping into a store. I also offer hair and makeup services, so you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. My hair and makeup artist will meet you either at the studio or at your home to make sure you look and feel your best. For a polished look, I recommend opting for simple and classic nails, like French tips or a neutral shade. You will also want to make sure you have the right undergarments on hand—nude-colored panties, slips and bra usually work best with most dresses, I also suggest packing a strapless bra in case you choose a dress that goes off the shoulders.
Preparing Your Baby
For at-home sessions, I suggest waiting to feed your baby until I arrive. Once I’m there, I’ll take a quick tour of your home to find the best lighting and space to set up. While I do that, you can feed and change your little one. If siblings are present, we’ll start with family photos, so dad can take them out to play or can go run anny needed errands afterward while we focus on all those delicate features of your baby.
In the studio, your little one will usually be fast asleep after the car ride. Dress them in a loose outfit that’s easy to remove, so I can start photographing all their tiny features right away. If siblings are coming for family photos, I recommend bringing them in a little later to minimize waiting time.
Day of Session Tips
If we’re at the studio, I recommend planning to arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for any last-minute details or possible traffic. My hair and makeup artist will meet you there so you can have some much-needed “me time” while I capture those sweet details of your newborn. Once we’re ready for family photos, your partner can bring the older kids so we can jump right in.
Holding your session in your home, don’t stress last minute cleaning! As a mom of 2 toddlers and a newborn you won’t receive any judgment from me if the living room is covered in toys or there are dishes in the sink. Instead focus on telling your kids how excited you are for photos and how much fun we are going to have capturing new memories with their new little family member.
Just like sending your kids to school, you will want to make sure they are well-rested and fed beforehand so they’re happy and relaxed during the session. Small details like these can make a big difference in creating an stress-free environment.
During the Session
Once the session begins, it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the experience. I always remind dads to stay patient if the kids get a little restless—remember, we’re capturing real moments, and it’s okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly. The more relaxed and playful you are the more fun the kids are going to have and want to participate. For newborns, your calm energy will help them feel secure, so trust the process and know that those little moments of spontaneity or quietness often make for the most cherished photos.
After the Session
Once your session is over, I will begin editing your gallery, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. When I’m finished putting the final touches on your gallery, I will reach out to you to schedule your ordering appointment which can be done in-person or online. A in-person appointment does have the added benefit of being able to view your images not only digitally but also as tangible 5x7 print proofs. Whether online or in person, I’ll help you choose the best way to display your beautiful new memories.
Now is a great time to start thinking about where you’d like to hang your new photos. Feel free to send me pictures of your walls or take measurements, and we’ll plan out the perfect display together.
Wrapping Up: How to Prepare for Your Lifestyle and Posed Newborn Photoshoot
Preparing for your lifestyle or posed newborn photoshoot doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these tips and a little planning, we’ll create a smooth, enjoyable experience that leaves you with beautiful images of your growing family and you’ll be able to focus on what matters most—enjoying this special time with your newest little love. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to check out my other blog posts for more tips and inspiration.
Ready to book your newborn session? Contact me today to reserve your spot! I can’t wait to capture these precious moments with you.
