Olivia Gaston Photography

First things first, welcome to life with your new little love. 🤍 If your days feel a little hazy, your nights are short, and your house feels lived in you’re doing it right.

I’ll be coming into your home during one of the most tender, real, and beautiful seasons of life, and my goal is to document exactly that the connection, the quiet moments, and the love that fills your home right now.

This guide is here to help you feel confident and prepared, but please remember this above all else:

Newborn sessions are never rushed

Your home does not need to be perfect

You do not need to be ready the second I walk in

Lifestyle newborn sessions typically last around 2 to 2.5 hours, and much of that time is spent feeding, soothing, changing, and allowing baby to lead the way. I’ll take care of lighting, positioning, and guiding you every step of the way your only job is to love on your baby.

Before Your Session

Preparing Your Space

While I’ll be coming to your home, we won’t be using every room. I typically photograph in 2 to 3 areas with the best natural light, most often the master bedroom, the nursery, and the living room.

If we’re using the master bedroom, light and neutral bedding such as white, cream, or soft beige photographs beautifully and keeps the focus on connection rather than distractions.

Please don’t worry about deep cleaning. You’ve just welcomed a newborn. Simply clear visible clutter from surfaces and create some open space near windows. If something needs moved during the session, I’m always happy to help shift items or guide placement to create clean, beautiful images.

Temperature Matters

Babies love warmth and warm babies sleep best.

Please set your thermostat to 75 to 80 degrees if possible and turn it up about 30 minutes before I arrive. Since baby will be changed in and out of outfits and often photographed with minimal clothing, a cozy environment keeps them comfortable and relaxed.

Preparing the Family

Mom

Give yourself extra time more than you think you’ll need. Feeding baby, getting dressed, and simply taking a breath all take longer in these early days and that’s completely okay. Simple, comfortable styling photographs beautifully, and I’ll guide you with posing so you never feel unsure.

Dad

You’ll typically be photographed for about 30 to 45 minutes total, though I may need your help throughout the session especially if there are siblings involved.

If you have older children, you’ll likely spend some time keeping them entertained before and after their turn in front of the camera.

Siblings

Let them know someone fun is coming over to take their picture no pressure and no expectations. Breaks are encouraged, and sibling participation is always kept relaxed and age appropriate.

Baby

A happy, sleepy baby is our goal. A full feeding either just before I arrive or right as I arrive and a clean diaper help set us up for success.

I will bring a few outfits and swaddles for baby. If you would prefer to use your own outfits, swaddles, or sentimental items, please have them out and ready when I arrive.

What to Wear

Mom

Soft, neutral tones photograph best. White, cream, nude, camel, light pink, and gray are all beautiful choices. Simple textures, flowy dresses, or a white top paired with jeans or a skirt work perfectly. Avoid bold prints and busy patterns.

Dad

Neutral colors that complement mom work best. Solid t-shirts or simple tops paired with jeans, khakis, or tan shorts photograph timelessly. Please avoid logos or graphics.

Siblings

Neutral tones photograph beautifully. Simple dresses, rompers, or t-shirts with pants work well. Avoid busy prints, characters, and logos.

Please prepare one to two extra outfits for everyone in case of spit ups or leaks. These things happen and are never a problem.

Timing Your Session

Newborn sessions are ideally scheduled within the first two weeks after birth, as babies tend to sleep more deeply during that window.

That said, one of the biggest benefits of in home lifestyle sessions is flexibility. Since we aren’t focused on complicated posing, beautiful images can absolutely be created beyond that two week mark.

We’ll choose a time that works best for baby’s age and health, your recovery, and your family’s schedule.

Light, Light, Light

Natural light is everything for lifestyle newborn photography.

Before I arrive please open all blinds and curtains and turn off lamps and overhead lighting. Mid morning or late afternoon usually provides the best window light.

Once I arrive, I’ll assess the light and may suggest small furniture adjustments to create the most flattering setup.

One Last Tip

If possible, try to keep baby awake for a bit before the session and plan a feeding right before or as I arrive. I love capturing alert moments, but a sleepy baby allows for more variety and those dreamy, snuggly images everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

This season is only here for a little. The mess, the exhaustion, the quiet moments they’re all part of your story. My job is not to make your life look perfect, but to document it honestly and beautifully.

If you have any questions at all before your session, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m so honored to be welcomed into your home during this special time.