" How to prepare Series"

Lifestyle Newborn

How to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session


                                                                                                                                              


Hello! My name is Jayda, and I’m the photographer behind the lens at Jayda Wise Photography. I’ve created this “How to Prepare for Your Session” series to help you feel relaxed, confident, and excited going into your newborn session—because these early days deserve to be documented just as they are.


Everything shared here is based on my professional experience and is meant to guide you, not overwhelm you. Lifestyle sessions are beautifully imperfect and centered around connection. If you have questions or special requests, I’m always happy to personalize your experience.


                                                                                                                                               


Lifestyle Newborn Sessions: Natural, Connected & Heartfelt 🤍


Lifestyle newborn photography is about emotion over posing. Instead of heavily styled setups, we focus on your real interactions—snuggling on the couch, rocking in the nursery, tiny fingers wrapped around yours.


These sessions can take place in your home or in a relaxed studio setting designed to feel natural and warm. The goal is to document this season authentically—your love, your connection, and your everyday beauty.


Baby does not need to be fully asleep for lifestyle sessions. Awake moments, stretches, yawns, and even fussiness can all be part of your story.


                                                                                                                                              


1. What Your Session May Include ✨


Lifestyle sessions are flexible and can range in length depending on how much variety and time you’d like.


Sessions may last:


• Around 60 minutes for a shorter, baby-focused session

• Around 90 minutes for added variety and family combinations

• Up to 120 minutes for a full storytelling experience


More time allows for:


• Multiple rooms or areas of your home

• Parent and sibling combinations

• Feeding or soothing breaks

• Outfit changes

• A wider variety of candid and gently guided moments


Lifestyle sessions are relaxed, but extra time always creates more flexibility—especially with a newborn.


                                                                                                                                    


2. Preparing Your Home 🏡


Don’t stress about having a “perfect” home. I’m looking for light and connection—not perfection.


Before I arrive:


• Open blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible

• Lightly declutter bedside tables, countertops, and floors near windows

• Choose 1–2 main areas with the best natural light (typically master bedroom, nursery, or living room)


Neutral bedding (white, cream, beige) photographs beautifully, but it’s not required.


                                                                                                                                    


3. What to Wear 💛


Soft, neutral tones always photograph best. Think:


• Cream

• Beige

• Soft gray, black, dark blue

• Muted pastels

• Earth tones



Avoid bold patterns, logos, or neon colors, as they can distract from connection.


For baby:


• Simple swaddles

• Neutral onesies

• Soft textured outfits

• Bare skin wrapped in a blanket


Lifestyle sessions are less about elaborate outfits and more about closeness and comfort. I have limited neutral colored outfits and swaddles available with request.


                                                                                                                                   


4. Preparing Baby


Unlike posed studio sessions, baby does not need to be deeply asleep the entire time.


Helpful tips:


• Feed baby right before the session if possible

• Have extra milk or be prepared for feeding breaks

• Keep a pacifier nearby (even if rarely used)

• Expect pauses for soothing


Awake babies are completely welcome. Eye contact with parents, stretching, and little expressions add beautiful authenticity.


                                                                                                                                    


5. What to Expect During the Session 🤍


Lifestyle sessions are gently guided, not stiffly posed. I may prompt you with things like:


• “Pull baby in close.”

• “Whisper something sweet.”

• “Smell their head.”

• “Rock slowly.”


The magic happens in between those prompts. Don't worry about the older kids, I am happy to direct them. It's better if you let me focus on directing them, as too many people talking can overstimulate you, baby, or the other kids.


Siblings are encouraged to interact naturally. We keep things playful and pressure-free.


If baby cries, we pause. If toddler siblings need breaks, we adapt. Flexibility is built into the experience.


                                                                                                                                    


6. A Few Gentle Reminders ✨


• Your home does not need to be perfect.

• You do not need to be “camera ready” at all times.

• Real moments matter more than perfection.

• Extra time allows for more storytelling and flexibility.


These sessions are about preserving how this season feels—not just how it looks.


                                                                                                                                    


One day, you’ll look back at these images and remember the weight of them in your arms, the tiny noises, the way they fit perfectly against your chest.


I am truly honored to document this chapter for your family. If you have any questions about timing, wardrobe, or what session length may best fit your vision, please reach out. I can’t wait to capture your love just as it is. 🤍