What is Lifestyle Photography? Family-Focused Newborn Sessions in Wichita, KS
Lifestyle sessions are all the rage in the photography world right now, and before you think it’s just a trend—I’m here to tell you they’re here to stay! These sessions are truly one-of-a-kind, uniquely tailored to each family, and one of my absolute favorites to capture. They showcase your family's love in such an authentic way. This session type is relaxed, cozy, and naturally beautiful.
But what exactly is lifestyle photography? Keep reading to find out why it’s the perfect way to document your family’s most precious moments.
Should I Schedule a Newborn Lifestyle Session?
Short answer—YES! A lifestyle newborn session is perfect for families welcoming their little one home. The newborn days are a whirlwind of exhaustion, newness, and change—but they’re also incredibly beautiful. What better way to capture this fleeting season than in the comfort of your own home?
Benefits of a Newborn Lifestyle Session:
No travel required! That’s one less thing on your to-do list.
Your older kids are comfortable. No worrying about keeping toddlers entertained in a new, un-baby-proofed space.
Your home tells your story. It’s your happy place, filled with meaning and love.
We capture all the little details. The nursery decor, their tiny clothes, the stuffed animals you carefully chose—every little thing you’ll want to remember.
If you’re currently expecting and interested in another precious way to capture the earliest memories with your new baby… Check out my Fresh 48 Session Guide here for all the details on in-hospital sessions!
How Do I Prepare for My Lifestyle Session?
Getting ready for your session is easier than you think! Here are the most commonly asked questions to help you feel confident and prepared.
What Should We Wear for a Lifestyle Newborn Session?
I always recommend soft, neutral tones for the coziest, most timeless feel. Avoid busy patterns, bold prints, or logos. Instead, opt for textured fabrics like sweaters or knits. The goal is comfort and coordination, not matching perfectly. If you need help choosing outfits, I’m happy to provide guidance!
Where Does the Session Take Place?
Your session will take place in the spaces you love most! Typically, I recommend the:
Nursery
Parent’s bedroom
Living room or outdoor space (optional)
Think about where you spend the most time soaking in those newborn snuggles—that’s where we’ll create the most meaningful images.
What If My Home Isn’t Perfect?
Please don’t stress about having a picture-perfect home! A little tidying is all that’s needed. A quick trick? Grab a large basket and toss any clutter inside—it’s that simple! If you’d rather not worry about cleaning, I also offer studio sessions in Wichita for a neutral, cozy setting (additional studio fee applies).
When is the Best Time to Book a Lifestyle Session?
The ideal time to book is during your third trimester so I can reserve your due date. Once baby arrives, we’ll set the actual session date—typically 7-14 days after birth. However, due to the relaxed and natural feel of lifestyle sessions, I can capture your newborn anywhere up to 4-6 weeks old. So if you want to wait a bit, that’s totally fine.
Not-So-Fun Fact: When my youngest was born, we spent days 7-10 of his life back in the hospital due to him having a rare skin infection. Not what we expected the newborn days to be like…but I tell you this to say, I completely understand that newborn days don’t always go as planned—so we’ll find the time that works best for you!
Can I Have Grandparents in the Pictures too?
Absolutely! The bond between grandparents and new grandbabies is something special, and I’d love to capture these moments. While I don’t recommend inviting the entire extended family (for many reasons…), if grandparents are present, we’ll be sure to include them. Just let me know in advance so I can plan accordingly!
What If My Baby Is Fussy During the Session?
Babies will be babies! Whether they need a diaper change, a feeding break, or just want to stay awake the whole time, it’s all okay. I’ll work around their needs and capture every moment—yes, even the fussy ones! Some of the sweetest images come from those quiet moments when you’re simply holding, feeding, or soothing your little one.
If we need extra time, no worries! All newborn sessions include up to 30 additional minutes at my discretion if baby needs longer to settle.
Ready To Schedule Your Family-Focused Lifestyle Session?
If you’re ready to schedule, just fill out the form below and tell me a little bit about your family and your vision for this session. I would be absolutely honored to help capture this precious time in your life. Whether it’s baby number one or baby number five, a lifestyle session ensures you’ll have these cherished memories forever.
