In-Home Maternity Lifestyle
Prep Guide for your In-Home Maternity Lifestyle Session
I love to document maternity sessions in your cozy home!
You get to showcase your growing family in the comfort of your home with parents, siblings, and pets. This is such a special, fleeting time in your life, so what better way to document it?
While lifestyle maternity sessions are pretty laid-back, there is some prep work & planning involved for our session.
NOTE: Lifestyle can be as real life as you want it to be. It’s all about your comfort level; this shouldn’t be a stressful process. Don’t worry about dressing a certain way or cleaning the house top to bottom. You’re tired and recovering, Mama. This is just some guidance. We want to focus on the moments and connections of your growing family.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Start with mom’s outfit and build from that. Simple is best but remember to also be comfortable.
Keep colors neutral but don't be afraid to add a little pop of color! Whites, creams, greys, and subdued colors--especially earth tones-- always photograph the best. It also helps to keep photos from looking heavy and dark. Light colors just feel dreamy!
And if you aren't concerned, you can stop reading this part now. Try and avoid bright and bold colors (neons), super dark colors like black and navy blue and big patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want the focus to be on you and your little one, not what your shirt said. Same rules apply to siblings. Try and avoid clothing with characters, sequins and neons.
From a cozy oversized sweater and leggings, to a pretty floral or linen dress, the options are endless for you Mamas! This is totally up to you! And if you're unsure, send me pics. I'm more than happy to help!
And what about Dad? Guys look great in a basic tee or henley. Think timeless. Brown, olive green, or tan cords, jeans, khakis, or linen pants are some other alternatives to blue jeans. If dad insists on an outfit with blue jeans, please have him be the only one.
SESSION TIMING:
I start my sessions around 10-10:30 AM. I need all the light I can get, and the late morning/early afternoon is going to give us the most light. If this time just doesn't work with siblings, Dad working, etc I'II do my best to accommodate!
NATURAL LIGHT:
I LOVE natural light and capturing your family in the natural light in your
house! We will be embracing your home's natural light (open up those window
curtains), turning off the overhead lights and taking advantage of the natural brightness as much as possible. This is why it's important to do these sessions during the brightest part of the day. I'll get you all next to windows as much as possible - we will take full advantage of the light coming into your house.
I will bring my bassinet basket to take come close up images of your baby in the best lighting possible. Sometimes nursery's are a little dark so this helps capture the little baby features.
PREPPING IN THE DAYS PRIOR:
If you love the look of fresh nails and hair, or you've been meaning to get your
eyebrows done, etc---this is your reminder--schedule your appointments.
If it'd make you feel more at ease, pick up any areas we'll be using. It's helpful for clutter to be cleared off the dressers, floors, nightstand, etc., before the session. The best rooms to tell the story of your new baby are typically the nursery and your bedroom (ideally on a white or very light/neutral bedspread). It's totally up to you--if you really want lifestyle and some real life, let it be. But if you know it'll bother you it's worth the prep work.
THAT MORNING:
Take a walk around your home or the areas we'll be photographing in, looking for anything you don't want in your pictures. Go stuff 'em in a closet for now.
Give siblings faces a quick wipe down. Check outfits for any stains they may have gotten at breakfast.
Anyone wear a smart watch? These often glow and stand out in pictures. I recommend taking them off but ultimately it's up to you. Have Dad take his wallet, cell phone, keys, etc out of his pockets for the time being.
POSING:
So although lifestyle sessions are heavily candid, I'll still be assisting with some basic posing. Nothing wild, cheesy or awkward! I might need you to change positions, angles, etc. I might have an idea for something that I want to try. But really, my priorities are lighting, comfort, and showing your connection. And sometimes a little rearranging needs to happen.
LENGTH OF SESSIONS:
These sessions usually last from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Lifestyle sessions are laid back, by nature, so we are able to be relaxed and take our time.
TURNAROUND TIME.
When will you get your pics? I post a sneak peek on my social media (make sure you
follow me!) within the first week. I'll be honest- as a Mama, life can be busy and unpredictable. I do my best to return your edited images within 2- 3 weeks. I will communicate if it's taking me longer, but that's only if it's "busy season" (fall & holidays) or I've had extenuating circumstances. Trust me, I know you want your gallery. But I also take my time with editing. I frequently give myself a break through the editing process so I can look at your gallery with fresh eyes and make changes if needed. Each gallery consumes me until it's complete, I promise you that.
Please reach out with any questions you have along the way. It's my goal for both of us to feel comfortable and prepared, and get the best use of our time together. You can reach me by email at tsteffenphotos@gmail.com, and prior to our session I provide my cell number in case you need to reach me faster.
I look forward to meeting you and your family! - Theresa