April 22, 2025
Northern Virginia Lifestyle Newborn Photography: What to Expect
Northern Virginia Lifestyle Newborn Photography: What to Expect
As a lifestyle newborn photographer in Northern Virginia, I adore documenting those early days for your family. When picturing newborn photos you may be thinking of the more classic photo of just baby in a swaddle. But as a lifestyle baby-led photographer, I capture so much more! Your final newborn photo gallery will have a variety of moments so you can hold onto those early days forever.
Here are just a few photos we aim to capture at your newborn session:
- Individual photos of just baby
- Baby’s precious little details like tiny hands and toes
- The family all together
- Mom with baby
- Dad with baby
- Sweet sibling moments
- The unprompted, unexpected moments that sometimes become a favorite
If you chose take newborn photos in your home, I can also take a few photos of your nursery. After putting so much love and care into the design, it’s nice to have those little details documented.
As far as outfits, we’ll often do two outfits for baby (a swaddle and another simple outfit like a onesie). And I try to take a few photos in between with baby in a diaper cover if you want a few of those! For everyone else, we usually stay in one outfit to keep things simple and easy. Mom might sometimes change into a second dress, but I leave that up to you!
The difference between posed and lifestyle newborn photography
You may have seen photos of newborns all wrapped up, fast asleep, and in detailed positions (curled up, on tummy, baby propped on their hands). Babies often have detailed or elaborate outfits on, and there may even be a special backdrop to match the outfit. These sessions are referred to as “posed” newborn photography because the main focus is getting baby asleep and into these complicated photos.
Lifestyle newborn photography, on the other hand, is all about emotion. I want to capture your life as it is right now as you welcome baby into your family. Yes, I do provide what I call posing guidance – I’ll tell you where to stand and a general idea of what to do (look here, snuggle with baby, etc.) But the secret is leaving plenty of room for you to simply be a family together. This is especially important when there are siblings!
I’m always looking for those in-between moments that tell your family’s story. And often become favorites – whether that’s now or 10 years down the road when you’re looking back and remembering all the love and excitement (and maybe some chaos) that accompanied those early years.
When choosing which type of newborn photographer is best for you, think about what you want captured most. Once you know that, look closely at photographer portfolios to find one who resonates with you. This is the best way to ensure you not only love your newborn photos, but you enjoy the experience along the way!
If you’re expecting and interested in newborn photos, I would love to chat! Fill out the form below to connect.
Emily Alyssa Photography is a newborn photographer serving Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Her natural light newborn photography studio is located in Sterling, Virginia, and available for studio newborn photos, studio maternity photos, studio family photos, and studio baby milestone photos. She also travels to families if you want in home newborn photos. If you’re interested in booking a session, inquire below to get all the details!