Newborn baby in a cream knit outfit and pink bow headband rests in a parent's arms, wrapped in a soft knit blanket.

Paisley's Lifestyle Newborn Session in My Kewaskum Studio


Some sessions are a job well done. Others stay with you forever. Paisley's is one I'll never forget.


Paisley is my best friend's granddaughter. Her mama, Tara, used to call herself my "mini me" when she was a little girl. I was the very first person to know my best friend was expecting Tara, and from that day on, she has held a special place in my heart.


So when Tara told me she was pregnant, I was over the moon. (I also felt a little old, I'm not going to lie.) The little girl who was once my mini me was about to have a mini me of her own.


Sleeping newborn baby in a cream knit outfit and bow headband is cradled in a parent's arms on a soft white blanket.

 

Planning a Newborn Session That Felt Like Them


We started planning months before Paisley arrived. At our design consultation, Tara told me exactly what she didn't want: stiff, traditional poses or "say cheese" family photos. She and Paisley’s dad wanted something candid, focused on Paisley and the connection they already had with her.


That's what lifestyle newborn photography is all about. Instead of building every image around a posed setup, I guide your family into natural moments, like snuggling, rocking, and quiet looks, and I photograph what happens in between. We used the colors Tara chose at her design consultation, so every image feels cohesive and looks beautiful displayed together in her home.


 

Newborn baby in a soft knit outfit and pink headband rests in the arms of two parents during a cozy family photo session.
Black and white photo of a parent's hands gently cradling a sleeping newborn baby's head wearing a headband and wrapped in a knit blanket.
Sleeping newborn baby in a pink headband and knit outfit rests on the shoulder of a bearded man in a black shirt.
Black and white newborn portrait of parents embracing and gazing down at their sleeping baby in a headband, beside soft sheer curtains.
Two adult hands gently cradle a newborn baby's tiny feet, wrapped in a soft white knit outfit on a cozy cream blanket.
A bald bearded man and a woman gently cradle a sleeping newborn baby in a pink knit outfit and headband in a soft, light-filled studio.
Sleeping newborn baby wearing a floral headband rests on a white pillow atop a soft knitted cream blanket.
A father kisses the forehead of a smiling mother as they gently cradle their sleeping newborn baby in a cozy family portrait.
Black and white photo of a newborn baby in a soft knit outfit and headband, cradled gently across two pairs of adult hands.
Smiling mother in a knit top cradles her newborn baby wrapped in a cream blanket while sitting by a bright, softly curtained window.
A bald father and a long-haired mother lovingly cradle their sleeping newborn baby in a warm, softly lit family portrait.
Parents gently cradle their sleeping newborn baby in a cozy lifestyle photo, with the infant wearing a soft pink outfit and headband.

Session Day in My Kewaskum Studio


Paisley was perfect. She was also wide awake for a big chunk of her session, and that's completely okay. Awake newborns give you those big, curious eyes, and some of my favorite images are from those alert moments in her mama's arms.


When it was time, I worked a little baby whisperer magic, and she drifted off to dreamland. That gave us the sleepy, peaceful images too.


Paisley's dad was amazing. He was so focused on his sweet baby girl, and every few minutes he'd give Tara a look that said, "Hey, we made this." I caught as many of those looks as I could.


 

The Moment I Had to Hold Back Tears



Watching Tara become a mom reminded me how amazing God is. I held back tears more than once. The little girl who used to follow me around is now a mama, and she and Paisley’s dad are going to be incredible parents.


That's why I do this. The newborn weeks go by so fast, and I want families to look back years from now and feel exactly what they felt in that room.


 

Sleeping newborn baby in a pink knit wrap and cream headband resting in a woven basket with soft blankets and pink blossoms.
Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in a gray knit blanket with a white flower headband, surrounded by delicate white flowers.
Sleeping newborn baby in a cream knit outfit with wooden buttons and a headband, resting on a soft textured blanket.
Sleeping newborn baby in a floral headband and wrap rests in a woven basket surrounded by white daisy flowers.
Sleeping newborn baby with a floral headband wrapped in a soft cream knit blanket, hands folded gently under the chin.

Is a Lifestyle Newborn Session Right for You?


A lifestyle session might be a great fit if:


  • You want photos of your family together, not only baby on their own
  • You'd rather be guided than posed
  • You love candid, emotional images more than props and setups
  • Your baby is more alert and awake (that's okay!)


You don't have to choose just one style, either. Many of my families love a mix of posed and lifestyle images. Read more in my guide on when to book your newborn session, and see how a session becomes a film and album in William's newborn session.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is lifestyle newborn photography?

It's a newborn session focused on natural, connected moments between baby and family instead of only posed setups. I guide you into real moments, like snuggling and rocking your baby, and photograph what happens.

What if my baby is awake during the session?

That's completely normal. Awake babies give us beautiful, alert images, and newborn sessions move at baby's pace. We feed, snuggle, and settle as often as needed.


Can I have both posed and lifestyle newborn photos?

Yes. Many families choose a mix of both, and we plan your favorites together before your session.


How do you choose colors for a newborn session?

We choose them together at your design consultation, so your images feel cohesive and look beautiful displayed together in your home.

Where do lifestyle newborn sessions happen?

Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in my Kewaskum studio, which is kept warm, quiet, and ready for baby.

Planning Your Own Newborn Session?



If you're expecting and you love the feel of Paisley's session, let's talk. I'll walk you through everything, from your design consultation to the album you'll hold one day.


Relax, I've got you.


Book a Newborn Discovery Call →