Do you ever notice the light in your home? In the morning, does the back of your house get bright and sunny or in the later afternoon the front of your home is filled with the setting sun? One of the secrets to great newborn photos is taking advantage of the best light in your home. Those soft, glowing photos you love have a lot to do with timing. Knowing how to nuance sleep schedules and busy lives with just the right moment for pictures is my superpower. So what’s the best time of day for lifestyle newborn photos? I’m so glad you asked.
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Why Does Timing Matter?
Choosing the right time of day for your lifestyle newborn pictures makes a huge difference in capturing that beautiful natural light that flatters everyone so much more than studio lighting. Interesting light that includes shadows and depth can relay the emotional impact of bringing your baby home, yet details of your baby’s little wrinkled up nose and pouty lips needs to be well lit so we can see every detail.
If you would like to include photos in your backyard or front porch, as well as in the new nursery, we will want to make sure we are not outside in the middle of the day causing everyone to squint from the brightness. Newborn portraits in your home often means we will be starting early in the morning or late in the afternoon so we will have the best chance to be outside at a good time and inside with a bright and airy nursery. In the late afternoon, let’s start inside and then move to your backyard for family photos to best utilize those deep shadows and soft light.
The Perfect Time for Your Newborn Lifestyle Session
Even if you think you have a dark home, I promise you there is a time of day that would be best for the light. If your nursery faces East and gets mostly morning light, we want to schedule a session around 10am. This is often the “golden hour” for lighting as it’s brightest in most homes but still soft and dreamy outside and perfect for capturing those candid newborn pictures.
Newborns are still in a fluid nap and sleeping schedule in the first few weeks of their lives, allowing us a little flexibility in photos. We want your little one to be awake and sleepy. A well fed baby is relaxed, no matter what time of day we start, there is always time to stop and nurse or bottle feed. Starting in the mornings for lifestyle newborn photos is usually the best for everyone including older siblings who often fade by the end of the day. Be sure to read my article about How to Include Older Siblings in Newborn Photos.
Often in New Orleans, a neighbor’s house can block much of the daytime light in a shotgun home. Yet I find that even the narrowest alley can let enough light into your home at the right time of day. I’ve worked in many nurseries in the city that get dark but I find that pulling aside the black-out curtains and sitting in your favorite rocker can be the perfect spot in to bring out those serene tones that convey warmth and calmness. A few key questions to my clients help tremendously in finding the right time get those great nursery photos that show off your design and all those cuddles of your new love. Creating newborn photos in New Orleans can be challenging but so rewarding when we can include the unique architecture of our city. I love this article about the History of the Shotgun House in New Orleans.
By doing a morning session we can get ahead of your to-do list for the day and letting that morning light in your house show off the warmth and coziness of the home you have created for your growing family.
Adjusting for Seasons and New Orleans Weather
Even the prettiest day can turn into a rain storm with the fickle New Orleans weather patterns. The great news is a rain downpour usually only last a short time and then the sun comes back out. This can all be part of the magic of a lifestyle newborn pictures in New Orleans, sitting on your front porch cuddling your new baby and watching the rain fall is a great memory to capture. Although it might get darker in your home, we can always reschedule to an earlier or later time if needed. And those cloudy skies can be such flattering light.
If you love later afternoon light filtering into your home, it’s important we think ahead to the shorter days in fall and winter and the long summer days that can be a marathon for toddlers and older siblings so naps are especially important for a later start time. By early November and daylight savings, it is dark by 5pm. Starting around 3pm is best that time of year. Here’s a link to my trusty online calendar of sunrise and sunset times in New Orleans year round.
Making the Most of Your Session Time
One of the best part about candid newborn pictures is that your baby will be tired after our photos and ready for a good long nap. Starting in the morning and getting all out photos done is a great way to set up the rest of your day for relaxing and hopefully binge watching your favorite shows as your newborn sleeps.
If we are doing morning newborn pictures in your home, it’s best to have your outfits picked out the night before. Siblings and partners should be ironed and laid out so it’s easy to get ready. For babies, a simple plain onesie is best. We will have plenty of time to change outfits if needed. I know the mornings can be a whirlwind, especially with siblings, so I always like to give mom and few minutes to finish getting ready. And please don’t worry if your house has piles of diapers and toys in the corner. I’m really good at finding the perfect space in your home with gorgeous window light for those closeups.
What the Best Time of Day for Lifestyle Newborn Photos?
Mornings are usually the best, for light, mood and energy in your home. And thanks to your prep the day before, when your photographer arrives at the best time of day for your lifestyle newborn photos- we are ready to go. Little ones get extra sleepy after their close ups the rest of the day will feel restful and accomplished knowing you now have gorgeous photos that will help you remember this special time in your lives.
The right timing can make all the difference in capturing beautiful newborn photos. Let’s work together to find the perfect moment for your newborn photos in New Orleans.
Ready to schedule your lifestyle newborn pictures? Let’s chat about what time of day will give you the photos you are dreaming of!
If you liked this post then you should check out these other tips for planning your newborn session:
5 Reasons to Book an In Home New Orleans Lifestyle Newborn Session
Top 10 Date Ideas in New Orleans Before Baby Arrives
Newborn Nursery Trends in New Orleans
