Simple Sophistication
Planning a newborn photography session can feel like one more thing on an already full plate. Between preparing for your baby's arrival, wondering when to schedule your session, deciding what everyone should wear, and asking yourself if your home is "photo ready," it's completely normal to have a lot of questions.
That's exactly why I created this guide.
After photographing Austin families for more than 14 years, I've learned that the best newborn sessions aren't about perfectly sleeping babies or spotless homes. They're about slowing down, embracing this incredible season, and capturing the genuine connection that already exists within your growing family. When everyone feels relaxed, the most meaningful moments naturally unfold.
Whether you're expecting your first baby or welcoming another little one into the family, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from when to book your session and choosing between an in-home or studio experience to what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect on session day.
My hope is that by the time you finish reading, you'll feel confident, prepared, and excited to preserve these first precious weeks with your newest little love.
Let's get started.
I recommend booking during your second trimester to reserve space around your due date. Once your baby arrives, we'll choose the perfect session date together.
Lifestyle newborn sessions are ideally photographed within the first 2–3 weeks, but beautiful images can be created at any age.
Both options create beautiful, natural photographs—the best choice simply depends on your family's style. In-home newborn sessions tell your family's story in the place where your newest memories are unfolding, creating relaxed, personal images that feel uniquely yours. Studio newborn sessions offer a bright, clean, natural-light setting with a timeless, modern look that's perfect for families who prefer a simple backdrop or don't want to photograph at home.
Soft, neutral colors and simple outfits photograph beautifully.
You'll also receive my Style Guide and access to Style & Select for extra help.
Don't worry about having a perfect house or a perfectly sleepy baby.
I'll guide you through everything you need to know before your session.
Most lifestyle newborn sessions last 1½–2 hours, giving us plenty of time for feedings,
diaper changes, cuddles, and breaks.
Unlike outdoor family sessions, newborn photography is typically scheduled mid-morning, when homes have the most beautiful natural light. Studio sessions are also photographed during the day to take full advantage of the bright, natural-light space.
Your gallery is typically delivered within two weeks. From there, you'll be able to download your images,
order professional prints, and create artwork for your home.
Once you're ready, simply reach out through my contact form. I'll help you choose the perfect session,
answer any remaining questions, and guide you through every step of the process.
Planning a newborn photography session can feel like a lot. When should you book? Should you choose an in-home or studio session?
What should everyone wear? How do you prepare your home?
After photographing Austin families for more than fourteen years, I've found that a little preparation makes all the difference.
This guide brings together everything I share with my own newborn clients—from when to schedule your session and preparing your home to choosing outfits and
understanding what to expect—so you can feel confident, relaxed, and excited to preserve your baby's first days.
Start wherever you are in the planning process.
→ Why Newborn Photos Matter
→ Creating Memories That Last
→ Why Print Your Newborn Photos
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ How to Book Your Session
→ What Happens After You Inquire
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ Lifestyle In-Home Newborn Photography
→ Studio Newborn and Infant Photography
→ Which One is Right For You?
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ We Only Need a Few Rooms
→ Let the Light In
→ Warm Up Your Home
→ A Little Decluttering Goes a Long Way
→ Pets Are Family, Too
→ Feed Baby Just Before We Begin
→ Don't Stress About the Nursery
→ Keep Baby Awake Before We Begin
→ A Relaxed Pace
→ Baby Leads the Way
→ Plenty of Breaks
→ Toddlers Will Be Toddlers
→ No Pressure, Just Connection
→ Gallery Delivery
→ Choosing Your Favorite Images
→ Printing Your Newborn Photos
→ Albums & Wall Art
→ Lifestyle Newborn Photography
→ Studio Infant and Newborn Photography
→ Family Photography
→ Maternity Photography
→ Baby's First Year Package
The newborn days have a way of passing in a blur. One moment you're learning the rhythm of feedings and sleepy snuggles, and before you know it, your tiny newborn is smiling, rolling over, and growing faster than you ever imagined.
Over the past fourteen years photographing Austin families, I've learned that the most meaningful newborn photographs aren't about perfectly sleeping babies or perfectly styled homes. They're about preserving the tiny details, genuine connection, and overwhelming love that define these first weeks together.
My hope is that this guide helps you feel confident and prepared for your session while preserving the beginning of your family's next chapter in a way you'll treasure for years to come.
Life changes in an instant when your baby arrives. One day you're waiting to meet them, and the next you're memorizing every tiny yawn, sleepy stretch, and little finger wrapped around yours.
Newborn photography gives you the chance to slow down. It preserves the tiny details, overwhelming love, and quiet moments that define your baby's first days—before they begin to change.
Years from now, these photographs won't just remind you how tiny they were—they'll remind you how it felt to hold them in your arms for the very first time.
As a photographer, I've photographed thousands of moments for other families. As a mom of three, I've experienced just how quickly the newborn days become cherished memories.
Over the years, I've looked back through photographs of my own children and been amazed by how much I'd forgotten—the tiny fingers wrapped around mine, sleepy snuggles on the couch, and the way they fit so perfectly in my arms.
That's the power of photography. These images don't just remind us what our babies looked like—they bring us back to how it felt to welcome them into our family. They preserve the beginning of a story that changes far too quickly and become treasures that grow more meaningful with every passing year.
In today's digital world, it's easy for beautiful photographs to stay tucked away on a phone or hard drive. But the images that become part of your family's story are usually the ones you see every day.
A framed photograph in the nursery. An album on the coffee table. A gallery wall your children pass every morning.
Printed photographs become part of your home and your family's story. They preserve the tiny details that change so quickly and serve as daily reminders of one of life's most extraordinary beginnings. If you're looking for inspiration on displaying your photographs, choosing albums, or creating artwork for your home, I'd love for you to explore my complete Printing & Artwork Guide.
One of the biggest reasons families tell me they loved their experience wasn't just the photographs—it was how easy the entire process felt. Preparing for a newborn session comes with plenty of questions, especially when you're welcoming a new baby, but I've spent years refining every step so you never have to wonder what comes next.
From reserving your due date and helping you decide between an in-home or studio session to offering wardrobe guidance and sharing simple preparation tips, my goal is to make planning your newborn session feel just as relaxed as the session itself.
Tell me about your growing family, your due date (or your baby's birthday!), and whether you're interested in an in-home or studio session. Together we'll create a plan that fits your family and preserves these first precious days.
You'll receive your proposal, contract, questionnaire, and invoice online. Once everything is complete, your date is officially reserved.
This is where the fun begins.
You'll receive my Newborn Preparation & Style Guide and access to Style & Select to help plan outfits. I'll also be here to answer questions and guide you every step of the way.
Relax and enjoy this special season with your family. Newborn sessions are completely baby-led, with plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, cuddles, and everything in between—there's never any need to rush.
A few weeks later, your gallery arrives. From there you can download your images, order professional prints, albums, and wall art, and begin reliving the tiny details and unforgettable moments that made your baby's first days so special.
Before any of that can happen, though, you'll want to choose the perfect time for your session.
One of the first decisions you'll make when planning your newborn photos is whether you'd prefer an in-home or studio session. The good news? There isn't a wrong choice. Both create beautiful, natural photographs that celebrate this incredible season of life.
The best option simply depends on the experience you're looking for and what feels most comfortable for your family. Here's a closer look at each.
There's something incredibly meaningful about documenting your baby's first days in the place where your family's story is unfolding. Your home becomes part of the photographs—from the nursery you carefully prepared to the couch where you'll spend countless hours snuggling your newest little love.
Lifestyle newborn sessions are relaxed, baby-led, and never rushed. We'll take breaks for feeding, diaper changes, cuddles, and whatever your baby needs. The result is a collection of genuine, heartfelt photographs that feel personal, natural, and uniquely yours.
If you love a clean, modern aesthetic, a natural-light studio offers a beautiful alternative. With bright, neutral surroundings and timeless backdrops, the focus stays exactly where it belongs—on your growing family.
Studio sessions are perfect for families who prefer not to photograph at home or simply love a simple, polished look. They're also a wonderful option for older babies who may have missed the newborn window, providing a beautiful indoor setting without worrying about the weather.
The truth is, you really can't go wrong.
If preserving your baby's first days in the place where your family's story is unfolding feels meaningful, an in-home lifestyle session is probably the perfect fit.
If you're drawn to a clean, modern aesthetic with beautiful natural light and timeless simplicity, you'll likely love a studio newborn session.
No matter which experience you choose, my goal is the same—to create genuine, heartfelt photographs that preserve this extraordinary beginning and become part of your family's story for years to come.
✔ Personal Setting
✔ Baby-led pace
✔ Nursery included
✔ Great for storytelling
✔ Every home is unique
✔ Clean, modern backdrop
✔ Efficient experience
✔ Minimal distractions
✔ Timesless aesthetic
✔ Consistent look
One of the biggest concerns I hear from new parents is, "My house isn't photo ready."
I promise—you don't need a perfectly decorated home or a spotless nursery to create beautiful photographs.
I'm drawn to natural light and genuine connection, not perfection. With just a little preparation, your home will become the perfect backdrop for
preserving this incredible season of your family's story.
One of the biggest surprises for families is how little of your home we'll actually use. Most newborn sessions take place in just two or three spaces,
typically the primary bedroom, nursery, and living room—wherever the natural light is best.
If one room has beautiful window light, that's often all we need.
Natural light is the heart of my photography style. Before I arrive, simply open the blinds and curtains in the rooms we'll likely use,
and turn off all overhead lights. Mixing artificial light with natural light can affect the color and feel of your photographs, so we'll rely on beautiful
window light throughout the session.
There's no need to worry if your home doesn't have floor-to-ceiling windows—I know how to find and work with beautiful light in a variety of spaces.
Newborns are happiest when they're warm and cozy, especially if they'll be photographed in a swaddle or diaper.
If possible, turn the heat up a few degrees about 30 minutes before your session so your little one stays comfortable throughout.
Please don't spend days deep cleaning your home. We'll only photograph in a few small areas, and I'm happy to help move a lamp, straighten a blanket, or clear a nightstand if needed.
All I ask is that the spaces near the windows are picked up enough for us to work comfortably.
If you'd like your dog or cat included, I'd love to capture a few photographs with them. If not, having a family member available to take them for a walk or keep them occupied after their portraits can make the session a little more relaxed.
A full tummy helps babies feel sleepy and content. If possible, plan to feed your baby shortly before your session starts. Don't worry if they need to eat again while I'm there—newborn sessions are completely baby-led, and we'll take as many breaks as your little one needs.
Whether you've spent months designing the perfect nursery or your baby's room is still a work in progress, it doesn't matter. Some of the most meaningful photographs happen in the primary bedroom or living room, simply because that's where your family naturally spends these first precious weeks together.
If possible, try to keep your baby awake for about an hour before I arrive, then plan to feed them just before the session begins. That little bit of awake time, combined with a full tummy, often helps babies feel sleepy, relaxed, and content once we start photographing.
And don't worry if things don't go exactly as planned. Newborn sessions are completely baby-led, so we'll take plenty of breaks for feeding, diaper changes, cuddles, and whatever your little one needs.
The right outfits help keep the focus exactly where it belongs—on your growing family and the connection you share. Soft, coordinated clothing photographs beautifully and creates timeless images you'll love for years to come.
Don't worry about figuring it out on your own. After booking, you'll receive my Style Guide along with access to Style & Select, my online styling assistant, to make planning simple and stress-free.
Soft neutrals, earth tones, and light, muted colors photograph beautifully in both in-home and studio newborn sessions. Instead of matching exactly, choose colors that coordinate naturally and avoid large logos, bold graphics, or busy patterns that can distract from the connection between your family.
Newborn sessions are relaxed, full of cuddles, and often include sitting on beds or couches. Choose clothing that feels comfortable and allows you to move naturally. Cozy sweaters, flowing dresses, soft knits, and simple textures always photograph beautifully.
If you're having an in-home session, consider choosing colors that complement your home's décor, especially the rooms we'll be photographing in. If your style leans light and airy, creams, soft grays, and warm neutrals are always a beautiful choice.
Simple is always best for newborns. A neutral swaddle, a well-fitting onesie, a simple sleeper, or even just a diaper (my favorite) can create beautiful, timeless photographs that keep the focus on your baby's tiny features.
When choosing an outfit, make sure it fits snugly. Clothing that's too large can overwhelm your baby and hide those tiny details that make the newborn stage so special. A well-fitting outfit helps preserve that sweet, curled-up newborn look while keeping your baby comfortable throughout the session.
Bare feet almost always photograph best, and simple jewelry helps keep the focus on your family. If siblings are joining us, choose outfits that coordinate with everyone else without matching exactly.
One of the biggest questions parents ask is, "What should we wear?" That's exactly why every newborn client receives my complete Style Guide and complimentary access to Style & Select, where you can coordinate outfits for the whole family before your session.
✨ Lindsay's Tip
Dress mom first. Once you've chosen an outfit you feel comfortable and confident in, it's much easier to coordinate everyone else's clothing around it.
The beauty of lifestyle newborn photography is that there's no pressure to perform. Your baby doesn't have to sleep the entire time,
your toddler doesn't have to smile on command, and your home doesn't have to be perfect. My goal is simply to capture your family as
you are during this beautiful, fleeting season.
Most newborn sessions last 1½–2 hours, giving us plenty of time to move at your baby's pace.
There's never a rush, and we'll take all the time we need to create beautiful, natural images.
Every newborn is different, and that's exactly how it should be. Whether your little one is sleepy, wide awake, wants to be held, or needs a few extra cuddles,
I'll gently work around their needs. Some of the sweetest photographs happen when parents are simply comforting their baby.
Need to feed your baby? Change a diaper? Take a few minutes to settle them back to sleep? Perfect.
Those moments are all part of the experience, and we'll pause whenever your baby needs a break.
If older siblings are joining us, we'll usually photograph them first while they're excited and engaged.
After that, they're welcome to take breaks, have a snack, read a book, or simply play while we continue photographing your newborn.
Some of my favorite photographs happen in the quiet, unplanned moments—a yawn, a tiny stretch, a curious sibling peeking at the baby,
or parents soaking in this new chapter together. You don't have to worry about being "photogenic." I'll guide you every step of the way so you can simply enjoy
being together.
✨ Lindsay's Tip
Some of the best newborn photographs happen between the "planned" moments. If your baby needs to eat, be rocked to sleep,
or simply snuggle in your arms for a while, don't worry—that's often when the most meaningful images are created.
Your newborn session doesn't end when I leave your home. A few weeks later, you'll receive a beautifully
curated gallery filled with the moments that tell the story of your baby's first days. From there, it's time to relive
this incredible season and decide how you'd like to enjoy your photographs for years to come.
One of the things I pride myself on is delivering galleries in a timely manner without sacrificing quality. Every image is individually hand-edited with careful attention to color, light, and the little details that make a photograph truly shine.
Within approximately two weeks, you'll receive a beautiful online gallery through Pic-Time where you can:
Every full session also includes a $50 print credit, which you can use toward any prints or products available through your gallery.
One of the hardest parts of the process is often deciding which photographs you love most—and honestly, that's a wonderful problem to have.
When viewing your newborn gallery, I encourage you to slow down and look for the images that
make you feel something. It might be the way your baby curls into your chest, the tiny fingers wrapped around yours, a sleepy yawn, or the quiet look between you and your partner as you soak in these first days together.
Choose the photographs that tell the story of this incredible beginning, not just the ones where everyone is looking at the camera. Years from now, those genuine moments will be the ones that transport you back to exactly how it felt to hold your baby in your arms.
In a world where digital images live on phones and hard drives, there's something incredibly meaningful about holding your favorite memories in your hands or seeing them displayed throughout your home.
Professional printing brings your photographs to life with richer color, better longevity, and materials
designed to last for generations. Because every image in your gallery is carefully edited with printing
in mind, you can feel confident knowing they'll look just as beautiful on your walls as they do on your screen.
Whether you're looking for framed wall art, fine art prints, holiday gifts, or keepsakes for grandparents, you'll have access to a curated collection of professional products directly through your gallery.
If you're not sure where to begin, don't worry—I've created plenty of resources to help you choose the best
way to display your photographs and preserve them for years to come.
There's something special about walking past your family's photographs every day.
An heirloom album becomes the book your children pull off the shelf years from now. A framed portrait
in your hallway quietly tells your family's story every time someone walks by. These aren't just decorations—they become part of your home, your family's story, and the memories your children will grow up with.
Whether you're dreaming of a statement wall in your living room, a gallery along your staircase, or a
beautifully crafted album to pass down one day, I'm here to help you find the option that fits both
your home and your family.
To make the process simple, I've created a Family Photo Printing Resources page filled with everything you need to confidently preserve and display your photographs. You'll find information about the professional products I offer, inspiration for displaying family photos throughout your home, guidance on choosing the
right wall art and albums, tips for organizing and backing up your digital images, and articles explaining
why professional printing makes such a difference.
My hope is that your photographs don't spend their lives tucked away on a hard drive, but become
a meaningful part of your home for years to come.
Thank you for taking the time to explore my Newborn Photography Guide.
I know choosing a newborn photographer is about more than beautiful images—it's about finding someone who will make you feel supported, create a relaxed experience, and preserve these first precious days with care.
It would be an honor to document the beginning of your family's next chapter and create
photographs you'll treasure for a lifetime.
I can't wait to meet your growing family.
Every chapter of your family's story deserves to be remembered. From celebrating your pregnancy to welcoming your newborn and documenting the years that follow, I offer photography experiences designed to grow with your family.
Your baby's first year is filled with incredible milestones—from tiny newborn
snuggles to first smiles, sitting up, and those unforgettable first birthday moments.
My Baby's First Year Package makes it easy to preserve each stage with a collection of sessions
designed to tell the complete story of your little one's first year.
One of the biggest misconceptions about newborn photography is that babies have to sleep the entire session. They don't! Awake babies often make beautiful eye contact, stretch, yawn, and interact with their parents in ways that create incredibly meaningful photographs. Every session is baby-led, so we'll work with whatever your little one needs.
Don't worry—I know how to find beautiful light in almost any home. We typically photograph in just two or three rooms, and sometimes one great window is all we need. If your home truly isn't a good fit for natural-light photography, a studio session is always a wonderful alternative.
Please don't spend days cleaning before I arrive. We'll only use a few small areas of your home, and I'm happy to move a lamp, straighten a blanket, or clear a nightstand if needed. Your baby won't remember how clean the house was—but you'll always remember these photographs.
That's completely normal. Babies cry, need to eat, need diaper changes, and sometimes just want to be held. There's never any pressure to rush through the session. We'll simply take a break and continue whenever your baby is ready.
Absolutely! If grandparents are visiting during those first few weeks and you'd like to include them in a few photographs, I'm happy to capture those special relationships. Just let me know when booking so we can plan accordingly.
Toddlers are wonderfully unpredictable—and that's okay! I usually photograph siblings first while they're excited and engaged, then let them take breaks while we focus on the baby. Some of my favorite sibling photographs happen during natural, unscripted moments rather than perfectly posed ones.
Don't worry about it. Baby acne, flaky skin, tiny scratches, and other temporary newborn changes are all completely normal. I take care of gentle retouching while still preserving what makes your baby uniquely them.
Not at all! While lifestyle newborn sessions are often photographed within the first two to three weeks, beautiful images can be created at any age. Older babies bring more eye contact, expressions, and personality, and if you've missed the newborn window, a studio infant session is another wonderful option.
Absolutely. Feeding breaks are expected and are simply part of the newborn experience. In fact, many of the sweetest photographs happen during those quiet moments when you're comforting and caring for your baby.
Of course! Pets are family too, and I'm always happy to include them for a few photographs if you'd like. We can usually photograph them at the beginning of the session before they settle in for a nap.
My style is simple, natural, and focused on your family's connection rather than elaborate props. I use neutral swaddles and simple textures when needed, allowing your baby—and the love surrounding them—to remain the focus of every photograph.
turn moments into memories; businesses into brands
MAKING NEWBORN PHOTOS
FUN SINCE 2012
Lindsay is an award-winning, published, natural light photographer with over 14 years of experience. Based in Austin, TX she specializes in photographing families, maternities, newborns, seniors, and personal brands.
hello@lindsayherkert.com
512-522-2575
