Capturing Innocent Beginnings

Your Lifestyle newborn session awaits

 

 

     Kayla M. Green Photography

Capture every tender moment of your newborn’s earliest days with confidence and ease. This page walks you through the entire process—from choosing the perfect timing to preparing your home and booking your session—so you know exactly what to expect. Dive in to find all the answers, tips, and heartfelt details that make your family’s story shine.



Timing Your Session

How Does your baby's age influence the style and feel of your photos?

Under 7 Days

While brand‑new newborns are often at their sleepiest, parents are usually at their most exhausted.

  • Why you might choose it: Babies in the first week tend to sleep deeply and curl up naturally—ideal for those classic, peaceful portraits.
  • What to consider: New moms may still be recovering physically and establishing feeding routines. If you’re concerned about being too tired, it’s perfectly fine to wait a bit longer. 

7-21 Days

Most families—and photographers—agree this window offers the best blend of baby sleepiness and settled parents.

  • Sleepy comfort meets fresh routines: By about one to three weeks, babies usually maintain longer stretches of content sleep, yet you’ve had time to rest, recover, and establish a home rhythm.
  • Soft, squishy details: Expect to see the emergence of those irresistible cheek and neck rolls while still enjoying deep newborn slumbers.

Three to Six Weeks Old

As your baby grows, so do their awake moments—and their personalities.

  • Awake and interactive: Around four weeks, most babies can focus on faces about 18 inches away and may begin tracking movements, allowing for gentle eye‑contact portraits.
  • Potential fussiness: Gas and growth spurts often strike between three and four weeks, which can lead to more unsettled moods. A patient, flexible session flow (with plenty of breaks) is key.

Six Weeks and Beyond

From six weeks onward, smiles, coos, and coos turn into interactive play.

  • First smiles: Many babies begin social smiling around six to ten weeks, offering those joyful, alert expressions in addition to sleepy shots.
  • Easier to settle: Older infants often have more predictable nap and feed schedules, which can make session timing more straightforward—though uniform “sleepy poses” may be less frequent.
  • Lifestyle freedom: This stage shines for capturing “day‑in‑the‑life” storytelling—cuddles, playtime, tummy time on a quilt—anywhere from six weeks up to three months.


Premature & NICU Babies

I know firsthand how overwhelming those early days can be: I’ve walked this path with two of my own children arriving prematurely and three of my four precious little ones spending time in the NICU. Between beeping monitors, feeding schedules, and the uncertainty of each day, the last thing on your mind is scheduling photos. But those images—showing each tiny grasp of your finger, every brave yawn, and each resilient milestone—will become treasured reminders of your family’s strength.

  • Count from the due date: If your little one arrives significantly early, plan for a session 7–21 days after their original due date—meaning the baby may be several weeks old but still be photographed at a “newborn” stage.
  • Flexibility is everything: We’ll adapt to your baby’s health, feeding, and energy levels—always prioritizing comfort and safety.

The Comfort of Home

Why choose a lifestyle newborn session?


Choosing a lifestyle newborn session at home offers a slower, more meaningful way to capture your baby’s earliest days. Here’s why so many families fall in love with this experience:

  • No Packing, No Rush - There's no need to load up the car with diapers, bottles, outfits, and backup plans. You get to stay in your own space, and your baby stays in their rhythm—cozy, calm, and stress-free.
  • Comfort for the Whole Family - Siblings feel more at ease in their familiar environment, free to be themselves without pressure. They can pop in for a snuggle, take a break, or grab a snack—and yes, that goes for parents too.
  • Your Home Becomes the Heart of the Story - These sessions are about documenting your real life: the rocking chair where you soothe your baby, the soft light in your bedroom, the nursery you so lovingly prepared. Every photo becomes deeply personal.
  • Genuine Moments Over Posed Perfection - No stiff posing, no studio backdrops—just natural interactions, quiet glances, and the everyday beauty of your growing family. I gently guide you through moments, not poses, so nothing feels forced.
  • Timeless Memories, Full of Feeling - When you look back on these images, you’ll remember more than just how tiny they were—you’ll remember how it felt to bring them home, to hold them close, and to begin this beautiful new chapter, together.


Perfectly Imperfect

"What if my home doesn’t look like the ones I see in photos?"


Worried your house isn’t clean enough, styled enough, or “Pinterest-perfect” for newborn photos? Let me gently stop you right there—your home is enough. These sessions aren’t about spotless counters or magazine-worthy décor. They’re about love, connection, and capturing your life as it is right now.


All we truly need is a window with some natural light, and we can create something beautiful together. I’ll gently guide you to the best spots, move a few things if needed, and frame each image in a way that tells your story with honesty and warmth. Some of the most meaningful photos I’ve ever taken were in the simplest corners of a home.

This season isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And that lived-in, love-filled space you call home is exactly where your story should be told.

Dressed for the Moment

What Should We Wear?


Wardrobe plays a gentle but important role in the look and feel of your photos. The goal isn’t to dress up—it’s to feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. Soft textures, neutral tones, and layers you can snuggle into help create a relaxed, timeless look that keeps the focus on your connection, not the clothes.


For Baby

Newborns photograph beautifully in the simplest of outfits. We’ll keep things soft and cozy.

  • Solid-colored onesies (long or short sleeve)
  • Simple swaddle blankets (neutral or soft tones; I’ll bring a few favorites too)
  • Knitted footed outfits or sleepers without bold patterns or words
  • Bare skin is beautiful too—just a diaper and wrap works perfectly
  • Avoid stiff clothing or anything with a collar, hoods, or zippers that bunch

For Mom

Choose pieces that make you feel beautiful and allow you to move, sit, and snuggle comfortably.

  • Flowy dresses, soft cardigans, or loose-fitting blouses
  • Neutral or muted colors—cream, blush, soft blue, sage, oatmeal, dusty rose
  • Textures like linen, cotton, or knits add warmth without distraction
  • Consider nursing-friendly options if you’ll be feeding during the session
  • Avoid bold patterns, bright colors, or anything that requires constant adjusting

For Dad

Keep it simple and relaxed with timeless pieces that won’t steal the spotlight.

  • Solid t-shirts, Henley's, or casual button-downs
  • Neutral tones or soft colors—white, gray, navy, tan, or olive
  • Well-fitted jeans, chinos, or joggers in earthy colors
  • Avoid bold logos, graphic tees, or busy prints
  • Rolled sleeves or layered textures photograph nicely and feel casual

For Siblings

Comfort is key—let them wear something they feel good in and can move around in.

  • Simple dresses or soft tops and leggings for girls
  • T-shirts, Henley's, or cozy sweaters for boys
  • Neutrals or soft color palettes to coordinate with the rest of the family
  • Bare feet look sweet and relaxed—no need for shoes indoors


If you're unsure or want to see how everything will look together, I’m more than happy to offer suggestions or review your picks beforehand. And remember: your love, your connection, and your presence in the photos matter far more than what you wear. Let’s keep it easy and authentic—you’re already doing beautifully.

Beauty in Your Everyday

What Kind of Photos Will We Take?


Every session is a little different—because every family is—but here’s a look at the kinds of images we typically capture during a lifestyle newborn session. Think of this as a starting point, not a checklist. We follow the rhythm of your baby and your family as we go, using a gentle and natural approach called baby-led posing.


Baby-led posing - I never force baby into uncomfortable positions. Instead, we let them settle into the poses they naturally fall into—whether that’s a sleepy stretch, a curled-up snuggle, or wide-eyed curiosity. This ensures baby stays safe, cozy, and content throughout the session, and allows us to capture their personality as it unfolds.


Here’s what a typical session may include:

  • Baby Details - Tiny toes, wispy lashes, button nose, little fingers curled around yours—the fleeting features that change so quickly and deserve to be remembered.
  • Baby Solo - Swaddled, in your arms, or resting in a favorite spot—always gently guided, never overly posed.
  • Parent + Baby Moments - Snuggles in the rocking chair, quiet bonding in the nursery, tender glances and sleepy kisses—intimate, emotion-filled moments you'll treasure.
  • Siblings + Baby - Whether it’s a sweet forehead kiss, a hesitant hold, or playful laughter in the background, sibling connections are documented with care and patience.
  • Whole Family Together - Gathered on the couch or wrapped in a blanket on the bed—these photos showcase the love, joy, and energy of your growing family.
  • Home Details - The little things that make this season yours: the nursery corner, that well-loved swaddle, a sunlight-soaked window. These subtle touches complete your story.


This is a slow, thoughtful session—nothing rushed, nothing forced. Just your family, your baby, and the beautifully ordinary magic of this new beginning.

The Finishing Touches

Tips to make the experience great


Schedule just after a feed: We’ll plan your session to begin immediately after your baby’s feeding—ideally, I’ll wait discreetly outside while you finish nursing or bottle-feeding—to ensure your little one is full, content, and more likely to drift into a deep, sleepy state for those curled-up poses.

Warm the room: A comfortably warm environment mimics the cozy warmth baby experiences in utero, helping them stay relaxed and sleepy throughout the shoot.

Turn off overhead lights and open window shades: Switching off artificial overhead lights prevents mixed color temperatures and harsh shadows, while opening your window shades floods the space with soft, natural light—ideal for flattering, evenly lit newborn portraits.

Use white noise or a soft-music playlist: White noise machines or gentle lullaby playlists recreate the comforting whoosh of womb sounds, helping to soothe and calm your baby between poses—we can even tuck a small speaker or phone hidden under a blanket to maintain a constant, womb-like ambiance.

Dress baby in a diaper one size too big: A diaper that’s slightly loose avoids unsightly lines, red marks, or bulges under wraps and outfits, keeping your newborn looking smooth and comfy in every shot.

What Can I Offer You?

Relaxed, In-Home Experience


No studio lights or stiff poses—just the warmth of your own home as our backdrop. Sessions are calm and unhurried, tailored around your family’s needs. We pause for feedings, diaper changes, or snack breaks for siblings (and mom!) whenever needed. Moving through your favorite rooms, I capture genuine interactions and the little details that tell your family’s unique story.

Patience of a Mom



With four little ones of my own, I’ve embraced every sweet snuggle and every surprise meltdown. There’s no baby fuss, sibling squabble, or last‑minute hiccup that can throw me off course. We'll pause, soothe, and capture each moment. Drawing on years of real‑life parenting, I bring a comforting, steady presence so you can relax and enjoy your session.

Family-Centered Storytelling



Whether this little one is your first or one of many, your family’s story is entirely your own. I’ll capture the laughter, the snuggles, and that “beautiful chaos” that brings you all together. From playful sibling moments to quiet parent‑baby connections, each frame celebrates your unique bond. It’s not just a newborn session—it’s a portrait of your family’s love in motion.

How to Schedule a Session?


Booking your lifestyle newborn session is a simple, two‑step process designed to give you peace of mind and secure your spot without stress. Here’s how it works:

  1. Reserve Your Tentative Date: As soon as you know you’d like to capture your baby’s first days, reach out—ideally around your second trimester or after your 20‑week scan—to check availability for your due‑date window. I’ll place a tentative hold on your estimated due date ensuring my calendar is ready for you
  2. Touch Base After Baby Arrives: Once you’re home from the hospital, simply send me a quick message with your little one’s birth date and any feeding or nap schedules. We’ll then refine your session date to capture those sleepy, curled‑up moments in their sweetest window .
  3. Stress‑Free Flexibility: Babies rarely arrive exactly on schedule! If your little one comes early or late, we’ll adjust accordingly, so you never lose your session time or feel pressured by timing . I remain extremely flexible, accommodating hospital discharge dates, pediatric appointments, and your family’s natural rhythm to ensure a calm, comfortable experience .
  4. Ongoing Support: Have questions or changes along the way? Feel free to reach out anytime—I’m here to guide you through each step, offer tips for home prep, and make your newborn session feels as cozy and seamless as the photos we’ll create together.


Maternity & Newborn Investment


Radiance

45 minute session at a location of your choosing, plus a gallery of 30+ edited digital images with printing rights. Just Mom, or bring your family. No travel fee within 30 miles of Portland, MI.

$300/45 minutes/30 Images

Innocence

90 minutes of photography in your home, where you and baby are most comfortable. Includes a gallery of 30+ edited digital images with printing rights. This session is great for up to a family of 8. No travel fee within 30 miles of Portland, MI.

$375/90 minutes/30 Images

Elegance

This 2-session package—featuring the Radiance and Innocence sessions—captures your growing family. You’ll receive two digital galleries with at least 70 edited images, preserving timeless, shareable moments.

$575/135 minutes/70+ images

Ready to begin your story?