Being a lifestyle newborn photographer in McKinney, TX comes with it's fair share of questions. One question I've been asked before is "what is Newborn Lifestyle Photography?" 

Lifestyle sessions are becoming more well known (yay!) but I still get this question from time to time and I'm going to answer that here! 

I think just about everyone out there is familiar with posed newborn photography. You know the images I'm talking about...squishy little tushies resting on perfectly tucked in feet, tiny sleepy heads in perfectly posed hands. There is no denying the beauty and sweetness of that style and the photographers that create them posses such a talent for creating gorgeous art! 

What some people don't know about is an entirely different side of newborn photography. A side that is an art in itself. A side that tells a story, & captures the authenticity of real raw moments.

This is lifestyle photography.  

The story is told in the details. A mother's hands are in focus to show the embrace between her and her baby. A toddler is free to sit and gaze instead of being made to sit and smile obediently. In exchange, I am able to capture the sweet details of her still pudgy and dimpled hands and feet. She's a big sister now, but no doubt still a baby in mom's eyes. 

So much interaction and connection takes place during a lifestyle session. Gentle direction may be given, such as "Grace, do you want to sit with mommy and help hold your brother?"

Nothing is stiff or forced. I will give my subjects guidance if and when they need it or I may manipulate the light or move furniture as needed to create a nice photograph but once I have them in place, they are free to interact in whichever way feels most natural to them. 

Another thing I like to do with my newborns is called "free posing".  For most of the session they're swaddled and/or close to mom but if the baby is up for it I like to take a few minutes to unwrap them and let them stretch and do their own thing. I think the newborn form is precious and love seeing them start to explore their world with those tiny little jabs and kicks into the air. 

The most important thing to me is that mom, baby and family feel at ease. I want these images to represent a time that is remembered fondly. We go with the flow, keep it low key and in turn, end up with beautifully documented memories that may have otherwise been lost and forgotten in what we all know as that sweet but sleep deprived stage of "the first 6 weeks". 

It was such a joy to photograph this sweet mom with her two little ones. These images will hopefully be cherished and passed on for generations to come!

If you're interested in your own story telling session with Angela Jackson Photography please head over to my Contact Page and find out how you can book a Newborn Lifestyle Photography session in McKinney (or surrounding cities).