When you think of newborn photography, you probably imagine a cosy session at home or a peaceful studio setting. And while these are generally my favourite environments for photographing new babies, sometimes an outdoor session can be just as lovely.
This sunset family session included a slightly older newborn, a toddler and the family dog. A beautiful reminder that family photographs don’t have to be complicated or perfectly posed to be meaningful.
Can you have an outdoor newborn photography session?
Absolutely! Although there are a few things I recommend considering before choosing an outdoor session with your newborn.
For very young babies, I generally recommend an in-home or studio newborn session. These environments allow us to keep baby comfortable, work around feeds and settling, and take our time without worrying about the weather, temperature or fading light.
However, if your baby is a little older and you’re feeling confident and comfortable getting out and about, an outdoor newborn session can be a wonderful option.
Older newborns may be a little more alert, giving us the opportunity to capture those curious expressions, tiny details and natural interactions with the rest of the family.
Of course, every baby is different, and there’s no pressure to choose an outdoor session simply because your baby has reached a certain age.
Including toddlers and family dogs in your newborn photographs
One of my favourite things about family photography is capturing the relationships that make your family yours.
When a new baby arrives, it’s not just the parents whose lives change. Older siblings are adjusting to their new roles too, and even the family dog is part of the story!
For this session, we had a toddler and a dog joining us, which meant embracing a little movement, playfulness and spontaneity alongside those quieter moments with the newest family member.
I don’t expect toddlers to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera throughout a session. I’d much rather give them the freedom to explore, cuddle their parents and interact naturally with their new baby brother or sister.
And if your dog is an important part of your family, they’re welcome in your photographs too. We simply plan ahead to make sure everyone, particularly your newborn, is comfortable and safe.
Why sunset is such a beautiful time for family photographs
There’s something lovely about the soft, warm light just before sunset.
It’s flattering, gentle and creates a beautiful atmosphere for relaxed family photographs.
Sunset sessions also give us the opportunity to capture a mixture of photographs: the whole family together, parents with their new baby, sibling photographs and all those little in-between moments.
The one thing to consider is timing. Sunset sessions generally fall later in the afternoon, which can sometimes coincide with tired toddlers, dinner routines or unsettled babies.
That’s why I always encourage parents to consider their children’s personalities and routines before deciding whether a sunset session is right for them.
Choosing the right newborn session for your family
There really isn’t one perfect way to photograph your newborn.
For some families, the comfort and familiarity of home is exactly what they need. For others, a simple studio session is ideal. And for families with slightly older newborns who love being outdoors, a sunset session might be a beautiful fit.
My approach is always relaxed, baby-led and centred around the people you love.
Whether we’re photographing your family at home, in my studio or outdoors, my priority is creating timeless photographs that feel like you.
I’m Lizzy, a Port Douglas based newborn and family photographer, photographing families throughout Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Cairns.
If you’re expecting a baby or have recently welcomed a new little family member, I’d love to help you choose a session that feels comfortable and natural for your family. You can see my newborn sessions here.
