December 1, 2025
Should You Have Your Newborn Session Outside? | San Diego Newborn Photographer
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A few weeks ago, I met this little family on Coronado Beach for a newborn session. That’s right – a newborn session. Outside. On the beach.
Maybe something you’ve never considered?
If you’re searching for a newborn photographer in San Diego and have never considered an outdoor newborn session, this is for you (particularly if you prefer the candid style vs. posed studio). It’s not for everyone, so let’s talk about both the pros and the cons.
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Why Consider an Outdoor Newborn Session in San Diego?
1. The setting matches your growing family’s life here
If you chose to build your family in San Diego, chances are all our natural beauty and year round outdoor lifestyle means something to you. Photographing your newborn at a place like Coronado Beach or Mission Trails lets that story become part of your baby’s history.
Instead of a backdrop and props, you get the San Diego vibe and your family together. Your baby will grow up recognizing the place you held them close in these photos.
2. Baby stays where they belong most: in your arms
As a lifestyle San Diego newborn photographer, I am not placing your baby into intricate studio poses. Outdoors, your newborn is held almost the entire time. They are cuddled against your chest, swaddled snugly, or nestled between both parents.
This naturally supports:
- Secure attachment and bonding
- Calmer babies who are soothed by your heartbeat and voice
- Photos that focus on connection rather than perfection
If the idea of elaborate posing feels stressful, outdoor lifestyle newborn photos are something to consider.
3. Space for siblings to be themselves
If you have older kids, you already know that expecting them to sit still in a quiet studio for an hour can be a stretch (for them, and for you!).
On the beach, siblings can:
- Run around and play with mom and dad
- Hunt for seashells while we focus on baby
- Come and go pretty much as they please
This gives us genuine interactions instead of forced smiles, which naturally leads to better photos.
4. You don’t have to “get the house ready”
One hesitation many parents share when they call me is, “Our house is a disaster right now. I’m so tired. I can’t even think about cleaning for photos.”
With an outdoor session, your home can stay exactly as it is. No one needs to hide laundry baskets or clear counters. You simply bring yourselves and your baby, and I handle the rest.
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Things to Consider Before Choosing an Outdoor Newborn Session
Outdoor newborn photos are lovely, but they are not the right fit for every family or every baby. Here are some considerations.
1. Timing is less flexible
For outdoor sessions, I usually recommend sunrise or sunset for the best light. That means:
- You may need to be ready quite early in the morning or later in the evening
- We are working around both the sun and your baby’s needs & routine.
If you know your family needs a midday time or you want more flexibility around timing, an in-home session is a be a better fit (and here’s some more info on indoor newborn sessions and who they’re right for).
2. Weather and elements
Even in San Diego, we can run into wind, marine layer, cooler evenings, or a hotter day than expected. For instance, during the session pictured, the constant wind meant mom couldn’t unwrap the baby for those sweet detail photos.
If you prefer total control over temperature and environment, a studio or in-home session might feel more comfortable.
3. Your postpartum recovery
If you are very early postpartum, recovering from a C-section, or simply not ready to be out and about yet, an outdoor photoshoot may feel like too much.
In those cases, I often recommend:
- In-home lifestyle newborn photos, where we can move at our own pace in your own relaxed environment.
- Pushing the outdoor session a bit later, when you are feeling better (lifestyle newborn sessions do not have to happen in the first week).
4. Privacy and comfort level
On a public beach, there will be other people around. We are thoughtful about where we shoot, and I pose you in ways that feel natural and comfortable, but it is still a public space.
Outdoor newborn photos may not be the best choice if:
- You strongly prefer a private environment
- You are uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, even with a cover
- You would rather not change outfits or diapers outside
If privacy is important, an in-home session might be your best option.
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How I Keep Outdoor Newborn Sessions Safe and Comfortable
As a newborn photographer in San Diego, safety and comfort are always first. Here is what I do for outdoor newborn sessions like this one at Coronado Beach:
- Temperature check: I choose dates and times that are mild, and am ready to reschedule if needed.
- Short walking distances: I select locations that are easy to access, especially if you are still recovering.
- Plenty of breaks: The session is “baby-led: we stop for feeds, diaper changes any time your baby needs it.
- Simple posing: Baby stays in your arms or safely supported. No elaborate setups, props, or positions.
- Full service and support: I provide an in-home styling and location consultation beforehand, which means I take the homework of coordinating outfits and figuring out a location off your plate. I also handle all the designing and printing of albums and wall art, so these photographs will get off your hard drive and into your home, without you having to do any of the work
My goal is for you to feel cared for, so you can focus on your baby instead of logistics.
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Is an Outdoor Newborn Session Right for You?
You might love an outdoor newborn session if:
- You are drawn to candid lifestyle photography over posed studio looks
- You feel connected to the San Diego lifestyle and want that in your family story
- You like the idea of your baby being held and cuddled in most photos
- You have energetic older kids who do better with freedom to move
- You would rather skip prepping your house for photos
You might prefer an in-home lifestyle session if:
- You want a very private, quiet environment
- You are earlier in postpartum recovery or not ready to be out yet
- You prefer more flexible timing in the day
- You do not enjoy the idea of dealing with sand, wind, or weather at all
Both options can be beautiful. The “right” choice is the one that feels right for you and your family.
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Additional resources about newborn photography in San Diego
I’ve put together lots of info about in-home and lifestyle newborn photography, and you can read them here:
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