Rockford Newborn Photography

Choosing Between Studio Newborn Photography and a Lifestyle Newborn Session

From Your Rockford, Il Newborn Photographer

What is Newborn Photography?

Newborn Photography is a specialized type of photography, generally referring to photographing babies within the first few weeks of life. Most of the time, reputable Newborn Photographers have niched down significantly to focus solely on photographing newborns and related types of sessions. For example, some newborn photographers also shoot maternity, milestones, first birthdays, and sometimes family sessions. I focus on primarily newborns, milestones, and cake smashes. As a general rule, a photographer who specializes in something like weddings or sports photography for example, will not also shoot newborn sessions. The biggest reason for this is the specialized training required to safely and professionally pose newborn babies. This type of photography is NOT just picking up a camera and snapping photos, but requires an extensive knowledge of safety practices, posing & lighting techniques, and an understanding of the delicate nature of handling newborns.

What is the difference between a newborn session in studio and a lifestyle newborn session?

When you book a studio newborn session, you can typically expect more posed shots of your baby. These styled sessions will showcase adorable poses, including your baby in soft bonnets or headbands, wrapped in cozy swaddles, and perfectly positioned in gorgeous baby-sized props. Depending on the photographer, your studio session will likely include poses with older siblings & parents as well.

Lifestyle newborn sessions typically refer to sessions taking place inside your home (though some studios do have lifestyle areas to achieve that look as well- more on this below.) This type of newborn photography is usually more relaxed, with less posing & props. Lifestyle sessions will of course capture images with siblings & parents also, however they will usually be done in your nursery, living room, or sometimes your bedroom as opposed to being done on a studio backdrop.

So how do we decide which type of newborn photography is the best fit for our family?

Whether I’m photographing a session in my Rockford Newborn Studio or at a client’s home, my primary goal is always to capture the delicate details of your baby while they are still small, along with the loving connection of your new family. My biggest advice is to look at portfolios from photographers who do both studio and lifestyle sessions. Are you more drawn to the squishy poses, or the relaxed ones? Timeless backdrops, or the comfort of your own home? Pretty props, bonnets, & layers, or your own baby blankets?

As a newborn photographer with a studio, I do still offer both types of session. I understand for some parents, it can seem daunting to leave the house so soon after having their baby. In this instance, a lifestyle session might be the right fit for you. However, if you truly love the perfectly posed images, I urge you to go for it! You will cherish those images forever, and the few hours spent in the studio will be a blip on your radar years into the future. Besides, when you choose a luxury newborn photography studio, you won’t have to worry about anything other than showing up! Your photographer should handle the rest for the ultimate stress-free experience.

The best of both worlds?

Finally, if you are still having a hard time choosing between the two options, consider looking for a photographer who also has a lifestyle set up in their studio! Let your photographer know that you love the posed shots, but would like to utilize their lifestyle space for the family portion of your shoot.

Ready to Book?

Rockford Lifestyle Newborn Session with Cally Jo Photography