Trying to decide which type of newborn session is right for you? It’s a great question, so let’s help you make that decision by exploring the differences between an in-home newborn session, also called a “lifestyle” newborn session, versus a newborn session held in my Olympia studio.
The short answer is, if you’re looking for something more highly-posed and formal, then a studio newborn session would be the right choice for you. In contrast, if you’re looking for something more laid-back & natural, capturing candid moments in your home, then an in-home lifestyle session would be the right fit for your family! But let’s go into more detail about each type of session, so that you can really get the feel for what fits your family best.
Studio Newborn Sessions:
With a studio newborn session it will take place in my professional photography studio located in Olympia, WA. The studio will be warmed and is equipped with props, accessories, backdrops, and professional strobe lighting. The session will consist of highly-intricate posing using the props and backdrops that I provide at my studio. Because of the intricate nature of the posing, it is necessary that baby is sleeping soundly. This may mean we need to take breaks to feed or soothe baby, in order to get them back into a deep slumber. These sessions typically last about 2 hours, sometimes up to 3 hours if baby needs that extra time to feed and soothe.
Examples of images taken during a studio newborn session:
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Lifestyle Newborn Sessions:
With an in-home lifestyle session we will use the elements that your home provides to create beautiful portraits that tell the story of your family while in your home environment. The rooms we typically use in a newborn lifestyle session are the baby’s nursery, the parents bedroom, and the living room or family room, using natural light from the windows in each room. In the warmer months we can even venture outdoors if you’d like some photos in your yard! With lifestyle session the outfits, blankets and accessories that we incorporate into the images are what you already own for baby. Siblings and pets are encouraged to participate.
Examples of images taken during a lifestyle newborn session:
Comparison At a Glance:
| Aspect | Studio | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Professional studio | Your home |
| Posing | Carefully posed, styled | Natural, baby-led |
| Lighting | Controlled, professional | Natural window light |
| Props | Themed backdrops, accessories | Minimal, using home surroundings |
| Feel | Polished, artistic | Relaxed, emotional |
To learn more about each type of session, and to view more samples of my work, please follow the links here on my website for Studio Newborns and Lifestyle Newborns.
Still not sure which session is the right fit for you? Have some questions you’d like answered first? No problem! Reach out to me via the Contact Form here on my website and I’m happy to help you!