What’s Better A Lifestyle Or Posed Newborn Session For My Baby?

What’s Better a Lifestyle or Posed Newborn Session for my baby?

When searching for a newborn photographer one of the first things to decide is the type of session you are looking to do. Are you looking for a Posed studio session or a Lifestyle newborn session? I am often asked which is my favorite style. Really it’s a personal preference, like do you prefer ketchup or mustard on your hotdog (okay maybe that’s a bad analogy for the Chicagoland area). The answer I usually give is that while both types of sessions create adorable pictures, it can be difficult to know which one will be a better fit for your family. Let’s explore that.

What is Posed Studio newborn photography?

Posed Studio newborn photography is probably what most people envision when they think of newborn photographs. Sleepy babies in cute outfits or wrapped in soft blankets. A baby in a basket, a heart bowl, or a tiny bed with their sweet fingers placed delicately on their little cheeks with all the newborn wrinkles on display.

These sessions typically take 2-3 hours, in my studio, and usually include family portraits, various props from home or from my supply, and studio lighting. Parents are able to relax and get a break from their homes while the photographer guides the creative process.

What is Lifestyle newborn photography?

Lifestyle sessions might take place at the beach, on a ski slope, or playing sports. For an adult. A newborn’s lifestyle involves receiving love from their family and this takes place at home. The baby is photographed in natural settings and their poses are typically ones the baby moves into without assistance. This session places an emphasis on interaction between the baby and members of the family. The images tend to be more meaningful because of the sweet unscripted moments that happen naturally while relaxing in one’s own space.

Items already in the house are used for props and the backdrop is the living space.  The only light used is the light coming in the windows.

I like them both! How do I choose?

Here are some questions to give you other things to consider.

For your announcements do you want to feature the connection that you have with your baby or do you want to focus on that sweet angel’s littlest details?

If you want to focus on connection then Lifestyle is for you. If you want to have a portrait of the way that your baby’s little lip puckers out then do a Posed Studio session.

Do you want to feature your home in the photographs?

If you are in love with your house décor and want to capture the love that is evident in your home then definitely go with a Lifestyle session.

If you are mid-renovation or the idea of decluttering your house right before your session gives you some anxiety then opt for the Posed Studio session. In the studio you’ll be able to choose a backdrop from my collection.

Does your home have lots of available light?

If your house does not have lots of window light in the areas you would like to shoot then I highly suggest a Posed Studio session.

Do you have a furry friend that you want to include?

If you have a pup that is getting up there in age and want to capture the way he protects your baby then for sure lets do a lifestyle session to capture that.

Do you have older siblings you would like to have in pictures?

Sometimes older siblings are more at ease in their own home and would like to show their world to the baby. Other children are better in an outside environment only you know what would be best for your children.

How old is your newborn?

Maybe you are trying to decide, after the baby is born, which kind of session to book. I usually do Studio newborn sessions with babies between the ages of 5–14 days old. For more on why, check out my post on When to Book Your Newborn Session. Since they are baby led, the Lifestyle sessions can be done at any time.

Final thoughts

Still not sure? Head over to my Information Page and see which one best fits your needs.

Still still not sure? Email or call me and we can discuss the vision for your newborn shoot.

Newborns change daily. You will want to document that very fleeting newborn phase.

Ready to book? Click for my availability or email to chat more.