Lifestyle session or studio session?
Which one is best for you?
I offer two types of newborn sessions - studio and lifestyle. I often get parents who reach out about booking a newborn session who aren't sure if they should book a lifestyle session or one of my studio sessions. During my initial phone consult with you, we can chat about this and I can help you decide which one would be best for you and your family.
I also thought this would be great to write a blog about to help you decide as you're browsing my page or looking for a newborn photographer. Here are few things to think about when you're debating between lifestyle newborn portraits or studio newborn portraits.
Natural or posed?
One thing to think about when making your decision do you prefer more candid-style photos or posed photos?
Lifestyle sessions offer a more natural and documentary style approach to capturing your new baby. At lifestyle sessions, the focus is more on interactions of parents, siblings, and/or family with the baby. While I may do some minimal posing or prompts during this session, it is a much more relaxed vibe. I do not use props at lifestyle sessions.
Studio newborn sessions offer a more posed and stylized approach to capturing your sweet newborn. In the studio, I use a variety of props, fabrics, headbands/hats to style your session to your preferences. All of those cute curly newborn poses on backdrops or in props you see on my website/social media are done in my studio.
Prep your house or no prep?
Another important factor in making your decision is what level of prepping/planning you want to do on your end prior to your session. When I chat with parents about decision, I typically ask this question...
Do you want to worry about tidying up your home before your session or come to a studio where everything is prepped and ready to go?
Lifestyle sessions are you done in your own home. While I don't require you to make sure that your house is completely spotless (you live there and it is supposed to look lived in!), I always recommend that you take a little bit of time before your session to make sure the areas we're shooting in are tidy and free of any excessive clutter as it can be distracting in the photos. Typically - I shoot in the baby's nursery, living room/family room, and sometimes in the master bedroom. So if you're thinking about a lifestyle session in your own home, think about if you'll be able to tidy up a few rooms or have someone to help you tidy up before I come over.
Studio sessions are done in my own studio. I take the time to plan all of the set ups, pick out colors and props, etc for your session. Basically all you need to do is bring yourself and the baby to my studio - everything else is taken care of for you! Parents will just need to make sure to bring essentials for feedings and diaper changes (I do keep some basics on hand here in case you forget something at home - hello mommy/daddy brain!)
Timing
I typically shoot newborn sessions in the studio when baby is between 7-15 days old. The reason why this is the ideal window for newborn sessions is because babies tend to sleep more and are still able to curl up into those squishy poses. This isn't a hard and fast rule for newborn sessions - just a preference. So don't fret if your baby falls a little outside of this window - because some babies much earlier than expected or have complications at birth that may prevent us from getting in during that window. And that is okay.
Lifestyle sessions are little more flexible in timing. I recommend scheduling your lifestyle session between 1-4 weeks old. This will ensure we capture those tiny fresh details of your baby before they start changing.
Are you looking for an Indianapolis Newborn Photographer?
Whether you're wanting a lifestyle session or studio session - let's chat! I'm ready to snuggle your baby and help you celebrate your growing family in the most beautiful way.
