Choosing a photographer for your baby’s first photos is a hugely personal decision, and capturing those moments together when you first became a family is just as important! But how do you decide what kind of family photos you want?
In this article, we’re diving into the two most popular types of newborn family photography: lifestyle and posed. Lifestyle sessions capture raw, unscripted moments in the comfort of your home, while posed sessions bring carefully crafted setups and studio artistry.
I’ll be sharing a look at my own studio’s posed newborn work, along with the in-home lifestyle photography of Middle Child Photography. Whether you love the polished feel of a studio portrait or the casual feel of a lifestyle session, you’re sure to find inspiration to celebrate this unforgettable chapter of your family’s story!
What Are Posed Newborn Family Photos?
Posed family photos typically take place in a studio where every detail, from lighting to posing, is thoughtfully arranged to achieve a polished, artistic look.
The beauty of posed photography lies in its control and creativity. A studio setting allows for consistent lighting, clean backdrops, and a calm, relaxed environment. There is also no need to worry about weather if you’re using a studio with professional lighting (not natural light). Gloomy day? No problem!
These images also tend to receive a bit more retouching to finish the image. The best part is, you don’t have to clean your house!
Posed newborn family photos are perfect for families looking for polished, magazine-worthy portraits to proudly display in their home.
What Are Lifestyle Newborn Family Photos?
Instead of carefully arranged poses, lifestyle photography tells a story – your story.
These sessions typically take place in the comfort of your own home, where the focus is on genuine interactions and the cozy environment you’ve created for your baby. It might be a tender moment of rocking your baby to sleep, an older sibling peeking into the crib, or your family cuddled together on the couch. These photographs celebrate the beautifully imperfect realities of life with a newborn, resulting in images that feel more like memories than staged portraits.
For anyone considering a family-focused lifestyle portrait session with their newborn in the Myrtle Beach area, I always recommend Kip at Middle Child Photography.
Which Style Is Right for You?
Choosing between lifestyle and posed newborn family photography ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the kind of story you want your photos to tell.
What kind of experience do you want to have?
If you love the idea of photos that reflect your everyday life – snuggles on the couch, giggles in the nursery – lifestyle might be for you.
If you want wall-worthy portraits with carefully styled setups, attention to detail and a timeless feel, a posed session is the way to go!
How old is your baby?
Posed newborn sessions are typically done within the first 3 weeks of life, though some photographers will offer swaddled-only sessions as far out as 6-8 weeks. Baby is typically photographed when they have fallen into a comfortable sleep, though if the mood strikes just right those open-eyed images can be equally beautiful!
Lifestyle sessions are not posed and therefor don’t necessarily require baby to be asleep. For this reason, photos can be taken at any age.
Do you want your home to be featured in the photographs?
Staying home can feel like a huge relief when you have a newborn. No need to pack up the diaper bag or worry about nap schedules… your photographer comes to you, documenting your family right where you are. The only downside is that you’ll have to ensure that the areas in your home that you’ll be photographed in (baby’s nursery, your bedroom, the livingroom) are clean and free of clutter, ready to be photographed.
While traveling to a studio requires a little extra effort, it offers a controlled environment with professional lighting and consistent results.
You really can’t go wrong with either choice! Both lifestyle and posed sessions offer something special, so the decision comes down to what feels right for your family.
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