Those tiny fingers, sleepy yawns and first sweet snuggles, - choosing the right photographer and photography style ensures the moments you never want to forget are preserved forever. As a newborn photographer with years of experience in both studio and in-home lifestyle photography, I often hear from new parents wondering which approach is right for them. Both styles beautifully capture the precious, fleeting moments of your baby's earliest days, but they offer very different experiences and results. Whether you are envisioning timeless, posed portraits or natural, candid moments in the comfort of your own home, understanding the difference can help you choose the best fit for your family. Let's explore what makes studio and in-home lifestyle photography unique and special in their own ways.

Studio Newborn Experience


In studio newborn sessions are what you tend to think of when thinking of newborn photography. Sleepy and curled, all the delicate features and details of your sweet babe on display to capture their earliest days. These sessions are carefully planned and styled to create timeless, polished portraits of a newborn in a controlled environment. My studio, located in Hillsborough NJ, is equipped with everything needed for the session. I utilize studio lighting which is more consistent and reliable, set ups and props from the best in the biz and is temperature controlled to keep baby warm and comfy and of course, in my studio, safety is my top priority, so props, surfaces and tools are kept well cleaned and sanitized.


Posed studio sessions are generally done within the first 14 days or so while babies are still mostly sleepy and easily posed. They feature traditional poses that often mimic how baby was inside mama. With nine years of experience and two children of my own, I can assure you that the poses I utilize are safe and baby is kept comfy cozy. If there is one thing I know well, it's babies. My studio is set up for everything ahead of time, making a much more controlled and predictable environment to ensure the best session possible. Parents get to sit back and relax and trust the process to me, getting a break from the home setting to just relax in my cozy studio, watch tv or even nap (yes, parents have fallen asleep in there and it's encouraged!) I will handle the creative process, the feeds, the burps, the diaper changes and of course, baby snuggles. My studio has plenty of toys, snacks and entertainment for older siblings as well so there is virtually nothing you need to bring. With minimal distractions in studio, I am able to focus on soft and serene images with both stylized and simple posing and set ups for timeless images. These sessions can focus solely on baby or with family with more polished and posed images or as a mix of candid, less posed in the lifestyle area of my studio, which is often my clients' favorite area.

In-Home Lifestyle


In-home lifestyle sessions are designed to capture natural, candid moments of a family with their brand-new babe in the comfort of their own home, showcasing the home as well as the family. These focus on documenting authentic interactions, emotions and the unique environment of your home and your family to create timeless and meaningful images. These are done using rooms within your home with the best natural light such as nursery, master bedroom, living room, or any other cozy spot where the family feels comfortable. Your home is a reflection of the family, gently styled to look lived-in yet uncluttered. Personal touches, like the baby's nursery decor or family heirlooms are often incorporated into the images. The goal is to create a calm, stress-free experience for both the baby and the family. There is no pressure for posed perfection, and I will guide you through what to do and prompts to make you feel comfortable. Using natural light which gives a warm, organic feel to images, the focus is on the bond between family members rather than rigid poses. This includes moments like cuddles, feedings or siblings' interactions with newborn as well as with mom and dad.


These have a heavy focus on key moments and details. Close ups of tiny hands, moments of connection where parents are simply just loving on their new bundle are central themes. Siblings and pets are also encouraged and create the sweetest candid moments of the family engaging in everyday activities or enjoying quiet moments together. These sessions can occur within the first two weeks but does not have to as the goal of these are candid and less posed, so baby does not need to be as sleepy and in fact, I love the more awake images just as much as a sleepy, curled baby. Minimal props are used for these. I do bring a few items, wraps, accessories and one or two props for simple, baby-led posing. Special or sentimental items are encouraged as well. These sessions prioritize storytelling over perfection. The resulting images reflect the warmth, love and beauty of those early days with a newborn. They serve as heartfelt keepsakes for families as their child grows.

Things to Consider:


  1. Do you live in small home or an apartment? How is the natural lighting in your home? We want to make sure there is plenty of natural light and room to move around as well as feeling uncluttered. Trust me, you do not need to clean on my behalf, but we need room enough to push clutter aside. Are you comfortable with people in your home? and the possibility of needing to move furniture?
  2. How are you feeling with bringing your baby out in public? Trust me, I get it. It's scary leaving the house for the first time. Some parents aren't up for it just yet while others cannot wait to feel some normalcy and look forward to the mini break. My studio is kept clean and sanitized, and I am up to date with all immunizations, and I choose to wear a face mask while handling your newborn to ensure I am doing everything I can to keep your little one safe whether in studio or in your home.
  3. Are there older siblings? You know your children best. Some tend to be better in their own home environment and others thrive in a new environment. Is your older child shy? Are they more active? My studio is full of new-to-them toys, so boredom is rarely and issue. Plus, there are parks within walking distance if sibling needs to burn off some energy.
  4. Do you prefer the look of posed and use of props and set ups? Or are you more into the causal vibe of in home? Both are super sweet and tailored to you, so it really is up to what you are looking for in a newborn session.


Whichever you choose, I am confident you will love and cherish your images of your sweet little one.