Lifestyle vs. In-Studio Newborn Sessions: What's the Difference?


Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most precious moments, and capturing those first days through photography is something many families cherish forever. When deciding how you’d like to document your newborn’s early days, there are two main styles to choose from: lifestyle sessions and in-studio sessions. Each offers a unique experience and final look, depending on your preferences.


Lifestyle Newborn Sessions


Lifestyle sessions take place in your home, offering a relaxed and natural environment. These sessions focus on capturing genuine moments - your baby in their crib, snuggling with parents on the couch, or siblings peeking in with curiosity. There’s minimal posing involved, and the emphasis is on real interactions and the emotional connection within your family.

Pros:

  • Comfortable, familiar setting
  • Candid, story-telling images
  • Includes the whole family in a natural way


In-Studio Newborn Sessions


In-studio sessions are more posed and stylized. They typically happen within the first two weeks of birth, when babies are still very sleepy and easier to position. The photographer uses controlled lighting, props, and backdrops to create classic, polished portraits of your baby.


Pros:

  • Professional lighting and controlled environment
  • Artistic and highly styled images
  • Focus is primarily on the baby
  • Setting is in photographer's studio, so no house cleaning or prep is needed


Which is Right for You?


If you love the idea of capturing real-life moments in the comfort of your home, a lifestyle session might be perfect. If you prefer timeless portraits with a polished, artistic touch, then an in-studio session may be the better fit.

Whatever you decide, the most important thing is preserving those fleeting first moments with your little one. Below I will dive deeper into each session as I personally capture each style.

Studio Session

Starts with table poses, then prop, and family photos

Peaceful newborn portrait on cream background with delicate lace headband.

Chin On Hands


Serene newborn portrait with floral crown and flowing fabric on cream background.

Side Laying


Gentle newborn photography with soft white wrap against neutral backdrop.

Tushy Up

Sweet newborn portrait with natural yawning pose in cream-colored wrap.

Womb Pose



Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in gray swaddle and bonnet lying on plush white fur backdrop.

Flokati Rug


Mother and newborn baby lying together on beige carpet during intimate lifestyle photoshoot.

Flokati Rug W Mom


Sleeping newborn in gray wrap posed in tiny wooden bed with macrame wall hanging backdrop.

Prop Setup 1

Peaceful newborn baby sleeping in cream wrap nestled in brown wooden bowl with lace details.

Prop Setup 2

Tender moment between parent and infant in bright minimalist setting with draping fabric and natural light.

Prop Bed Set


Here we will take photos of the whole family, just mom and baby, and just dad and baby

Family of three sharing joyful moment against white background in casual attire.

Backlit


Here we will take photos of the whole family, just mom and baby, and just dad and baby

Tender family moment with newborn baby surrounded by loving relatives in soft indoor lighting.

Studio Backdrop


Here we will take photos of the whole family, just mom and baby, and just dad and baby

Close-up of tiny baby foot showing delicate toes against bright background.

Details



Lifestyle Session

Starts with beanbag poses, then one prop, and family photos around your home

Sleeping newborn wearing pink lace bonnet posed on cream backdrop in artistic portrait.

Chin On Hands


Sleeping newborn swaddled in white fabric wearing delicate floral headband on cream background.

Side Laying


Peaceful newborn baby sleeping on beige backdrop wrapped in soft white fabric.

Tushy Up

Yawning newborn baby wrapped in white fabric lying in cream-colored nest prop.

Womb Pose



Sleeping newborn wrapped in cream fabric on textured knit blanket.

Prop Set


Newborn baby swaddled in white wrap sleeping peacefully on fluffy cream rug.

Flokati


Here we will take photos of the baby alone, and the baby with mom

Tiny newborn feet cradled gently in adult hands on soft textured background.

Details


Family relaxing together on gray upholstered bed with newborn baby.

Family



In Summary


Lifestyle and in-studio newborn photography sessions offer two distinct ways to capture your baby's early days. Lifestyle sessions take place at home and focus on natural, candid moments with your family in a relaxed setting. In contrast, in-studio sessions are more posed and stylized, using professional lighting and props to create classic, polished portraits. Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer authentic, everyday memories or timeless, polished, artistic images. Contact me to discuss your options further!