The day your child is born marks the beginning of a new chapter in your family’s life.  The first days and weeks with your newborn are precious and fleeting all at once, filled with moments that can never be recreated or recaptured.  Knowing this, many parents want to document these moments as best they can before their baby grows up and changes too much. This is where newborn photography comes in! There are two main types of newborn sessions – lifestyle and traditional.  So, what’s the difference?

A Lifestyle Newborn Session

A lifestyle newborn session is perfect for documenting all the little details of life with your new baby – from Feeding and Sleeping to Playing and Cuddling. These sessions are typically shot in the home of the newborn, with minimal posing and props.

Traditional Newborn Session

Traditional newborn sessions, on the other hand, involve a lot of posing and Props. The baby being photographed in a variety of poses and settings.

Which type of newborn session is right for you?

That depends on your needs and what you want to capture. If you want images that show the natural everyday life of your new baby, then a lifestyle newborn session is the way to go. But if you’re looking for more posed and classic portraits of your little one, then a traditional newborn session may be the better option.

No matter which type of newborn session you choose, it’s important to prepare well in advance. Here are some tips:

If you’re planning a lifestyle newborn session, start by creating a list of all the activities and moments you want to capture. Then, gather props and accessories that fit with the look and feel of your photos. You may also want to think about what clothes you and your baby will wear during the session.

It’s important to keep in mind that lifestyle newborn sessions are typically more relaxed and informal than traditional newborn sessions. So, don’t worry if your baby isn’t up for a lot of posing – that’s not what these types of sessions are about. Just relax and let the photographer capture the natural moments as they happen.

If you’re planning a traditional newborn session, start by thinking about the poses and settings you want to capture. You may want to take a look at some classic newborn portraits on my website to get ideas.

You won't need to gather a bunch of props and accessories for your in-studio newborn session, I have a variety of wraps, hats, and backdrops available. It’s important to keep in mind that traditional newborn sessions are typically more formal than lifestyle newborn sessions. So, be prepared for your baby to spend a good amount of time in poses. And finally, remember to schedule plenty of time for the session – it can take longer than you think! Traditional newborn studio sessions are approximately 3-4 hours long, but you can always relax (and nap!) in your home.

FAQ

Where will my lifestyle newborn session take place?

Lifestyle newborn sessions typically take place in the home of the newborn.

What should I wear during my lifestyle newborn session?

We recommend wearing simple, neutral colors during your lifestyle newborn session. White and black are always popular choices!

Can my older children be involved in either session?

Absolutely! I am happy to involve your older children in some of your traditional portraits and especially your lifestyle session portraits.

Can I bring my own props to a traditional newborn session?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a special blanket or hat that may have been made by a loved one, however, please keep the from-home props minimal since we are working within a limited timeframe.

How long will my traditional newborn session last?

Traditional newborn studio sessions are approximately 3-4 hours long.

What should I do if my baby gets fussy during the session?

If your baby gets fussy, we will take a break and let them calm down. Don't worry – we have time built into the schedule!

Whatever your needs, lifestyle or traditional newborn sessions have something for every parent-to-be. The tips and tricks provided in this blog post should help you decide which type of session is right for you, but if all of the technicalities are overwhelming don't hesitate to reach out! At Oh My Darling Photography I am happy to guide you through the process step by step until we find a solution that's perfect just for you. Which kind of session did you choose? We would love to hear about it – feel free to leave us a comment below with your thoughts on our services!