What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?

And why might you want it?

While there are almost as many styles of photography as there are photographers, you can make some larger generalizations. When it comes to newborn photography I consider there to be two main groups: styled/posed and lifestyle. You’d probably recognize both, but let me tell you a little more about each one.

Styled or Posed Newborn Photography

These types of photos are generally done in a studio or with special equipment and props brought to your home. There are special color themes, baskets, cute little baby beds or teddy bears, and lots of perfectly arranged blankets and swaddles! These tend to have extensive editing work done on them after the session to make that cute little froggy pose look just right or the edges smoothed out to eliminate all distracting wrinkles and creases.

They’re gorgeous and adorable works of art.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography

These photos tend to embrace the natural moments of life with baby, usually in your own home. Lifestyle newborn photography is the type of newborn photography I do (plus, y’know, it’s the title of the blog 😉), so I’ll spend a little more time on it. If you’re looking at bringing me in to do your newborn photos, this is what you can expect from me!

Here are some basic points I’d use to describe lifestyle newborn photography:

1) Natural photos of life with your baby.

I may suggest a certain location or ask you to kiss your baby or bring him up to your shoulder, but overall, these photos show how you naturally interact with your baby. They have more of a documentary feel.

2) They usually include the whole family.

While styled/posed newborn photography often includes family photos, I’d say more of the focus is on the baby alone. Lifestyle newborn photography certainly has photos of baby alone, but many more show baby in someone’s arms or being touched in some way. That’s what baby’s life is like!

3) Special accessories and outfits are welcome

The more personal the better! We’ll find ways to use them in your own home environment.

4) I allow plenty of time for these sessions.

I know baby is going to need to eat, may need a new diaper, and may not like being put down for solo photos. So we’ll take our time keeping baby happy throughout. And maybe you’d like some breastfeeding or bottle feeding photos as well! It’s all part of your loving story.

5) Light editing.

While I edit photos from every type of session I do to make everything look just right, my photos are not edited heavily. Certainly I’ll clear off a scratch on baby’s nose and help you and your baby look like your best selves, but these photos don’t need heavy Photoshopping to create special poses or smooth everything out.

6) Experiencing lifestyle newborn photography is so fun!

We’ll laugh about the funny things your baby does. You’ll do some snuggling. We’ll coo over those adorable little finger, toes, and cheeks. We’ll swap some stories. It’s gonna feel nice.

7) You may not realize it now, but these photos are going to be like GOLD to you later.

You know you want photos of your baby as a newborn because these days are fleeting and they’ll change quickly and any kind of newborn photography will do that for you. But being able to look back on details about your life with baby, will be so precious.

They way they curled their fingers while eating.

That particular way dad’s hands fit around baby as he holds her.

The contented drooping of baby’s head on your shoulder as he drifts off to sleep.

The way the light shines in the room as you bounce baby, soothing her by your favorite window.

There is so much to love with lifestyle newborn photography! Have I just described exactly what you’re looking for? Ready to schedule yours?