Does this sound like you? You are San Francisco Bay Area mom expecting your first or second new baby and excited to document their arrival with photography. You are on the quest for the perfect newborn photographer, but unsure which kind of session to book. This common question arrises – should you opt for a posed newborn session with props, or embrace the warmth of a lifestyle in-home session?
First let’s explore some of the differences between these two types of sessions.
Three main differences between a posed versus lifestyle newborn session
- Timing – Posed sessions often take place between 5-14 days of life. They also are often 2-3 hours in length. Lifestyle sessions can take place anytime between 1 week to 6 months of life. You can read more about my approach to timing of your sessions here.
- Location – Posed sessions take place at a studio with a set-up of backdrops, props, outfits and swaddles. Lifestyle sessions take place in the comfort of your home. The backdrop is the cozy environment that you have brought your new baby home to. No need to go anywhere, I come to you.
- Final Gallery – For a posed newborn gallery you are often given the opportunity to choose your final images and purchase a “collection” which includes digitals and prints. As an all-inclusive lifestyle newborn photographer, I offer a full gallery of 80+ digital images that are all yours. You may also opt to print images from your gallery through my shop, or print elsewhere.
So, why do I only offer Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
As an experienced lifestyle newborn photographer, my answer is somewhat biased.
It’s not just a simple decision; it’s a belief rooted in the profound idea that newborn sessions are about connection. I stand by the philosophy that after spending nine months nurturing a tiny human inside, a unique bond is formed. So, during your session, I believe your baby needs to feel the closeness of you as their parents, establishing a connection that goes beyond mere poses and props.
The essence of the answer lies in the understanding that there’s something incredibly special about capturing the journey into parenthood. Posed newborn sessions have their charm, but the emphasis here is on creating images that focus on the realness of the moment. For me, the magic of any newborn session lies in the genuine connection between the parents and their newborn.
While there’s no definitive right or wrong answer in the posed versus lifestyle newborn photography debate, I invite you to envision looking back at the photos we create.The goal is for you to not just see a posed baby with props or swaddled tightly in a bowl. I want you to feel the profound emotions and genuine connection depicted in each frame.
Take a glimpse of exactly what I am talking about – these images capture the essence of love and connection.
Cute & Perfect ≠ Posed
Everyone desires cute and perfect photos of their new baby, and a lifestyle newborn session promises just that – a curated gallery of beautiful images. However, these images go beyond showcasing the newness of your little one. They truly encapsulate the warmth and connection within your new family.
The posed versus lifestyle newborn photography dilemma is a personal choice, each with its unique appeal. However, the as a photographer my heartfelt perspective leans towards the authenticity of lifestyle sessions. The focus is on capturing the real moments, the genuine connections, and the profound journey into parenthood. What better a way to remember these precious moments than through images that evoke the true emotions & bonds formed during this transformative period of life.
If you have read this far, I hope I have helped to make your decision a little easier, and you are ready to book your lifestyle newborn session with me for your next baby! Drop any questions about newborn photography below, or send me a message here!
