If you're expecting a baby and starting to look for a newborn photographer, you've probably noticed that newborn sessions can look very different.
Some families want a relaxed, lifestyle session in their home. Others love the idea of beautiful, posed newborn portraits. And some want a little bit of both.
The good news? You don't have to fit into one specific style. I offer both in-home and studio newborn sessions, and within each, you can choose between a more lifestyle-focused session or a more posed, studio-style experience.
Here's what each one looks like.
In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Sessions
This is probably what most people picture when they hear "in-home newborn photography."
The focus is on your family, your home, and the little moments that happen naturally during those first few weeks with your baby.
We'll use the rooms with the best light and spend time doing the things you'd normally be doing anyway: cuddling on the couch, feeding the baby, hanging out in the nursery, getting your toddler involved, and enjoying your new little person.
There's plenty of direction from me, so you won't be left wondering what to do. But the images themselves are relaxed and natural.
And one of my favorite things about photographing families at home is that your home becomes part of the story.
The nursery you spent months preparing. The couch where you've spent countless hours holding your baby. Your toddler's favorite spot to sit.
Those details may not seem important now, but years from now, they can bring you right back to this season.
And your house absolutely does not need to be perfect.
I look for good light and beautiful little pockets of your home. We can move things around, close doors, and ignore the rest.
In-Home Studio-Style Newborn Sessions
Want the comfort of staying home but love the look of more posed newborn photography?
You can have both.
For an in-home studio-style session, I'll create a more controlled setup right in your home. This allows us to get those beautiful, classic newborn portraits while still keeping the experience comfortable and convenient.
This style is great if you love the look of studio newborn photography but don't necessarily want to pack up your newborn and head out the door.
We'll still have the comfort of your own home, but the images will have a more polished, posed feel.
Studio Lifestyle Newborn Sessions
Studio lifestyle is a little bit different.
Instead of photographing your family in your home, we'll use the studio environment as the backdrop, while keeping the session relaxed and focused on connection.
Think cozy, natural interactions with your baby rather than a heavily posed or prop-filled session.
This can be a great option if you love the clean, beautiful look of a studio but still want your images to feel warm and personal.
Your baby is still the focus, and we'll capture all those little moments between you, your partner, your children and your new baby.
Studio Posed Newborn Sessions
And then there's the classic studio newborn session.
This is for families who love beautifully posed newborn portraits and a more curated, polished look.
We'll focus on your baby's individual portraits, sweet details, and posed family and sibling images in a controlled studio setting.
The lighting, temperature, and environment are all carefully controlled, which allows us to create a very specific look throughout the session.
If you've been saving those beautiful, timeless newborn portraits, this may be the style you're envisioning.
So... Which One Should You Choose?
Honestly, there's no right answer.
I think it comes down to how you want your photos to feel.
If you want your home and everyday life to be part of the story, an in-home lifestyle session might be perfect for you.
If you love the convenience of staying home but want a more polished, posed look, an in-home studio-style session could be a great fit.
If you love a studio setting but still want relaxed, connected images, consider a studio lifestyle session.
And if you want classic, posed newborn portraits with a more curated look, a studio posed session may be exactly what you're looking for.
And you don't necessarily have to choose one style over another. Depending on the session, we can incorporate a mix of approaches to give you a gallery that feels complete.
The Most Important Thing
Whichever style you choose, I don't want you to feel like you have to know exactly what you want before you book
That's part of my job.
You can tell me what you've been drawn to, send me a few photos you love, or simply tell me that you have no idea what you want but you know you want beautiful photos of your new baby.
We'll figure it out together.
Because these first few weeks go by incredibly quickly. Your baby changes almost every day, and before you know it, the tiny newborn you were holding is suddenly so much bigger.
Whether we photograph those days in your home or in the studio, posed or completely relaxed, the goal is the same: to give you photographs that bring you back to this little chapter of your family's story.
If you're looking for a newborn photographer in New Jersey and aren't sure which session is right for you, I'd love to help you figure it out.
