Often times mamas really don’t know whether they want to book a studio newborn session or lifestyle in home session so I thought it may be good to put together a blog post going over the pros and cons a bit to both. I did a studio newborn session for my first baby and lifestyle in home session for my second. I love both styles but for different reasons.
Studio sessions are ideal for the mama interested in more of the light and airy, timeless images with a very polished look. The posed shots and cute factor are in full effect and I really just love all of the sweetness with the props. With studio you really can get a lot more of that cuddly/cute factor as well as the pretty factor with all of the beautiful natural light flooding in the windows. My studio wardrobe is right there and you have access to all of it. I feel like all in all the session is a little more well rounded in regards to achieving both family and baby with more versatility of posing due to having everything at my fingertips and available to use. I can keep the studio a nice warm temperature for baby and use my beanbag/props for more variation of poses and you can relax in the sitting area while I essentially babysit for a few hours. Who doesn’t love that after sleepless nights. I schedule all studio newborn sessions for 10-14 days after birth so sticking with that window of dates is essential for a successful session.
With in home lifestyle sessions you get a whole different feel. I come to you which is uber convenient and there’s more flexibility in terms of when we do it. I aim for 2-3 weeks of age but due to the fact that the session is less posed and more relaxed the pressure of getting in at the 10-14 day mark with studio sessions isn’t an issue. I love the fact that the session really encapsulates those first moments at home telling the story of the real version of what that looked like. When I walk by the images of my son taken from a studio newborn session I get the warm fuzzies from the cuteness but when I walk by the images taken of my daughter from the in home lifestyle session I get the flood of emotions and am reminded of that time in my life. They are the moments that are sacred…..unscripted and real. I know a lot of clients really worry about their home looking pretty but honestly all I need is a few good windows to utilize to pose you by and for some natural light either in the living room, the nursery or master bedroom and we are golden. I typically bring a few dresses for mom and bonnets/headbands/swaddles for the baby and we just roll with the moments and I’m basically a fly on the wall with a bit of guidance of course. I do not bring a beanbag or props.
I hope this helps if you are on the fence with your decision!
Hello and thank you for visiting my blog! I’m Stephanie, a family and newborn photographer in Portland, Oregon focused on emotive images with connection and soul. I want all of my clients to feel something when they look at their images. I want to tell your authentic story. I love telling the story of motherhood with movement in images. I love golden, dappled light and the way it dances and bounces around on my subject’s skin. I love airy images as well as moody images and I continuously dip my toe in whatever moves me for the day which is so important.
Although my studio is located in Portland, Oregon, I offer studio, outdoor, in home and travel sessions. Studio sessions are available for newborns, sitters and expectant mothers. My studio offers beautiful, natural light creating special memories with an organic and airy feeling. I also offer the use of an incredible studio wardrobe, taking the pressure off of you so that you can enjoy the experience without having to worry about shopping for your entire family. I would love to be invited to capture your family memories and I promise to help make the process fun and relaxing.
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