top of page
Writer's pictureJill Smith

FAQ: Which Type of Newborn Session is Right For You?

As a person born in the 80s, who grew up in the 90s, I love those choose your fighter memes that are so popular right now.

But what if there were a choose your fighter meme about Newborn Photography?


No? Bad taste. Ok, my bad. But seriously, have you ever considered all of the different types of photography options there are for new parents? Studio, in your home, even in the hospital?!


How do you know which is right for you? Well, if you haven't already guessed it, I'm going to outline the most popular types of newborn sessions that are available to you here in the Sullivan Catskills so you can make a more informed choice!


First up, let's take a look at studio LIFESTYLE newborn photography.

Ok. What the heck does that even mean? It's an up and coming trend among lifestyle photographers who have also taken on some studio space. You get the control of a studio, like predictable lighting, temperature and environment, while still maintaining that semi-posed, connection based look you want when you hire a lifestyle photographer. An important hallmark of a lifestyle newborn session is that the photographer will not pose the baby unnaturally. We call this baby led posing and it is an important difference, because not all photographers are trained in how to safely pose a newborn.

Here are some examples:


So a lifestyle studio newborn session might be right for you if:

  • You love the bright, light and airy look.

  • A relatively short session is important to you.

  • You want to include your other children.

  • You prefer a less posed look.

  • Don't want to have a newborn session in your home.

Next up, naturally, would be studio posed newborn photography. This will be the one type of newborn session I talk about that I don't actually offer. But I want to mention it because it is the quintessential newborn session. It's what you think about when you think about newborn photography. The caveat though? You don't want to hire just anybody to do them. You need to thoroughly vet any photographer who will be posing your newborn, as there's significant safety training that goes into setting up those poses properly, and safely. Take a look at these, done by Amanda Danzilo Photography (who is trained in safely posing newborns, by the way.)


So a posed studio newborn session might be right for you if:

  • You love the classics.

  • Sleepy baby photos make you swoon.

  • You want newborn photos that will look great on your walls.

  • You want to personalize your photos with meaningful props.

  • You don't want to be in the newborn photos.


Next in line is in home newborn photography. I call these sessions "Welcome Home". These are secretly a favorite of mine because I love that we are not only documenting your brand new baby, but also, the place you call home. It may sound silly, but I love looking back on photos of my babies in our home, just to see how the home has changed, and cherish that our doggie who is no longer with us, is in those baby photos (he was so naughty, we could have never brought him along to a regular photo session). In home newborn photography offers another level of flexibility. Studio sessions work best when baby is around 2 weeks or less. In home sessions can take place any time, really. See for yourself...



So an in home newborn session might be right for you if:

  • You're nostalgic.

  • Including every member of your family is important.

  • You're not big on traveling with a new baby.

  • You want this entire season of life documented.

  • You want newborn photos that are unlike anybody else's.

So what's even left? Well, we absolutely cannot forget one of my VERY favorite session types to shoot: The Fresh 48. No. Not that show about homicide! Fresh 48 Sessions are lifestyle newborn sessions that take place while you're still in the hospital (as in, 48 hours, get it?) What makes these sessions popular is that they're quick (think 30 minutes, I'm in and I'm out), they're natural, you literally don't have to do anything to prepare and they're so honest. Fresh 48 Sessions tell a story of the day your family grew and what it was like to get to know that brand new little person. I offer them as an add-on to a full maternity or newborn session because I think they're photos worth having. You will not believe how much your baby's face changes from the time you leave the hospital, even in that first week. I treasure the ones Niki Torres took for me with my second child, which is probably why I feel so strongly that everybody should have one! See what you think.




So an Fresh 48 session might be right for you if:

  • You love documentary style photos.

  • You want more than one newborn session.

  • You want a short and sweet newborn session.

  • You want something a little outside the box.

  • Convenience is important to you.


Well, I sure hope this helps more than it makes you feel confused! If it's any consolation, I have worked with many of parents who have decided to go with two, sometimes three of these options all for the same baby!

I know if I were having another baby that I'd want a Fresh 48 and a Welcome Home session. Let me know in the comments which you would choose.


24 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Opmerkingen

Beoordeeld met 0 uit 5 sterren.
Nog geen beoordelingen

Voeg een beoordeling toe
bottom of page