I’m always looking for ways to share images from my Washington, D.C. area and Atlanta area family and newborn sessions, and I realized I hadn’t written a blog post about this sweet in home lifestyle newborn session yet!
I met this family as they welcomed their second child, and it felt like the perfect time to share a little bit about our session together, by including not only photos from their session but to also share some of the differences between the two main types of newborn photography that you have probably heard of - traditional posed newborn sessions and lifestyle newborn sessions.
Big sister was so helpful and wanted to be involved in every part of the session. She played with mom and dad, proudly showed off her big sister book, and it was so adorable to watch how excited she was about helping with her baby brother! They’re only a couple of years apart, and I loved getting to spend time documenting this new season for their family and seeing big sister take on her new role!
The family reached out about scheduling a newborn session, and I loved that we planned to photograph them right in the comfort of their own home.
Having your session at home allows me to capture the natural elements of your space while creating a relaxed and laid-back experience. It also makes it much easier for families to settle in and simply focus on being together.
This session is a beautiful example of what a lifestyle newborn session can feel like. These sessions are calm, connected, and centered around real moments.
Families often ask how this type of session compares to a more traditional posed newborn session, so I wanted to share a little more about the differences.
How do you know if you want a posed newborn session or lifestyle newborn session?
There are two main types of newborn photography in the Washington, D.C. area: posed newborn sessions and lifestyle newborn sessions. Both create beautiful images, they just have different style and they focus on different details. Keep reading below about the differences between posed newborn photography and lifestyle newborn photography.
What Is a Posed Newborn Session?
Posed newborn sessions are perfect if you love those classic images of babies in the sweet, curled-up positions, typically sleeping and carefully posed.
These sessions are usually scheduled when your baby is very young and extra sleepy, which helps make the posing easier.
Posed sessions tend to focus primarily on the baby and often include:
• Swaddles or newborn outfits
• Styled poses
• Backdrops or props
• A studio setting (or sometimes in-home setups with equipment)
Because of the level of detail involved, these sessions can take several hours to allow time for soothing, feeding, and carefully positioning the baby to get those beautiful, artistic portraits.
What Is a Lifestyle Newborn Session?
Lifestyle newborn sessions typically include both the newborn and family members, focusing on connection and natural interactions.
These sessions take place right in your home, so you don’t have to worry about packing everything up or traveling to a studio during those first few weeks where you’re still figuring out routines, schedules, and naps.
One of the reasons I’ve always gravitated toward lifestyle newborn photography is that everyone can participate, and we can follow your baby’s lead and their wants and needs. Your baby can be awake or asleep, and if they need to eat or be comforted, we take a break.
I usually continue photographing during those in-between moments because those are the moments that might feel insignificant but they are part of your story and you’ll want these photos to look back on.
Lifestyle sessions offer a beautiful peek into real family life - the feedings, diaper changes, and snuggles.
We follow baby’s lead and focus on moments of connection rather than perfect poses.
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Why Many Families Choose Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Lifestyle sessions are also much more flexible when it comes to timing. Unlike posed sessions, which usually happen within the first couple of weeks, lifestyle sessions can take place several weeks after birth. I’ve photographed newborns even at one to 2 months old!
Because I offer all-inclusive sessions, families receive all of the images that help tell the full story of this time, and they don’t need to worry about choosing only a small handful of favorites.
My hope is always that you’ll love far more than just ten images!
Thinking About Booking a Washington, D.C. Newborn Session?
If you’re drawn to relaxed, natural images that capture your family’s connection and the real moments of bringing your baby home, a lifestyle newborn session may be the perfect fit.
I’d love to chat with you and help you plan a session that feels calm, meaningful, and true to your family.