The Difference Between Classic and Lifestyle Newborn Photography
This baby girl is swaddled and wearing a flower crown which is often a part of classic newborn photo shoots, but she is photographed with natural light and in natural surroundings at my studio.
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When choosing a newborn photographer it is important to determine what your goals are for preserving memories of your baby and what type of experience you want in a photo shoot. Although distinctly different in their styles and approach, classic and lifestyle newborn photography each have the goal of preserving the intimate details of your baby’s first days! In order to help you determine which approach is right for you, we will explore how their approach to style, session experience, and end result are very different.
What is Classic or “Posed” Newborn Photography
This is an example of Classic, Posed Newborn Photography by Connecticut Photographer Melissa Hartigan
Classic, or, what may be referred to as posed newborn photography sessions take place in a studio, usually use artificial lighting, and take place within approximately the first 10 days of baby being home. One of the biggest differences between lifestyle and classic newborn photography is timing. Photographers who offer posed sessions require that baby be within 5-12 days old. This is because babies tend to be sleepy and less fussy before they are two weeks old and thus easier to place into different poses. These types of sessions are heavily focused on baby alone, use backdrops and props, and “pose” baby in a multitude of ways with their hands under their cheeks, lying in a “froggy” pose, or curled up on their side. The photographer provides special wraps and outfits that are color coordinated with a backdrop. In most situations, the session is for baby alone with one or two photos with mom and dad. Sibling photos with baby are often an additional fee. These sessions are also quite long and may be approximately 3 hours.
What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
Lifestyle newborn sessions include your whole family.
Lifestyle newborn photo sessions are storytelling in nature. The goal is to preserve all the tiny details of baby and your entire family during this moment in time. Because baby is often not swaddled or posed with props, there are really no time restrictions with lifestyle sessions. Baby can be anywhere from 1-6 weeks old. These sessions may take place in a client’s home or in a natural light studio with a cozy, home feel. They focus on family interaction and connection with each other and baby. If a session is at home, details of the baby’s nursery are often captured in addition to images of a family interacting with each other on a bed or cozy nook in their home. Individual images of baby are also a part of these sessions as well as images with each family member and even the family dog!
What Kind of Newborn Sessions Does AMG Photography Offer?
My newborn sessions are lifestyle in nature with some elements of classic photography thrown in! Although I do consider myself a lifestyle photographer and do provide some sessions in a client’s home, the majority of my newborn sessions take place in my beautiful studio. In fact, clients often choose me for two main reasons: I have a studio with beautiful natural light AND all the comforts of home, and I take care of all the details for their session so that it is a relaxing day start to finish. From providing a client wardrobe, to styling their entire family, to including siblings and grandparents, and providing beautiful hand knits for baby, I want my clients to have a wonderful experience celebrating their new family’s member’s arrival. Although I do provide outfits and handmade swaddles for baby and take images of baby alone, I do not position baby in poses with props, but photograph them in a natural way - lying in a bassinet, cuddled up in mom’s lap, or lying on dad’s chest. My sessions are also interactive, relaxing, and natural. Parents play or read to their children just like at home. Siblings are captured laughing in their parent’s arms or giving their new baby sister or brother a kiss. By offering a natural and relaxing environment for families to interact with each other, more genuine and beautiful images will result.
Want to see an example of one of my newborn sessions? Check out this video!
How Old Should Baby Be?
I do not place time restrictions on how old baby should be. I always tell parents, choose a time which is right for you! If you want to have your session within those first two weeks of baby being home, then do it, but if you think you will need time to rest and acclimate as a family, then waiting until baby is 4-6 weeks old is okay, too! Read about When Should Newborn Pictures Be Taken? for all the details. I want you to approach your session with a sense of peace and excitement. For many families this is the first time out of the house with baby or the first time having someone enter their home since baby arrived. Feeling calm and prepared are key to a relaxing session!
When Should I Book?
The best time to book your newborn session is as early as possible! This allows us time to prepare for your session, for you to get a good spot on the calendar, and to have flexibility in case a calendar change needs to be made! Babies are unpredictable! Read more about the best time to book your newborn session!
Preparing for Your Session
I offer clients many resources to prepare for their session so that they feel confident and relaxed on session day! When they book, they receive my Newborn Session Prep Guide which contains information on everything from what to wear, to how to prepare baby, to tips for make-up and nails. Clients also enjoy my Client Wardrobe so that all they need to do is show up on session day, and their dresses will be waiting for them.
