The Difference Between Lifestyle and Posed Newborn Photography (And Which Is Best for Your Family)
In the newborn photography world, there are two primary styles that parents choose between: posed newborn photography and lifestyle newborn photography. Both styles offer beautiful and timeless images of your little one for you and your family but they have very different and unique approaches, moods, and experiences.
As a parent, it can be difficult to decide which style is best for your family. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to explain the key differences between posed and lifestyle newborn photography, and how to choose which one is right for you.
What is Posed Newborn Photography?
Posed newborn photography is a classic, artistic style that focuses on capturing your baby in carefully arranged, traditional poses. The goal is to showcase your baby’s delicate features, tiny hands, and sweet expressions through soft, serene and if you’re like me, colorfilled images.
In posed sessions, babies are often gently arranged in a variety of poses—like curled-up positions, wrapped in soft fabrics, or resting in props like baskets or bowls. This style typically takes place in a studio setting and can also take place in your home, where every detail can be carefully controlled. The lighting, backdrop, and props are all chosen to create the perfect look to go with your home.
Key Features of Posed Newborn Photography
- Time to Prepare and Set Up: Posed newborn sessions are usually more structured, taking anywhere between 2 to 4 hours. While this may seem like a lot the time is alotted for baby to be fed, soothed, and take breaks in between poses and setups, ensuring your baby’s comfort.
- Safety is Prioritized: Every pose is designed with your baby’s comfort and safety in mind. Because many of the poses can cause discomfort to babies when done incorrectly, its important to choose photographers who have training. Many professional photographers, like myself, are trained to handle newborns with care during each setup.
- Custom Styling: Everything from the colors to the props can be tailored to suit your vision and your home’s decor.
- Classic, Timeless Portraits: The images you receive from posed sessions often have a traditional, dreamy quality—perfect for framing and displaying as artwork in your home.
What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
Lifestyle newborn photography takes a more natural, documentary approach. Instead of posing your baby, lifestyle sessions focus on capturing your baby in their natural environment, often within your home. The goal is to document your family’s authentic interactions and emotions in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.
Lifestyle newborn sessions typically involve fewer props and less structured posing. The photographer captures candid moments of your baby in the arms of parents or siblings, during feedings, or in quiet, intimate moments. The style is warm, relaxed, and unposed, often using natural light to create a soft, genuine vibe.
Key Features of Lifestyle Newborn Photography:
- At Home: Lifestyle sessions are typically done in the comfort of your home, typically in the baby’s room, where your baby is most relaxed and familiar.
- Candid, Documentary Style: The focus is on real moments and the bond between your family members, with minimal intervention from the photographer.
- Natural Light: Lifestyle photographers often use soft, natural light to highlight the true beauty of your home and your baby. So having a space in your home that has bright, white walls is ideal.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: There’s no pressure to pose or perfect the scene—lifestyle newborn photography is all about capturing your family as they are.
Which Style is Best for Your Family?
Deciding between posed and lifestyle newborn photography depends on your vision for your photos and the experience you want during the session. To ensure you are choosing the best session for you and your family, here are a few questions to help guide your decision:
- Do you want timeless, classic portraits of your baby? If you love the idea of soft, posed images that highlight the tiniest details of your baby’s features and you want to preserve those moments in a more traditional way, posed newborn photography may be the right choice for you.
- Do you prefer a more relaxed, documentary-style approach? If you want to capture authentic moments between you and your baby—like holding them, feeding them, or simply cuddling—without worrying about posing, lifestyle newborn photography could be a better fit.
- Do you want a studio or home-based session? Posed newborn sessions are typically done in a studio, which allows for controlled lighting and styling. On the other hand, lifestyle newborn sessions usually take place in your home, where the photographer captures the natural light and your family’s environment.
- How do you want to feel during your session? Posed newborn photography often involves more preparation and setup, which can feel more structured but also allow for more creative direction. Lifestyle sessions are laid-back, focusing on capturing your family in an easygoing, natural state.
Why I Offer Posed Newborn Photography
As a posed newborn photographer, I specialize in creating timeless portraits that showcase your baby’s beauty in a safe and comfortable setting. I take pride in ensuring your baby is always treated with care during the session, and I create a peaceful environment for everyone involved.
If posed newborn photography sounds like the right fit for you, I’d love to work with you to capture these precious early moments. Please visit my contact page or fill out the form below.
Conclusion: Which is Right for You?
Both posed and lifestyle newborn photography are amazing ways to capture the fleeting moments of your baby’s first few days. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal style and what you want to preserve.
If you’re still undecided or would like to discuss your vision further, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you choose the best style for your family and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!
