When you’re researching newborn photographers, you’ll no doubt find that there is a huge spectrum of different styles of photography to choose from.
At either end of the scale you have posed, studio photography, and lifestyle photography. But there are also lots of variations in-between – for example some photographers will bring their studio to your home to take posed photographs there. Other studio photographers shoot a more natural, less posed style of studio newborn photography.
So what are the differences between these different types of newborn photography, and which is right for you?
What is posed, studio newborn photography?
Posed studio newborn photography is probably what most people think of when they think of newborn photographs. Sleepy babies, naked or with cute little outfits on, or perhaps wrapped up in blankets. Depending on the photographer they may be photographed on blankets, or in props such as bowls, baskets, prams or boxes. Here are some examples from my posed, studio sessions:
Photos by Ana Ramalho
What is lifestyle newborn photography?
At the other end of the spectrum, you have lifestyle photography. Lifestyle newborn photography takes place at your home and will usually spend the majority of the shoot focusing on the connection between you and your baby, and photographing your baby within their new surroundings.
The photographs are generally more natural, less posed and your baby may be awake or asleep when they are photographed. Here are some examples from a lifestyle family session at one of my client’s homes:
Photos by Ana Ramalho
Which style of newborn photography should I choose?
The most important factor when you are choosing a photographer must be whether or not you like the photographs. If you love the studio style of photography but not lifestyle, then the answer to this question will be very straightforward for you, and vice versa.
But what if you like both styles? Which should you choose? Here are some considerations that may help your decision:
What would you like to do with the photographs after the session?
If you’re planning to hang some on your walls for example, which style of photography would complement your decor best? If you would like to send birth announcements, what kind of photograph do you envisage having on the front?
Photo by Ana Ramalho
Do you want your home to feature in the photographs?
Lifestyle photography will use your home as the backdrop to the photographs. This can be a wonderful way to capture your family – in the place where memories are made, and where your baby will grow up. On the other hand, you may have just moved in, be mid-renovations or not got around to decorating the house the way you would like it to be just yet. In these cases, a studio session could suit you better as your home doesn’t need to feature at all.
Photo by Ana Ramalho
How old is your baby?
Many families make the decision to book a newborn photo shoot after their baby has been born, and this may have a big influence on the style of photography you choose to go for.
I like to photograph newborn babies in the studio when they are under two weeks old – they’re still very sleepy and enjoy being curled up in the poses. As babies pass the two weeks mark, they spend more of their day awake and like to stretch out – so the older that they become, the better fit a lifestyle session will be for you. The baby in the photograph below was over 1 month old.
Photo by Ana Ramalho
Over to you
Are you ready to book a newborn photo shoot? Or do you have some more questions you’d like to ask first?
I’m always happy to answer any questions you have and would love to hear from you.
Send me an email today: ana@anaramalhophotography.com