Choosing Between In-Home & Studio Newborn

Lifestyle family with dogs cuddling baby on couch

I am so pleased to offer you two types of newborn portrait options. You can choose from a lifestyle or studio newborn session! But I often receive inquiries from clients asking which style I would recommend to them. My response always begins the same way- it is completely subjective to each family! So here’s the rundown of pros and cons and details of each so you can make the decision on the best fit for your family. Trust me when I say that no matter which option you choose, your family will be captured in a way that truly honors this special time in your lives.

Lifestyle family of four with big brother kissing newborn baby sister
In home sessions use all available window light. If you have smaller windows, the light will be more direct and the shadows stronger.

Session Time

In Home – Generally shorter in duration at around 60-90 minutes. Your family is usually dressed and ready to go when I arrive. Baby is fed, sleepy, and in your arms when I arrive.

Studio- Typically 90 minutes to two hours. You feed baby before you leave your home, but you’ll likely need to feed baby again at some time during the session. We also factor in time for moms to try on studio wardrobe dresses or an outfit change for baby (which sometimes leads to sleep disruption and extra time to settle).

Studio sessions on a variety of textures of whites and creams.
Lifestyle family in newborn nursery snuggling and doting on baby
Lifestyle sessions capture the rooms that are sentimental to you.

Backdrop

In home- Sessions take place in baby’s first home. Siblings feel comfortable in their own environment and can come and go as needed. My style is to utilize only natural window light, and my top priority is to capture your family in the best lighting available. I cannot guarantee to replicate any specific image I’ve done in another home because each home and lighting situation is different. Depending on the lighting and room setup, I can usually capture your family in the baby’s nursery or your bedroom. As needed or available, I’ll often select other rooms of the house where the light is pretty. This involves tidying and some prep work before I arrive.

Studio- No prep on your end! My rooms are styled with dreamy fabrics and great natural and artificial light. There is a spacious lounge for families to relax while they’re not being photographed. The studio is a designated area in my home, so while it is separate from living areas, it’s sometimes confusing for young siblings (Are there kids here to play with? Where do they keep the other toys?) but that’s never been a problem.

big sister at studio newborn session
A sweet posing beanbag helps siblings interact with baby without having to slow them down.

They’re both great options!

I do truly believe in my heart that no matter whether you choose a lifestyle or studio newborn session, the end product will be true to the style of photography you fell in love with. To help with that consistency, I have opened my client closet to not only studio sessions but lifestyle sessions as well! When you book with me, you’ll receive a code for Style & Select to begin coordinating your family’s outfits. Through that site, you’ll also see my wardrobe items listed for you, all available for you to borrow at no additional cost. Just another little perk of working with your favorite Castle Rock photographer 🙂

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSUM, LLC, IS A NEWBORN, BABY, MATERNITY, AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER LOCATED IN CASTLE ROCK, CO, AND IS CURRENTLY SERVING DOUGLAS COUNTY, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CASTLE ROCK, LARKSPUR, HIGHLANDS RANCH, LITTLETON, CENTENNIAL, DENVER, AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. CONTACT TO SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION.

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