Over the past 10 years, lifestyle newborn sessions have become popular as more lifestyle photographers enter the market. While “lifestyle” is a common term in the photography world, it might not mean much to the families looking for a newborn photographer. So today, I wanted to break down more about lifestyle newborn photo sessions for you!
If you are looking for a newborn photographer and would like to know what your options are — here are some of the most common questions I get from families looking for a newborn photographer.
What is a “lifestyle” newborn session?
Lifestyle is a term used to describe a more casual and organic approach photographers will use for taking photos. Instead of focusing on the perfect pose, or using extensive studio lighting – lifestyle photos are more natural, in-the-moment and happen organically. There is no refined posing but rather very gentle prompts that photographers will use to encourage engagement and moments to happen.
The bottom line: Lifestyle photos are more relaxed with a focus on capturing connections rather than perfection.
What type of photos will I get with a lifestyle newborn session?
If you are working with a lifestyle newborn photographer, you can expect your session to flow more naturally as the focus is on you and your family and your natural interactions together. There are gentle prompts to help guide the session but there is a goal to capture your family candidly. The photos you will receive as a result will be less looking at the camera and smiling and more action-oriented images. Most lifestyle newborn photographers will of course include photos with everyone looking and smiling but that will not be the primary focus of the session.
Where are the photos done?
Lifestyle sessions can be done anywhere but are typically done using natural light in your home. This helps with the storytelling and authenticity of your photos. A lifestyle studio could also work well.
Will you pose my baby?
In the photography space, there are typically two types of newborn photographers: ones that do a posed or wrapped session and others that offer lifestyle photos. As a lifestyle photographer, I will not do any advanced posing with your baby at the session. While I will certainly focus on individual images of your baby, these will be more casual and not formally posed.
What are the benefits of a lifestyle session?
While this is purely subjective – a lifestyle session is designed to help capture the genuine feeling of the love your family has. With less emphasis on perfection and proper posing, the photos are intended to capture genuine expressions and interactions. Additionally, if your session is at home, you may find the experience to be less stressful since your entire family is in an environment they’re more comfortable with.
As a mom myself, I love the authenticity and nature of lifestyle images. I enjoy looking back at photos that take me back to the moments – the silly, the sweet, the messy, chaotic and everything in between. Lifestyle images can do just that for me. I love to see the silly side of my kids as I remembered them through the years rather than an awkward smile. I love helping families record these little moments too that will help tell their story for years to come.
Always grateful,
Danielle Blewitt
Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer
Life moves too fast. Although we can’t slow it down, we can record the moments that fill our hearts and tell our story through photos and films. I am a Pittsburgh family photographer and film maker that helps families record their stories and pause some of life’s greatest moments.
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