Deciding between a studio session vs. home session is one of the first questions parents have when they begin planning baby milestone photos.
And it can be a tough choice…
Because both options can create amazing photographs. But they are very different. Completely different, even. There’s pros and cons to both settings depending on the style of photographs you want, how your baby will behave, and what kind of experience you want as a family.
So let’s dive in.
What’s Inside:
- Why The Setting Matters For Baby Milestone Photos
- The Benefits of Studio Newborn Photography
- The Benefits of Home Newborn Photography
- How To Know If Your Baby Should Be Photographed In-Studio or At-Home
Why The Setting Matters For Baby Milestone Photos
It’s not surprising parents spend most of their planning time comparing photographers. That is definitely the most important part of the equation.
But let’s talk about what parents often overlook…
The setting matters. Every element of your baby’s environment will impact your session. The lighting. The ambiance. The vibe of the location. What poses are possible and safe. When it comes to newborn photography, your setting can be the difference between priceless photos and pictures that never make it off the hard drive.
Remember, you have a small window for newborn photos. Most photographers agree that newborn photos should be taken within the first two weeks after birth, before your baby “uncurls” and loses their newborn poses. If you’re past the newborn stage, you have more flexibility to shoot at home.
Everything you decide during those first few weeks matters. Where you photograph matters.
The Benefits of Studio Newborn Photography
Posed newborn photography was built in the studio.
Here’s why most professional photographers prefer studios for newborn sessions:
- Complete control. Studios allow photographers to curate every detail of your session. Temperature. Lighting. Backdrops. Props. You name it.
- In-studio newborn portraits are ideal for baby milestone photos because studios are kept nice and warm so babies stay asleep. A sleeping baby equals more posing options and an easier session overall.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of studio newborn photography:
- Lighting can be dialed in perfectly. No worrying about grey skies or hot sunshine streaming through a window.
- Props and backdrops. Studios have access to hundreds of wraps, baskets, blankets, hats, and backdrops that most families will not have in their homes.
- Temperature is almost always kept very warm in studios (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit) which helps babies stay in that deep newborn sleep.
- Fewer distractions. No curious pets. No door bells. Fewer people stopping in and out. A quiet, calm space means your photographer can focus entirely on your baby.
Studio newborn sessions typically yield classic, posed photos that look incredible hanging on your wall or as future heirlooms.
The downside? If you plan to do your newborn session in-studio, you’ll need to venture out of the house while your baby is very young. For some families, that’s no problem. But for tired new parents, getting baby ready and making the drive can be stressful.
The Benefits of Home Newborn Photography
It used to be that nearly all newborn sessions were done in professional studios.
Now more than ever, parents are choosing to stay home for newborn sessions.
73% of clients now choose in-home newborn sessions over studio work, because babies tend to be more settled in their own space and parents aren’t stressed about getting baby ready and driving somewhere.
With a home session, you’re looking at a completely different feel to your photos. Home photos are more documentary-style. They tend to be brighter and capture all those little details about your life and home. Your nursery. That fuzzy blanket you can’t seem to photograph without. The way the sunlight beams into your baby’s bedroom.
And because you’re at home, you don’t have to pack up your newborn and make the trek anywhere!
Here are the benefits of newborn photography in your own home:
- Natural lighting. There’s nothing like good ol’ window light to create that soft, beautiful glow.
- Comfort for you and baby. You don’t have to pack up and load your baby in a car seat to get to the session.
- Lifestyle storytelling. Your photographer can capture the whole family in your own home. Including siblings, partners, or pets.
Let’s be real…
At-home newborn sessions can be tricky. The lighting isn’t always ideal. You might have space constraints. Not every family home will have the proper setup to recreate those Pinterest-worthy poses a studio can offer.
That is why some photographers will even do a mini home visit prior to the session to scope out the best places in your home.
How To Know If Your Baby Should Be Photographed In-Studio or At-Home
Here’s the truth…
Home and studio newborn sessions are both amazing and neither one is better than the other.
Take these factors into consideration when deciding between a home or studio newborn session:
- Pose vs. lifestyle. Do you want more posed newborn photos or beautiful imagery that looks like…life? Traditionally posed sessions almost always happen in studios. But tons of gorgeous lifestyle photography can be captured at home.
- Is your family going to want to stay home? Be honest. You don’t want to stress yourself out running around getting baby ready to go somewhere. Keep it simple and stay home.
- What do you want in your photos? Want to showcase your nursery? Your actual life? Keep your future décor in mind. If you want to decorate your baby’s room with those images, having clutter in the background might not be ideal. But if you want those real-life moments, hometown photos are the way to go.
- What does your photographer specialize in? Some photographers have spent years working in a studio setting but may be a bit newer to creating at-home sessions. Others may be the opposite. Meet with your photographer and ask to see examples of both settings before committing to one or the other.
There’s one more thing to consider…
Timing matters enormously — book the session before the baby is born, even before you know if you’re having a boy or girl! Ideally, you’ll book your session within the first two weeks after birth when your baby will still be curled up and taking those long newborn sleeps. Booking in advance also ensures your photographer will hold your session time within that tight window.
Bonus tip: Create a realistic shot list before you book either setting. Many newborn photographers offer this as part of their services.
Conclusion
When planning your newborn session, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing either a studio or home session.
Photographers love studio sessions because they have more control. More props. More ability to pose the baby exactly how you’re hoping.
But families love their home sessions because they are able to tell their story through their environment. Plus, you don’t have to go anywhere!
Here’s a quick recap:
- Decide if you want lifestyle vs. posed photos first. That will direct you towards the correct setting.
- Book your session before baby arrives to ensure your photographer will hold your session time within the two week window after birth.
- Meet with your newborn photographer. Ask to see examples of their work in both studio and at-home settings.
- Trust your newborn photographer to guide you. They’ve done this a thousand times and know what works best for your family.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where your baby is photographed. What matters is how your photographer, baby, and parents work together on session day to create YOUR perfect baby milestone photos.
