So often, I get asked what the differences between a lifestyle session, and a posed studio session are; and what the benefits and differences are.
Benefits:
- Natural and Candid: Lifestyle newborn photography captures your family in their natural environment, resulting in candid and authentic moments.
- Personalized Setting: Sessions take place in the family’s home / apartment, allowing for a more personalized and comfortable setting. The familiar environment often helps parents and newborns feel at ease (and older brothers and sisters who might need a nap during the session).
- Incorporating Everyday Life: Lifestyle sessions often involve incorporating elements of the family’s daily life, such as nursery details, family pets, or favorite spaces in the home.
- Less Posed, More Relaxed: The approach is generally less posed and more relaxed, with an emphasis on capturing the family dynamics and the newborn’s early interactions with parents and siblings.
- Flexibility: Lifestyle sessions offer flexibility in terms of timing and can accommodate the baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule more easily.
Differences:
- Location: Lifestyle sessions take place in the client’s home, providing a unique and personal backdrop. I often use natural light if you have it, or I will bring a light if your apartment is a little darker (trust me, I lived in a basement apartment for 12 years, I know not all NYC apartments get great light, and thats ok).
- Attire: Families often wear casual and comfortable clothing, reflecting their everyday style. The focus is on capturing genuine moments rather than creating a stylized or formal look.
Studio Newborn Photography:
Benefits:
- Controlled Environment: In a studio, photographers have greater control over lighting, temperature, and background, allowing for consistent and professional-looking images.
- Variety of Setups: SIn my studio, I offer a range of props, backdrops, and accessories, providing the opportunity for a variety of creative setups and poses.
- Distinctive Style: Studio sessions often have a distinctive and polished style, with an emphasis on posed and carefully composed images.
Differences:
- Formal Atmosphere: Studio sessions can have a more formal atmosphere compared to the casual and relaxed vibe of lifestyle sessions.
- Posed Setups: The photographer may pose the newborn in specific ways and use props to create visually appealing images. This can result in more stylized and artfully composed photographs.
- Neutral Backgrounds: Studios often use neutral backgrounds to keep the focus on the baby and the family. This can create a timeless and classic look.
Ultimately, the choice between lifestyle and studio newborn photography depends on the preferences of the clients and the style of images they desire. Some families prefer the natural and candid feel of lifestyle sessions, while others appreciate the controlled environment and artistic setups offered by studio sessions. In a city like New York, where space may be limited, lifestyle sessions in the comfort of one’s home can be particularly appealing.
Whether you are in Riverdale, Inwood, Washington Heights, Harlem, the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Chelsea, Tribeca, or even Brooklyn and Queens, I can come to you!
