About 90% of the newborn photography sessions I photograph take place in my studio — and honestly, studio sessions are wonderful for so many families. The studio gives me full control over lighting, props, wraps, backdrops, temperature, and setup. It’s especially great for parents who may not want their home photographed or simply want a more styled and posed newborn experience. But every once in awhile, I get to photograph an in-home newborn session like sweet little Judd’s session… and I absolutely fall in love with them all over again. The biggest misconception I hear about in-home sessions is: “My house isn’t big enough.” Trust me — you do NOT need a huge home for beautiful in-home newborn photos. Some of the most beautiful lifestyle sessions I’ve photographed have happened in small nurseries, bedrooms, living rooms, or near a single window with good light. It’s not about the size of your home — it’s about capturing your family in the place where your newest chapter is beginning.

Why I Love In-Home Newborn Sessions

I absolutely LOVE in-home sessions because they capture your brand new family member in the comfort of their own home surrounded by parents, siblings, pets, and all the little details that make your family yours.

Babies change SO much during those first few weeks. Those sleepy stretches, tiny fingers, nursery details, snuggles on the couch, and the way your older child peeks into the crib — those are the moments I love documenting.

These sessions are very lifestyle based, meaning they focus heavily on candid moments, connection, and storytelling rather than perfectly posed setups.

There’s something so special about photographing a family exactly where life is happening.

Natural Light is Everything

For in-home sessions, I love working with natural light. We’ll open window blinds, turn off overhead lighting, and use the beautiful daylight already coming into your home.

The best time for in-home sessions is usually during daylight hours, ideally between 9am–1pm when babies are happiest and the light is strongest. But I understand every family schedule is different, especially with older siblings involved, so I always try to work around what fits best for your family.

And don’t worry if your home feels “too dark.” Honestly, many homes are darker than people think — even mine! If needed, I use my professional flash at a very low power bounced off the ceiling to gently add light while still keeping the images soft and natural looking.

Studio Sessions vs. In-Home Sessions

Both styles are beautiful — they’re just different experiences.

Studio Sessions

Studio sessions tend to be:

More posed and styled
Prop-focused
Controlled lighting and temperature
Ideal for wrapped poses and sleepy baby setups
Great for parents wanting a polished studio look

In-Home Sessions

In-home sessions are:

More candid and lifestyle driven
Focused on connection and storytelling
Relaxed and natural
Perfect for including siblings and pets
Centered around your family’s everyday moments

There is no “better” option — it truly depends on what style fits your family best.

Tips for Both Studio & In-Home Newborn Sessions

Whether you choose studio or lifestyle in-home photos, these tips stay the same:

Schedule Early

I always encourage families to schedule newborn sessions as soon as they feel comfortable after birth. Typically, the younger the baby, the sleepier and more cooperative they are for photos.

Ideally, sessions happen within the first two weeks after birth, but truly — whenever you’re ready is what matters most.

Feed Baby Before the Session

A full belly usually means a happier, sleepier baby. If you’d like feeding or nursing photos included, we can absolutely document those naturally at the beginning of your session.

Keep it Warm

Babies are happiest when they’re warm and cozy, especially for swaddled or diaper-only photos. Turning the heat up a little before the session helps tremendously.

What Should You Wear?

I always tell moms to choose their outfit first and build everyone else around that.

Soft neutrals, cozy textures, flowy dresses, cardigans, and comfortable clothing photograph beautifully. Most importantly — wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.

The Most Important Thing

At the end of the day, whether you choose a studio session or an in-home lifestyle session, my goal is always the same:
to preserve this incredibly fleeting season of life in a way that feels genuine, emotional, and timeless.

Because those tiny newborn stretches, sleepy snuggles, and overwhelming first weeks?
They pass far too quickly.

And those are the memories worth holding onto forever.

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Studio or In-Home Sessions? I Love Both for Different Reasons