Bringing a new baby into the world is an unforgettable moment, and capturing those first few weeks with a newborn session is a beautiful way to hold onto it forever. But before you book, there’s one big decision to make: Lifestyle or Posed? If you’re not sure which one fits your vision, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

What Is a Lifestyle Newborn Session?

A lifestyle session is all about capturing natural, relaxed moments. The focus is on your family as a whole, interacting with your newest addition in a way that feels effortless and real. These sessions are best for parents who want to document the connection between their family members rather than focusing solely on the baby.

📍 Where? My studio in Sullivan, WI (preferred for lighting control), but I do offer in-home sessions if there is ample natural light, a clean shooting area, and a warm environment.
⏳ Timing? Best within the first month of life—timing is flexible!
🛏 Props? Nope! Instead, I use cozy, minimal setups like a bed or bassinet.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for? Families who want a laid-back, candid feel and who have a good aesthetic sense (your home’s style plays a big role in the photos).

What Is a Posed Newborn Session?

A posed session is all about making baby the star of the show. Using soft wraps, gentle posing, and studio lighting, these sessions focus on capturing those dreamy, curled-up newborn images that highlight just how tiny and fresh your baby is.

📍 Where? My studio in Sullivan, WI. Studio lighting only—no natural light.
⏳ Timing? Must be within the first two weeks—after that, babies stretch more, stay awake longer, and can develop baby acne.
🛏 Props? Yes! Baby is wrapped, posed, and placed in carefully styled setups.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for? Parents who want perfection and a more polished look, or who feel more comfortable letting me take the reins. Family can be included in a few photos, but only if siblings are calm enough to hold the baby safely.

Which One Is Right for You?

Still unsure? Here’s the breakdown:
✔️ Want a family-centered session, natural interactions, and a relaxed feel? → Go with Lifestyle.
✔️ Want a baby-focused session with artistic posing and a polished look? → Go with Posed.
✔️ High-anxiety, don’t feel your best postpartum, or want minimal decision-making? → A posed session is the way to go.
✔️ Love home aesthetics and a natural vibe? → Lifestyle all the way.

Can I Book Both a Lifestyle and Posed Session?

I get asked a lot if it’s possible to combine both a lifestyle and posed session in one. While I totally get the appeal of capturing both styles, the answer is unfortunately no. Each session requires a unique setup, and posed newborn sessions, in particular, take a lot of preparation. The studio is heated to around 75°F to keep the baby calm and comfortable, and this temperature can be too warm for other types of photos.

While I can spend a small amount of time capturing some studio portraits with parents and baby during a posed session, please note these portraits will not be natural light and will be a bit more structured. Siblings aren’t typically included in posed sessions unless they are older or you are very confident that they’ll be able to sit still and hold the baby without constant redirection. Time spent with siblings takes away from the time I can focus on the baby’s posing, so it’s something to keep in mind.

If you’re really wanting both styles, we can absolutely schedule two separate sessions! Just know this will require extra time and a separate fee, but it’s a great way to capture everything you’re looking for. Let me know, and I’d love to help plan the perfect experience for you!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there’s no wrong choice—only what feels right for you! And no matter which session you choose, just remember one thing: Dads, bring an extra shirt. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of newborn photography, it’s that the odds of you getting peed or pooped on are HIGH. 😂

Ready to book your newborn session? Review my pricing HERE & let’s make some magic together!