If you’ve had a newborn session with me recently, you were probably asked if you prefer the look of “lifestyle” newborn photos or posed photos. I’m here to explain what the difference is, and share examples of each!

I have to kick off this post by saying that one of these styles is not better than the other. I truly love incorporating both of these looks in my studio! I began photographing newborns in a posed style, and as my style evolves, I’ve been incorporating more of an unposed, lifestyle look as well. Lifestyle newborn photos are unswaddled and unposed. The newborn will either be wearing a sweet little outfit, or even just a diaper cover. These photos take you back to those early days and weeks in your newborn’s life, how they held their hands, how they loved their arms above their head, etc! This is a great option for when a baby arrives to the session wide awake and don’t even hint at being sleepy! I personally love wide-eyed newborn photos, as I feel they capture so much personality!

Posed newborn photos are just that – much more posed! These photos are taken on my newborn posing bag, so the background is a simple, clean white. I focus in on those tiny newborn features, and get lots of variety of poses.

I hope it helps to see examples of these two different styles! I wonder which one you gravitate to the most?! I can absolutely incorporate a few of both styles during your newborn session if you love them both! <3