When planning your newborn photography session, one of the first things to consider is the style of photographs you'd love to have. Some parents prefer classic newborn portraits with carefully styled setups, while others are drawn to natural photographs of themselves spending time with their baby at home. And some would love a combination of both.
I offer three options for your in-home newborn photography session: Classic, Lifestyle, or a Mix of Both. You can choose your preferred style in the booking questionnaire, so your session can be planned around the kind of photographs that matter most to you.
Here's what each option includes and what you can expect.
Classic newborn photography focuses on your baby's tiny features, peaceful expressions and carefully arranged poses. These portraits have a more styled, polished look, with the baby as the main focus of each photograph.
During a classic newborn session, I use a dedicated posing table, plain backdrops and a selection of props to create a variety of portraits. Depending on the session, this may include different wraps, outfits, baskets or other styling pieces.
We typically work through four or five different setups, giving you a varied collection of images without making the session feel rushed. Each setup offers a slightly different look, while keeping the focus on your baby's delicate features. The session also includes portraits with parents, combining classic newborn setups with beautiful images of you holding and connecting with your baby. Classic newborn portraits are a lovely choice if you enjoy the traditional newborn photography style — beautifully arranged images that highlight just how small your baby is in those first days.
Choose Classic if you love:
- Carefully posed newborn portraits
- Simple backdrops and styled setups
- Wrapped portraits and selected props
- Images that focus primarily on your baby
Lifestyle newborn photography is centred on the connection between you and your baby. Instead of using a posing table and styled setups, we photograph your family in the comfort of your home, focusing on natural interactions and the little things that happen when you're together.
You might be holding your baby close, looking down at their face, gently kissing their forehead or settling into a quiet cuddle. We can also capture moments of feeding, soothing and simply enjoying time with your newborn.
The photographs may take place on your bed, in the nursery, on the sofa or near a window where the natural light is beautiful. Your home becomes part of the story, adding a personal touch to your photographs.
Lifestyle newborn photography doesn't mean you need to know how to pose or create special moments for the camera. I'll offer direction when needed, while leaving room for natural interactions between you, your baby and your family.
Choose Lifestyle if you love:
- Natural, unposed-looking photographs
- Images of parents holding, cuddling and connecting with their baby
- Everyday moments, from feeding to quiet time together
- Photographs that include your home and family environment
If you love both styles, you don't have to choose just one.
A mixed newborn photography session combines classic posed portraits with natural lifestyle photographs in one visit. We divide the session time approximately equally between the two styles, allowing us to create a varied gallery of your baby and your family.
We might begin with classic newborn setups, capturing your baby's tiny details and carefully styled portraits, then move on to more natural photographs with parents and siblings. Or we can adjust the flow of the session according to your baby's needs.
This option gives you the best of both approaches: the traditional newborn portraits you may have imagined, along with photographs that show the connection and closeness of your family during those early days.
Choose a Mix of Both if you love:
- Classic newborn portraits and natural family photographs
- A variety of styles in your final gallery
- Both styled setups and relaxed moments at home
- Photographs of your baby on their own and together with family
You don't need to have every detail figured out before booking. When you reserve your session, you'll be able to select Classic, Lifestyle or a Mix of Both in the booking questionnaire.
Think about the photographs you feel most drawn to. Do you picture your baby in carefully styled newborn portraits? Would you rather focus on the way you hold and connect with your little one? Or would you love to have both?
There's no right or wrong choice. Each style offers something different, and your decision simply helps me prepare for the kind of session you'd like.
Whatever you choose, your baby's comfort comes first. Newborn sessions are baby-led, with time for feeding, changing, cuddles and breaks whenever needed.
The price is the same for all three options, so you can choose the style that best suits your preferences without worrying about a price difference.
If you're expecting a baby and looking for newborn photographer in Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Barrie, Brampton, Orillia or the surrounding areas, I'd love to help you plan a session that suits your family.
Explore my newborn photography portfolio to see examples of my work, then get in touch to discuss your due date and booking.
