Newborns are so much fun. They’re messy, they’re cuddly, and they know that deep down – they are the boss. When it comes to photographing a newborn, a new trend is in-home “lifestyle” sessions rather than the traditional studio photos.

There are a lot of reasons for this new trend. Photography is changing, and right along with your newborn there are new challenges and techniques that are learned over time.

Traditionally speaking, studio newborn sessions are photos of the baby only. You may get two or more styles or backdrops, but the parents are left out of the photos. Studio sessions are also a little more work on the parents. As we learn about maternal recovery and what’s best for baby, studio sessions are becoming more and more phased out.

I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy studio sessions. I love my time with the squishy little ones, but sometimes I have to give that up if it’s what is best for the parents and nugget at the time.

Don’t believe me? Hear it from another photographer, Leyna Butcher. She says that the following five reasons are why in-home lifestyle sessions are becoming more popular:

1. Lifestyle sessions tell a story.
2. Mom and Dad hold baby in a lifestyle session. 
3. The timeline is a more relaxed in a lifestyle session.
4. Siblings are more relaxed in their own home. In the case with the session I’ve shared above, newborn Everett was featured with his puppy-pal and best friend! You often times don’t get to bring pets to a studio session, so that’s another added bonus!
5. Lifestyle sessions are more relaxed for everyone. 

Here’s a throwback to James’ newborn session in our first home together!

I absolutely adore these photos for so many reasons. Here are just a couple:

1. We had some control during the session. I felt comfortable feeding in my own home when needed, and I knew exactly where all the extra burp rags were when James decided to spit up all over the place. I didn’t need to flounder and search through a diaper bag…
2. It captured our first home together. We didn’t realize it at the time, but our family has only lived in the house for three (ish) years. Now that it’s time to move onto the next place, it’s a little bittersweet with all of the memories we’ve made with James in his hand-painted nursery!