Studio vs. Lifestyle Newborn Photography: What’s the Difference?

Family photography blog
Jul 17
4 min read

Not sure whether to book a studio or lifestyle newborn session? This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the photography style that fits your family best.

If you’re expecting a new baby (congrats!!!), chances are your phone is already overflowing with cute nursery ideas, registry lists, and yes—a million baby photo inspo posts.

But when it comes time to actually book a newborn session, you’ll probably see two options pop up again and again: studio newborn photography and lifestyle newborn photography.

So… what’s the difference? And which one’s right for your family?

Let’s break it down.

Studio newborn photo with simple neutral backdrop – Vancouver baby photographer My City Photos

Natural light family lifestyle session in Vancouver home

1. The Setting: Cozy Studio vs. Your Home Sweet Home

Studio newborn photography (Vancouver style!) happens in a dedicated space—like my bright, comfy studio filled with soft blankets, wraps, and backdrops. Everything’s set up and ready to go. Think of it like walking into a spa, but for baby snuggles and dreamy photos.
Lifestyle baby photos, on the other hand, can take place in your home. Here we capture your real life: cuddling on the couch, changing diapers, maybe even a coffee on the kitchen counter. It’s personal, cozy, and full of meaning.

**In my studio, we can also create lifestyle photos, as well as I have couches, plants, and other home decor and features that give that vibe. My studio is in my home, so it's easy to get that desired 'at home' feel!

2. The Style: Posed Perfection vs. Candid Connection

Studio sessions on 'photo backdrops' are typically more posed. Baby is carefully positioned (safely and gently!) to get those peaceful, sleepy shots on a blanket or in a wrap. These photos often have a timeless, clean look—perfect for birth announcements or framed wall art.
Lifestyle newborn sessions lean into natural moments. Think yawns, stretches, big sibling kisses, and snuggles on a bed or couch. There’s very little posing—we just roll with your baby’s rhythm.

3. What to Expect: Structure, Comfort, and Expert Care

Studio newborn sessions come in two options:
- Mini (30 minutes)
- Full (60 minutes)
  My studio is clean and cozy and I’ve got wraps, blankets, and everything prepped so you can just relax while I work my magic. These sessions are structured but super gentle and baby-led — if your little one needs a cuddle or feed, we pause. No stress. I handle all the cleanup too, so you can just focus on snuggling your tiny human.
Lifestyle newborn sessions are done in the comfort of your own home or in my studio. I offer the same packages - Mini or a Full. These sessions are less about posing and more about connection — you feeding, rocking, cuddling, and just being with your baby. We work with the natural light in your home and move at your family’s pace.

5. Which One is Right for You?

Go studio backdrop if you want:
- Classic portraits
- A quick and easy setup
- A tidy, styled background
- Minimal prep on your part
Go lifestyle if you want:
- Natural, emotion-filled moments
- To include your home in the story (and any pets)
- A relaxed, documentary feel
- Flexibility around your family’s pace
- Have them in the studio if you don't have it in you to prep an area of your house for photos
- You love the vibe of my studio for lifestyle photos

The photos below were taken in my studio - these would be more lifestyle photos.

The photos below would be more 'classic studio' Newborn photos (for me - I don't do those types of super posed baby resting their face on their hands kind of posing).

Can’t decide?

Some families book both (yes, really!)—a quick studio mini followed by a cozy at-home session a week or two later.

Or some classic studio sessions mixed in with some lifestyle photos in my studio (my personal fave - you get a little bit of both! - Book a full package for this)

These photos were all taken in the family's home.

Things to Keep in Mind for Lifestyle Sessions

You don’t need a spotless house. Seriously. You just had a baby — no one expects a Pinterest-perfect living room. I only need one tidy-ish space to work in, usually the bedroom or living room. We can move a laundry basket or two — no shame here.

Natural light is key. I typically shoot in the room that has the best light — so think about where your biggest windows are. Is the morning light beautiful in your bedroom? Or does your living room glow in the afternoon? That’s where we’ll likely shoot.

No need to prep much. You don’t need to decorate or make the space fancy. A cozy bed, a chair by the window, or a couch with a blanket thrown on it — that’s more than enough.

Be comfy. Be you. Lifestyle sessions are about real moments, not perfection. If someone’s still in pajamas or your toddler wants to show me their snack stash, that’s all part of the story.