When most parents hear “studio newborn photos,” they picture something very specific: a highly posed baby, lots of props, and a session that feels… a little formal.

And when they hear “in-home” or “lifestyle” newborn photos, they picture the opposite: real connection, real moments, and images that feel honest and unforced.

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose between timeless studio portraits and authentic newborn photos.

In my Seattle studio, I photograph newborns with a baby-led approach—which gives you the authenticity parents love about lifestyle sessions and the consistency, ease, and classic look that studio photography does best.

Let’s break down what that actually means, so you can decide what’s right for your family.

The two options most parents compare

In-home (lifestyle) newborn photos

Lifestyle newborn photography typically happens in your home, often using available window light. It’s usually more documentary in style—your baby in the nursery, on your bed, on your couch, held in your arms in the space where you’re actually living this season.

Parents choose lifestyle sessions when they want:

a storytelling feel
their home environment included in the photos
moments that feel relaxed and real

Lifestyle doesn’t work for everyone however. Maybe you don’t want to worry about making your home “camera ready” so soon after having a baby. Or maybe your just prefer the controlled environment of a studio.

Traditional studio newborn photos

Traditional studio newborn photography often leans heavily into:

posed setups, particularly with the baby
more hands-on positioning
props, buckets, bows, and themed styling

Some parents love that look! But many parents aren’t looking for overly posed and processed photos. they just want to capture their beautiful baby as they are, but in a clean, simple studio setting.

And that’s where my studio sessions come in.

A third option: baby-led studio newborn portraits (the best of both worlds)

My studio newborn sessions are not “traditional studio” in the way people usually mean it.

I don’t believe newborns need to be posed into unnatural positions to be photographed beautifully. I believe newborns are perfect exactly as they are—stretching, curling, yawning, sett, or asleep,. Those tiny movements and expressions are part of who they are, right now and deserve to be captured.

So instead of forcing a baby into a pose, I work with the baby in front of me.

That’s what “baby-led” means:

I follow your baby’s cues
I give them time to settle
I soothe and swaddle (in a natural way) only as needed
I photograph what unfolds naturally in a simple, timeless and beautiful way

The result is a session that feels authentic (like lifestyle), but looks clean, timeless, and classic (like studio).

Why parents love baby-led sessions (especially in those first days)

1) It feels real

You don’t have to “perform” for the camera, and your baby doesn’t have to either.

Instead of trying to create a perfect moment, we let real moments happen:

baby stretching into a familiar curl
baby tucked into your arms
a tiny yawning face right before sleep
that scrunch you’ll recognize forever

2) It’s calm

A baby-led approach is inherently gentler. We move slowly. We take breaks. We treat feeding and soothing as normal parts of the session—because they are. And we only every position your baby in ways that a natural for a newborn to be in.

3) It’s still timeless

Lifestyle photos can be incredibly meaningful—but the look of your home (and the quality of the natural light) becomes a major part of the final images.

In the studio, I can keep the focus exactly where most parents want it:
on your baby and your family connection, not on the light in your living room or what’s in the background.

Seattle-specific: why a studio can be a huge advantage

Seattle families have an extra factor to consider: our light.

Even if you love the lifestyle look, in-home sessions can be tricky when:

the weather is dark and overcast (hello, Seattle winter)
your home has limited window light
space is tight or cluttered (which is normal in our small city homes)
you’d rather not “host” anyone right after giving birth

A studio eliminates those variables.

You get:

consistent, flattering light no matter the season
a comfortable space designed for babies and new parents
an experience that’s predictable, guided, and easy

And because my approach is baby-led and minimal, it never feels stiff.

What a baby-led studio newborn session actually looks like

A baby-led session is simple.

Your baby might be photographed:

in a diaper or simple wrap
in your arms
Sleeping comfortably on my studio bed
snuggled close with parents and siblings
resting naturally in positions they choose

I guide you gently, keep things moving smoothly, and create variety through:

subtle shifts in angle and perspective
changes in who’s holding baby and how
small positioning adjustments that still feel natural
expression (sleepy, alert, curious, calm)

No complicated props. No forced poses. Just your baby, beautifully photographed.

How to know if this is right for you

You’ll probably love a baby-led studio newborn session if you want:

newborn photos that feel authentic
an experience that feels easy and calm
images that are simple, classic, and timeless
consistent results regardless of weather or your home light
a photographer who can confidently guide the session without making it feel “posed”

If you’re drawn to lifestyle but want more consistency (and less effort on your end), this is a really lovely middle path.

Ready to plan your newborn photos for 2026?

If you’re expecting in 2026 and looking for a session that blends the honesty of lifestyle with the timeless beauty of studio portraiture, I’d love to photograph your family.

The best way to reserve your spot is to book during pregnancy (most families book in the second trimester or early third). You’ll reserve your session about a week after you due date. We can always adjust your time as needed once your baby arrives.

When you’re ready, you can book through the link on my website. And if you have questions, reach out. I’m always happy to help you figure out the best fit.

Studio Newborn Photos vs. In-Home Newborn Photos in Seattle (And Why My Studio Sessions Feel Different)