One of the most common questions I get from expecting parents is: Should we do our newborn session in the studio or at home?
It's such a great question, because the answer really does depend on what matters most to your family. After photographing hundreds of newborns in both settings over the past 20 years, I've learned that there's no single "right" choice—but there are definitely some important things to consider when making your decision.
Let me walk you through both options so you can feel confident about what's best for you.
The Studio Session: What to Expect
My studio is a dedicated space designed specifically for newborn photography. It's about 850 square feet—warm, peaceful, and equipped with everything we need to create those dreamy, timeless portraits.
Studio Advantages:
- Complete control over environment. I've invested in professional lighting, temperature control, and soundproofing so we can create the perfect conditions for your baby to sleep peacefully. The studio stays warm, which newborns absolutely love.
- Endless setup options. With props, wraps, baskets, bedding, and backgrounds all at our fingertips, we can create variety and depth in your images without moving around your home.
- Dedicated focus and calm. There are no distractions—no doorbell ringing, dogs barking, or siblings needing snacks. It's just us, your family, and your baby.
- Comfort and amenities. You have a private bathroom, and I always have water and snacks on hand. There's room to relax between poses, and parents often tell me they feel taken care of.
- Styling and wardrobe. I have a curated selection of maternity and family outfits so you don't have to worry about coordinating. I'll guide you toward what works best with our backgrounds and lighting.
Studio Considerations:
- Newborns travel best between 7-14 days old. Older newborns can be harder to settle in unfamiliar environments, so timing your session is important.
- Your baby needs to be fed and comfortable before arriving. A fed, content baby is a sleepy baby, and sleepy babies make for the best photos.
- It's a new environment for your family. Some parents find it a tiny bit nerve-wracking at first, but I promise the calm, intentional space puts everyone at ease quickly.
The In-Home Session: Intimate and Personal
An in-home session is exactly what it sounds like—I come to your home with my portable studio setup and create beautiful portraits in your own space.
In-Home Advantages:
- Maximum comfort and familiarity. Your baby is in their own crib, surrounded by familiar sounds and scents. For some families (especially older newborns or second babies), this makes a huge difference in settling and sleep.
- Your own space, your story. We can incorporate your bedroom, nursery, or favorite family spaces into the portraits. It's personal and deeply meaningful.
- Flexibility with timing. There's no travel, so you're not watching the clock or worrying about getting your baby into the car.
- Intimate family moments. In-home sessions often feel more relaxed and candid. Parents tell me it feels less like a "photo shoot" and more like capturing a quiet morning with their new baby.
- Perfect for families who are homebound or prefer privacy. Especially in those early postpartum days, being at home might feel safest and easiest.
In-Home Considerations:
- Lighting and environment are less controlled. I work with what we have—natural windows, room lighting, and the space itself. This means I have fewer setup options and less variety in the final images.
- It takes longer. Since I'm setting up and breaking down in your home, the session typically takes 2-3 hours versus 1-2 hours in the studio. Some families love the unhurried pace; others find it tiring.
- Your home needs to be ready. You don't need it to be spotless (I promise!), but tidied spaces photograph better and help you feel more comfortable during the session.
- Limited setup variety. We work beautifully with what's there, but we're not creating as many diverse images as we might in the studio with all its props and backgrounds.
How to Choose: Questions to Ask Yourself
Choose the studio if...
- You want maximum variety and artistic setup options
- You're expecting a single newborn and timing your session for 7-14 days old
- You're excited about the boutique, dedicated experience
- You want a calm, controlled environment where your baby is most likely to sleep deeply
- You want me to handle all the styling and wardrobe details
Choose in-home if...
- Your baby is older than 14 days or you're worried about travel
- Your second or third baby tends to settle better at home
- You want an intimate, personal session that incorporates your home and story
- You prefer the relaxed, unhurried pace of an in-home experience
- You want to stay in bed (yes, we can do that!) and keep things cozy
The Truth: Both Are Beautiful
Here's what I want you to know: I've created stunning, timeless portraits in both settings. The difference isn't about quality—it's about what feels right for your family at this moment in your life.
Some families know immediately which option speaks to them. Others genuinely can't decide. And that's okay. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, your baby feels safe, and you're present for the experience.
When you reach out to book your session, we'll talk through your preferences, your baby's age, and what matters most to you. I'll help you choose the setting that will make your family feel most at ease—because when you're relaxed and present, that's when the real magic happens.
Ready to capture this fleeting newborn phase?Whether you choose the studio or your home, I'd love to help you create portraits you'll treasure forever. Browse our newborn portfolio to see both studio and in-home sessions, and when you're ready, book your newborn session .
For more on preparing for your newborn session, check out how to prepare for the perfect newborn photography session and learn about the newborn photography process from start to finish .
