Welcoming a sweet new baby into your family is one of the most exciting and precious moments you’ll ever experience! And what better way to capture these early memories than with a newborn portrait session? But when it comes to newborn photography, there are many different options available. As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, I’ve had the honor of working with families in all sorts of session types, and each of these sessions bring in different elements that make them unique to each family. It is your story to tell!

To help you decide which type of session that fits your style and preferences, below are the differences between Studio Newborn Sessions, Fresh 48 Newborn Sessions, and Lifestyle Newborn Sessions.

Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer Studio Newborn Sessions are Perfect for a Combination of Timeless, Lifestyle and Posed Portraits

If you’ve envisioned soft, serene, light and airy portraits of your newborn, a Studio Newborn Session might be the right fit for you.

Setting:
As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, I often invite families to my professional studio located in Beaver, Pa, which is carefully designed with props, backdrops, and lighting to create a calm and cozy atmosphere. The controlled environment ensures that every detail is perfect. With beautiful whites as the backdrop, it allows for you and your family to be the focal point while adding a classic, elegant feel to your portraits.

Timing:
Studio newborn sessions are best done within the first 5-14 days after birth. Newborns at this stage are still very sleepy, making it easier to capture those beautiful, posed shots. This is also when babies are the most flexible, still used to being all scrunched in the womb, so they can be gently led into various poses.

Style:
The hallmark of a studio session is its light and airy style. You can expect to see the baby in dreamy wraps, and cozy blankets, while also being held and adored by Mom, Dad and older siblings. Every shot is meticulously planned to create a polished, artistic portrait. These images focus on the sweet little details of your newborn—those tiny fingers, little toes, and perfect facial expressions.

Vibe:
The vibe here is classic and timeless. A studio session is designed to create beautiful, high-quality images that capture the newborn’s delicate features in a classic, natural and artistic way. If you want a collection of pictures that could be hung in the walls of your home, a studio session is perfect for you.

Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer Fresh 48 Newborn Session: Capturing the Very First Moments of Your Baby’s Life

For parents who want to document their baby’s very first moments, a Fresh 48 Newborn Session is what allows for a more documentary feel.

Setting:
A Fresh 48 session is held in the hospital, a birth center or your home depending on where you deliver. As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, I love these sessions because they allow me to capture the real, raw moments of your newborn’s first day or two in the world. There are no props or staged settings—just the beauty of the newborn in their natural environment with Mom, Dad and siblings if they are not the first baby.

Timing:
These sessions happen within the first 48 hours of your baby’s life, soon after birth. The window is short, but these first moments are some of the most emotional and beautiful, and they fly by quickly. This is when the parents are experiencing the joy of first-time bonding and family interactions and introductions.

Style:
Fresh 48 sessions are documentary-style, meaning there’s no posing involved. I’ll focus on capturing candid moments—whether it’s parents holding their baby, siblings meeting their new baby brother/sister, or the tiny features of your baby lying in their hospital crib or on the bed. These sessions are all about real and unposed moments.

Vibe:
The vibe of a Fresh 48 session is emotional and authentic. You’re not just getting posed pictures—you’re receiving photos that reflect the raw emotions and pure joy of those early days as a new parent. These images will hold deep personal significance as they capture fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments. Lighting and coloring will vary depending on the availability of window light in the hospital room as well as the paint on the walls. I like to give these photos in both color and black and white.

Lifestyle Newborn Session: Documenting the Real Moments of Family Life in your Home

If you want a relaxed, natural feel that showcases your family’s true dynamic in the comfort of your home, a Lifestyle Newborn Session is a wonderful choice.

Setting:
Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your own home. As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, I love these sessions because they allow families to be themselves in a familiar and comfortable setting. Whether it’s in the nursery, the living room, or even a cozy spot on the couch, the goal is to capture you in your natural environment.

Timing:
Lifestyle sessions typically take place when the baby is a bit older—usually within the first 1-3 weeks after birth. By this time, you’ve had a little more time to settle into your routine and are more comfortable being photographed in your home environment.

Style:
Unlike a studio session, where everything is a bit more planned, lifestyle sessions focus on real moments. You can expect a mix of candid and semi-directed shots, where you’ll interact naturally with your newborn. Whether it’s holding your baby, kissing their little head, or cuddling on the couch as a family, the emphasis is on your connection and emotions, not perfect poses.

Vibe:
The vibe of a lifestyle newborn session is relaxed, cozy, and intimate. These images capture your family’s bond in its purest form—nothing forced, just real life unfolding. If you want a session that feels like a casual, beautiful documentary of your first days together, a lifestyle session is the way to go.

Which Session Is Right for You?

As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, I always encourage families to think about what’s most important to them when it comes to documenting their newborn’s first days. Each type of session offers a unique experience:

• Studio Newborn Session: Perfect if you want beautiful, posed portraits that focus on your newborn’s tiny features in a calm, curated setting.
• Fresh 48 Newborn Session: Ideal for those who want to capture the raw, emotional moments of your baby’s first hours or days.
• Lifestyle Newborn Session: Great if you prefer a relaxed, natural session that showcases your family’s authentic interactions in the comfort of your home.

Whatever you choose, remember that these first moments with your newborn pass in the blink of an eye. No matter which style of session you opt for, you’ll be left with stunning, timeless memories that you’ll cherish forever.

As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, I’m here to help guide you through the process and capture the special moments of your newborn’s journey. If you’re ready to schedule your session, I’d love to work with you to create the perfect photos that reflect your family’s story.

Which session do you think fits your family best? Let me know in the comments below!

Be sure to check out my friend and local pittsburgh newborn photographer, Mary Beth Miller and her blog post on how newborn photo sessions change once a second baby arrives!

Lindsey Ferrie Photography is a Pittsburgh newborn photographer also specializing in maternity, family and baby photography, including one year birthday milestone sessions and heirloom portraits. Serving the greater Pittsburgh area including Cranberry Twp., Pa, Wexford, Pa, Upper St. Clair, PA, Fox Chapel, Pa, Beaver, Pa, and most areas in Beaver, Allegheny and Washington Counties. As well as some neighboring cities in Ohio and West Virginia.

If you are pregnant and interested in maternity or newborn photography, I would love to begin planning your family photography session! From that sweet baby belly to those adorably cute little details of your precious newborn baby, you will cherish these photos for years to come. 

As a natural, lifestyle photographer my focus is your newborn, family and the emotions and connections told through my lens. Your story printed out and forever remembered in a beautiful authentic way.

For more information or to book a sessions you can contact me here or email me directly at lindseyferriephotography@gmail.com