A Guide to Finding the Best Fit for Your Family


Preparing for a new baby comes with what feels like an endless list of decisions. Between choosing a pediatrician, decorating the nursery, and packing your hospital bag, booking newborn photos is another item that often ends up on the list.


One question I hear from expecting parents all the time is:


"Which newborn session package should I choose?"


The answer is different for every family, and that's okay. The "right" package isn't about choosing the most expensive option—it's about choosing the experience that best fits what you want to remember years from now.


This guide will walk you through each of my newborn session options and help you decide which one feels right for your family.

Before You Choose, Think About Your Vision

Before comparing packages, take a moment to picture your finished gallery.


          Ask yourself:

  • Do I want photos of just my baby, or do I want to be in them too?
  • Will older siblings be joining us?
  • Do I picture posed newborn portraits or natural family interactions?
  • Do I want several different looks and setups?
  • Would I rather come to the studio or stay in the comfort of my home?


There aren't any wrong answers. These questions simply help narrow down which experience will fit your family best.

Newborn baby swaddled in beige knit wrap, wearing bear ear hat, holding tiny teddy bear on fluffy fur rug.
Parents admire newborn baby in nursery with blue walls and wooden Mason name sign above crib.
Young family posing with newborn baby and toddler in front of white backdrop in professional photo studio.
Family of five posing on white couch with newborn baby, featuring redhead mom, dad in green shirt, and two older children.

Studio Newborn: Full Experience


The Studio Newborn Plus session is my most comprehensive newborn experience.


If you've been dreaming about a gallery filled with beautiful newborn portraits, sweet family moments, sibling photos, and plenty of variety, this is probably the package for you.


This session includes:

  • Up to 2.5 hours in the studio
  • Baby only photos
  • Parent and sibling photos
  • Up to 3 colors of choice
  • A full online gallery with 50 images


Because we have more time together, the session can unfold naturally. We don't have to rush if your baby needs to eat, be soothed, or simply wants extra cuddles.


Many parents choose this package because they know these first family portraits may hang on their walls for years to come.


This package is perfect if you want:

  • Family portraits
  • Sibling photos
  • Multiple color schemes or setups
  • A relaxed pace
  • A gallery with lots of variety
Newborn baby girl sleeping peacefully wrapped in purple knit blanket with matching bow headband.

Studio Newborn: 

Simple Experience

Young couple sitting on white sofa smiling while mother holds newborn baby wrapped in blanket.

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions


Lifestyle newborn sessions have a completely different feel.


Instead of carefully posed portraits, these sessions focus on your family's connection.


They take place either in your home or location of choice, depending on the look you're hoping for.


Lifestyle sessions are relaxed, natural, and parent-led. Think snuggling your baby on the couch, rocking in the nursery, or simply soaking in those first days together.


          This session includes:

  • One hour of session time
  • A full online gallery with 40+ images
  • Gentle posing and direction
  • Natural interactions and storytelling


If you're someone who loves candid moments more than posed portraits, this may be exactly what you're looking for.


Lifestyle sessions are perfect if you want:

  • Natural, documentary-style images
  • Photos in your baby's nursery or your home
  • More movement and interaction
  • Less posing

Not every family wants a full-length session—and that's exactly why I offer the Studio Newborn

Simple Experience.


This session focuses entirely on your newest little love.


         This session includes:

  • 1 hour in the studio
  • Baby-only portraits
  • Up to 2 setups
  • A full online gallery with 40+ images


The Simple Experience is a wonderful option for families who want timeless newborn portraits without including parents or siblings.


Just because it's shorter doesn't mean it's rushed. My goal is still to create a beautiful gallery you'll treasure for years.


         This package is perfect if you want:

  • Baby-only portraits
  • A shorter session
  • A simple, timeless gallery
  • Two beautiful setups
New parents sitting in white chair admiring their newborn baby during professional studio photography session.
Newborn baby girl swaddled in purple knit wrap with bow headband, sleeping peacefully on lavender background.
New parents smiling lovingly at their newborn baby lying on a bed in a heartwarming family portrait.
Peaceful newborn baby swaddled in white wrap sleeping on black and white checkered blanket.

Studio or Lifestyle?


This is another question I hear often.


The truth is...

Neither one is better.

They're simply different.


If you love wraps, cozy setups, and classic newborn portraits, a studio session is probably the best fit.

If you're drawn to storytelling, cuddles on the bed, nursery details, and natural interaction, you'll probably love a lifestyle session.

Some families even choose to do both—a Fresh 48 or lifestyle session followed by a posed studio newborn session.

Toddler in brown outfit smiles behind swaddled newborn baby in white bow on miniature white bed.

Remember... There Isn't a Wrong Choice


One thing I always tell parents is this:


No matter which package you choose, your baby will only be this tiny once.


Whether you decide on a baby-only studio session or a lifestyle session in your home, you're preserving memories that you'll never be able to recreate.


Years from now, your child won't notice how many setups you had or whether the session lasted one hour or two.


They'll see how deeply they were loved from the very beginning.