Newborn photograph by Andria Fontenot Photography of a baby on a cream blanket wearing a cream knitted romper

One of the most common questions I get as a newborn photographer is: “Should we do the session at home or in your studio?” The truth is, both are beautiful options! Think of it this way: studio sessions are like creating classic, styled portraits with more props; home sessions are like preserving the little details of your real life.

Let’s walk through some of the questions parents ask me most when deciding between a studio or in-home newborn photo session in Lyncburg, VA.

Studio Newborn Photography: Do You Love Props and Styled Setups?

If your heart melts at the sight of babies in bowls, baskets, or curled up on a tiny bed , then the studio is the place for you. At my studio, you’ll have access to all of my props, wraps, bonnets, hats, outfits, floors, and backdrops. We can create multiple set-ups in one session, giving you a wide variety in your gallery.

When I come to your home, I only bring a small selection, usually just one or two classic props and a variety of wraps. Your gallery will lean more toward natural, lifestyle portraits with a few posed setups sprinkled in.

Baby Sophia’s session is a perfect example. Her parents wanted variety, so in the studio we styled her in soft pastels, cozy swaddles, and delicate headbands. We moved between several prop setups and family poses, creating a gallery full of variety that wouldn’t have been possible in a single in-home session.

Lifestyle Newborn Photos: Do You Prefer Natural, Everyday Moments?

Studio sessions are wonderful for styled, posed portraits, but at home you’ll capture something you simply can’t recreate anywhere else, your family’s environment. An in-home newborn session tells the story of your baby’s first days surrounded by the details of your world.

Think about your baby curled up in the nursery you carefully decorated, or your family gathered on the living room couch where you’ve already spent countless hours together. These are the spaces where you’ll rock your baby to sleep, where siblings will peek in to say hello, and where your pets will quietly watch over their newest family member. Capturing photos in your home allows all of those details to become part of your story.

Lifestyle sessions are less about posing and more about connection. You won’t see elaborate props or dozens of backdrops, instead, the focus is on snuggles, cuddles, and everyday interactions. Years from now, when you look back at these photos, you’ll remember not only how tiny your baby was, but also the feeling of your home during that season of life. That authenticity is something no studio can fully replicate.

Including Siblings: Which Session Helps Kids Feel Most Comfortable?

Every child is different, and where they’ll feel most comfortable often depends on their personality. If big brother or big sister is on the shy side, an in-home session can help ease them in. Being on their own turf gives them the chance to watch me set up, get used to the camera, and feel secure before joining in. With a little patience, attention, and a few “big sibling helper” jobs, I can usually win them over and get those sweet interactions that parents love.

That said, some kids actually do better in the studio because it feels new and exciting. Stepping into a different space can spark curiosity, and siblings often enjoy the change of scenery. The studio also gives me more control over distractions, which can help keep the focus on family moments.

Either way, my goal is always to make siblings feel special and included. Whether we’re in your living room or at my studio, I spend extra time engaging with them so they walk away feeling proud of their role in the photos.

Newborn Safety: Is It Easier to Stay Home or Visit the Studio?

Every family feels differently. Some parents are perfectly comfortable bringing a one- or two-week-old baby out. Others are more apprehensive about bringing their new baby places. Some moms are still in recovery and prefer to stay home, while others can’t wait to get out of the house for a little change of scenery.

Either way, your baby will be safe. My studio is impeccably clean, all props and outfits are sanitized. I take every precaution to protect your little one. If it feels overwhelming to pack up and go out, I would be glad to come to your stay. If you’d rather relax and not worry about your house being photo-ready, come to the studio.

Do You Need a Perfectly Clean House for In-Home Newborn Photos?

Here’s the truth: your home does not have to be spotless. The focus is on your baby and your connection as a family. A little clutter in the corner won’t show up in photos. But some parents still find it less stressful to leave the house and come to the studio where everything is already set up and ready to go.

If your home has limited natural light or very tight spaces, that’s another reason to consider the studio. On the flip side, if you’ve decorated a gorgeous nursery and want it in your photos, let’s shoot at home so you can show it off.

Baby-Only or Family Portraits: Which Style Do You Want Most?

If your main goal is baby-only portraits, those squishy, curled-up poses and styled setups, then the studio is the best choice. That’s exactly what we focused on during Sophia’s session, and her parents now have a beautiful collection of solo newborn portraits with just a few family images sprinkled in.

If you want to capture family connections, like holding your baby in your arms, rocking them in the nursery, or reading books with siblings, then home gives you that relaxed, storytelling vibe.

Can I Include Pets in My Newborn Session?

Four-legged friends are often part of the family story. Pets are usually easiest to include in an in-home session, where they’re already comfortable. In the studio, it’s possible with smaller pets, but it requires a little extra planning.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between a Studio or In-Home Newborn Session

Both home and studio newborn sessions create beautiful memories, they just look and feel different. If you love variety, props, and styled portraits, choose the studio. If you want storytelling, natural light, and your everyday spaces documented, choose home. And if you can’t decide , you don’t have to. Many families opt for studio and lifestyle portraits to capture both sides of their baby’s story.

Ready to book your newborn session? Let’s connect here.

Amanda and Neil are very talented Wedding photographers and videographers in Louisiana at Bull’s Eye Films & Media. Amanda and her father, Jerriot Robinson operate an incredible custom screen printing business in Forest Hill, LA that I have used many times over the years, Hot Rod Graffix. I love getting to work with other small business owners. You can view Sophia’s Birth Photos on this blog post.