The newborn days are full of beauty, emotion, and little moments you never want to forget. In home newborn photography captures this season in the most natural and relaxed way, right where life happens. But for some families, a studio setting might feel more comfortable or polished. If you’re wondering which is right for your family, I’m here to walk you through both options so you can choose what fits your season best.

But first, hello, and welcome. I’m Ashley, a Minneapolis newborn photographer and a mama who knows just how quickly these first days fly by. Deciding between in home newborn photography and a studio session is such an important part of planning, and I’m here to help you choose what feels right for your family. Let’s start dreaming about your session. I can’t wait to hear your story!

What Is In Home Newborn Photography?

In home newborn photography is all about capturing your baby and your family in your own space. That means I come to you, whether it’s your living room, bedroom, or the nursery, and we document this sweet chapter of life in a setting that feels familiar, calm, and real. There’s no need to pack a diaper bag or leave the house when you’re still adjusting to life with a newborn. You can stay in your cozy clothes (if you want to!), snuggle on your own bed, and just be together.

These sessions are natural and gentle. I guide you with soft posing and prompts, but mainly I focus on connection. Tiny fingers wrapped around yours, soft baby yawns, the way you rock and sway without even thinking about it. The beauty of in-home newborn photography is that it feels like you, your rhythms, your space, your love.

And yes, we photograph your home just as it is. The nursery you poured your heart into, the comfy chair where you’ve spent countless hours feeding and cuddling, the sunlight dancing through your windows. These are the memories you’ll want to remember. This season is fleeting, and one day you’ll look back so grateful you have these tiny details frozen in time.

Want to see what an in home newborn session feels like? Take a peek at this cozy Duluth session filled with love here.

What Is a Studio Newborn Session Like?

A studio newborn session takes place in a clean, quiet, and beautifully lit space specifically designed for baby photography. Everything is set up and ready when you arrive, including photography props (nothing over-the-top, promise!), blankets, wraps, and lighting. The studio environment offers a more styled and posed look, often with soft backdrops and delicate details. It is a great choice if you love the feel of a polished, classic newborn gallery.

These sessions tend to focus more on the baby alone, with gentle posing that highlights their tiny features. Of course, we can also include family and sibling shots, but the pace is usually slower and more structured. The temperature is kept warm and cozy, and I take care of all the little details so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweetness.

Wondering what a studio newborn session looks like? Come see this beautiful Lakeville session with the sweetest little one here.

When to Schedule Your Newborn Session

Timing is everything when it comes to newborn photography. Whether you choose in home newborn photography or a studio session, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Most newborn sessions take place when the baby is between 5 and 14 days old. This is when they’re still super sleepy and love to be curled up, making those cozy newborn poses easier.
• Life with a newborn can be unpredictable. If you’re planning an in home session, there’s often a little more wiggle room with timing, since we’re working around your baby’s natural rhythm in your own space.
• The best time to reserve your session is during your second or early third trimester. I’ll pencil in your due date and keep space in my calendar for when baby arrives.
• Babies come on their schedule, and I always do my best to accommodate if they arrive early or later than expected.

What to Expect: Session Flow & Feel

Whether you choose in home newborn photography or a studio session, the experience is designed to be calm, gentle, and centered around your baby.

In home sessions have a relaxed and natural flow. We take our time and move through the session based on your baby’s needs. Here’s what you can expect:

• Breaks for feeding, changing, or calming the baby are completely normal.
• I guide you with gentle prompts to encourage connection and interaction.
• We’ll use the areas in your home with the best natural light, like your bedroom or the nursery.
• The focus is on capturing your family just as you are in your everyday space.

Studio sessions offer that same calm, baby-led approach with just a bit more structure and intention around styling and posing. Here’s what a studio experience might include:

• A cozy, warm environment prepped with soft blankets, wraps, and minimal props.
• Gentle posing techniques to keep baby safe, sleepy, and comfortable.
• A focus on timeless, polished images with a soft, clean background.
• Family and sibling photos are typically added at the beginning or end of the session.

No matter which experience you choose, every session is centered on making sure you and your baby feel safe, supported, and loved.

Looking for a glimpse into the beauty of an in home newborn session? This peaceful morning in Pemberton was full of quiet moments and sweet snuggles. See more here.

How to Prepare for Each Type

Preparing for your newborn session should feel simple and stress-free. For in home newborn photography, you don’t need to do much. Choose a few neutral outfits, and tidy up the rooms with the best light. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect. I’ll help guide you once I arrive.

For studio sessions, I’ll send clear prep instructions ahead of time. Feeding the baby before you leave can help them stay sleepy, and dressing them in something easy to remove makes changing simple. The studio is well-stocked with everything we need, so you only need to bring the basics and any special items you’d like to include.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Every family is different, and the best choice is the one that fits your season of life. In home newborn photography is perfect if you want a relaxed, lifestyle feel without needing to leave your home. It captures your family just as you are, in the space where you spend your days loving and caring for your new baby.

A studio session offers that same cozy, baby-led experience with just a touch more structure. It’s a wonderful option if you love soft backdrops and want everything provided for you—no prep or tidying needed. While I may include a few more gently posed moments in the studio, the heart of the session is still natural connection and the quiet beauty of these early days.

Think about what matters most to you: comfort, style, convenience, or experience. Whichever you choose, you will be preserving a chapter of life that passes far too quickly. I would be honored to walk alongside you and capture the love that fills your arms and your home in this fleeting season.

Have you booked your maternity photos yet? Need a little guidance on what to wear? I put together some sweet and simple tips just for you. Take a peek here.

Choosing In Home Newborn Photography? I’m So Glad You’re Here

If you’re leaning toward the quiet comfort of your own space, I would love to come alongside you with an in home newborn photography session that feels true to your family. These early days are full of tenderness, and I’m here to help you hold on to every little detail. Whether you’re cozied up in the nursery or curled on the couch together, your love is the most beautiful thing I could ever capture.

And if you’re already dreaming of holding onto every little milestone (not just the newborn days) then the First Year Collective might be exactly what you’re looking for. From maternity to first birthday, I’ll be there to document each chapter as your baby grows. This season is fleeting, but your memories don’t have to be! Click here to explore the First Year Collective and view all the session types available.

Ready to start planning your own newborn session? Learn more about the experience and what it’s like to work together here. I’d be so honored to tell your story. Come say hello on Facebook! Or, you can reach out anytime. I can’t wait to hear all about your growing family!