Selecting the Right Newborn Session For You: Posed vs Lifestyle vs Fresh 48
Like many of you, I am a mother and I have thee little red headed girls: Emma Olivia (6), Lucy Rose (18 months) and Amelia Charlotte (5 weeks). However, I'm also a photographer - one who's favorite genre is newborn photography. There is something sacred about newborns; the stillness celebrating new life. I document heavenly treasures. I cuddle your babies and revel in spending time with them and meeting your family.
This in mind, when my newest squish, Amelia, was born I truly wanted a beautiful newborn session and to photograph her myself. I looked forward to her session for months. I purchased hand made, custom props such as head bands, fabric, posing back drops, antique buckets and baskets and bowls. I could not wait to have her in front of my camera! Because she is mine and I do have the luxury of taking her photos, I did all three styles of newborn portraiture with her: posed, lifestyle and a fresh 48.
You may be asking what does that mean? This post is intended to explain the difference and use examples of Amelia (plus introduce her to you!) so you can see which session resonates most with you. I love offering three types so I may best serve my clients. These descriptions are essentially just a nut shell; the complexity of each session can vary depending on which portrait artist you're conversing with. I'm just doing a quick overview for you. :-)
Posed: This is beautiful, fine art and specialized photography. These are the images of babies on soft, pillowy blankets, rustic buckets, and sessions with props. I personally love these! You don't want the session to be *too* prop heavy but I adore placing babies in antique items and styling them based around nursery colors. These sessions portray several set ups and are filled with squishy newborn poses that are creative and focus on the baby. These sessions are typically 3-5 hours long and do include family photos, but almost the entire session is about baby. Here are some samples:
Lifestyle: This is a laid back, documentary approach to newborn and family photography. There are minimal props, posing and instead the session focuses on connections and interpersonal dynamics. This is about storytelling and capturing the ever so precious emotions surrounding bringing a new baby home. It's the way your baby fills your arms; your husband gazing lovingly at you; your toddler kissing the top of baby's head - it's showcasing family bonds. It's also very laid back. Sessions range from 60 to 90 minutes and are always held in your home. If you aren't a fan of posed newborn photos, this is the session for you. Here are some samples of Amelia. I simply placed her on my bed, opened the windows, and captured her as she is. No posing. No props. Just pure baby and her own activity - exactly where she is in time and place.
Fresh 48: These sessions are exactly what they sound like: a session taking place when your baby is fresh and new and under 48 hours old. They're hospital based and are really neat because they focus on the immediate arrival of baby. They're not birth photography but they're when baby is at his or her most "new". They're even more of a documentary style of photography than lifestyle and have their own place in newborn photography. These are also often an "add on" to either a posed or lifestyle session. Here is Amelia literally minutes after being born. I will always treasure these images as this is when she became part of this world.
And there you have it - a quick run down of posed vs lifestyle vs fresh 48. I would be honored to serve you in your newborn photography needs. Visit the newborn tab to see more examples and styled sessions if you wish.
Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in the custom art of newborn, maternity, family and children/babies portrait photography. Sarah serves the Houston and surrounding areas including, but not limited to, Cypress, The Heights, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Spring, Katy, Rice Village, Memorial, Jersey Village, Magnolia, and Tomball TX. Please contact Sarah or connect via Facebook for more information.
