Studio vs. In-Home Newborn Sessions: Which is Right for Your Family?

Choosing between a newborn photography session in the studio or in your home can feel like a surprisingly big decision.

Newborn days are a tender swirl of sleepy snuggles, unpredictable schedules, and overflowing love. Whether you’re booking photographs for your very first baby or adding to your growing gallery wall, you might be wondering: Will the studio be easier? Will my home look “nice enough”? What if my toddler won’t stop showing off their toy trucks?

Take a breath. I’m Marie, the newborn and family photographer behind Marie Koleka Photography, and I’ve seen (and cleaned up) just about everything. Including mid-session blowouts. True story: One sweet little guy had an epic outfit-ruining moment in my studio, and we just laughed, grabbed a clean swaddle, and moved on.

So let’s unpack the differences between in-home and studio newborn sessions – and help you figure out what feels best for your family right now.

First, Let’s Acknowledge: This Season Is a Lot

Between feeding schedules, big sibling transitions, and the general fog of newborn life, the idea of putting on real clothes and smiling for the camera might feel… ambitious. It’s not unusual for parents to come into a session pre-stressed, wondering if their toddler will cooperate or if the baby will stay asleep.

That’s exactly why my sessions are built around ease, flexibility, and connection. Whether we’re in my cozy Beaver, PA studio or your living room, the goal is the same: to capture the snuggly, joyful, perfectly imperfect moments of your growing family – without pressure or expectation.

Key Differences Between Studio & Lifestyle Newborn Sessions

Studio Sessions: Simple, Neutral, and No Prep Required

Think of the studio as a little escape from the laundry piles and baby gear chaos.

• No tidying required. You don’t have to touch a burp cloth, hide the nursing pillow, or worry if the bedroom lamp clashes with your outfit. I’ve already done the prep so you can walk in and exhale.
• Neutral palette. The studio tones are intentionally soft and minimal, letting your family take center stage without distractions.
• Everything ready-to-go. From soothing sound machines to cozy wraps, you won’t need to pack a thing for baby beyond the basics.

Plenty of families love the calm simplicity of the studio – especially when they’re craving a refreshingly low-effort session that still gives them beautiful, timeless results.

In-Home Sessions: Cozy, Familiar, and Kiddo-Friendly

Home is where your story happens, and there’s something incredibly special about documenting your newborn days where they naturally unfold.

• Shorter trip. Especially great post-C-section or if you’ve got multiple littles running around.
• Familiar setting. Siblings can come and go more freely (though that sometimes means they really want me to admire every dinosaur and Hot Wheels collection!)
• Authentically yours. That quilt from Grandma? Your nursery wall art? They help tell your family’s story in a way only your home can.

That said, in-home sessions can come with a bit more visual clutter. I always do a light sweep (clearing nightstands, hiding Amazon boxes) so you don’t have to worry about every corner looking Pinterest-perfect. But if your house doesn’t match the soft neutral vibe you want in your images, the studio might be a better fit.

Some Helpful Things to Consider

1. Your Energy Level

Newborn life is beautiful but unpredictable. If the thought of hosting someone or prepping your house feels overwhelming, give yourself permission to choose the easier path. That might be packing everyone up for the studio, where you don’t have to think about your nightstand once.

2. Your Other Kids

Are your older children likely to get restless in the studio, or do you think having more freedom at home would help them relax? Some toddlers thrive best in their space, while others focus better in a new, calm environment. (And whichever location you pick, I’ve got tricks up my sleeve to keep them engaged.)

3. Your Style Preferences

If you love homey touches and images that feel like your environment, an in-home session might be perfect. If you’re drawn to clean minimalism or consistent skin tones across photos, the studio is likely your best bet.

4. The “What Ifs”

Awake baby? We can still get wonderful photos. Mid-session feedings? Totally normal. Blowout on your favorite swaddle? I’ve got backups at the ready. Whatever space we’re in, the key is staying flexible and following baby’s (and your) lead.

At the End of the Day, It’s All About the Connection

No matter which location you choose, newborn photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about freezing the fleeting beauty you’re living right now – sleepy grins, tiny toes, sibling squeezes (and maybe tickles), the way you instinctively reach for your baby without thinking. These are the images that become family treasures.

So whether we’re soaking up morning light in your nursery or capturing yawns in the studio’s buttery-soft window glow, you can know this: we’ll create something lovely together, something real, and something that lets you press pause on your beautifully wild new beginning.

Ready to pick the session type that fits your vibe? I’d love to help.

Let’s Plan Your Newborn Session Together

I offer both in-home and studio newborn sessions across Pittsburgh, Beaver County, and surrounding areas like Wexford, Cranberry Township, and Upper St. Clair. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy couch snuggle or a clutter-free studio glow, we’ll find the best fit for your family.

Learn more about session options on my website, or reach out directly and ask your questions – no pressure, just friendly guidance.

You never regret having photos of your newborn… only not taking them.

Newborn and Family Photography

Hey there, I am Marie! A wife and mama of three littles. Picking up my camera and freezing special stages in everyone’s lives brings a smile to my face. I would love to serve you and other families in the greater Pittsburgh, Beaver, Cranberry Township, Robinson Township and Wexford PA areas. Click here to get in touch with me! Make sure to follow along on Instagram and see the latest laughs!