When you start to look for a newborn photographer it becomes clear that not all newborn photography is the same. It’s important to know what style you are interested in and what style your chosen photographer offers.

When I started my photography business, I knew I wanted to offer newborn sessions. At the time, and even still today, if you mention newborn photography, the first thing that generally comes to mind would be the traditional, posed, sleeping baby. And that’s exactly what I offered for a few years.

But as a lifestyle and documentary family photographer, posed newborn sessions didn’t exactly fit with my style. So I made the switch to lifestyle newborn photography sessions and I haven’t looked back since!

But what is the difference between the two styles???

With posed newborns, the sessions usually take place within two weeks of baby being born to get the curled up, sleepy look. Photographers will use all kinds of tricks to get baby to sleep (space heaters, white noise, dummies, rocking). Once asleep the baby is posed into a position on a bean bag, in a basket or some other prop, either in the nude or swaddled up tightly in a beautiful muslin. The photographer will provide a range of accessories to use from headbands, beanies, blankets, wraps and outfits. They are often taken on a plain background to show off the baby and props. Although they can take place in the home, they are usually held in a studio setting, sometimes with artificial light. When taken well, these images are beautiful! There are some truly talented traditional newborn photographers, and I have the upmost respect for them.

But when I made the decision to change styles, I looked through my newborn portfolio and it was the images that showed the love and connection, the moments that unfolded naturally, the details of the family and their home that I loved the most. And that is exactly what I now focus on as a lifestyle and documentary newborn photographer - connection, emotion, relationships and moments.

Babies work to their own agenda. If they want to sleep through their session, great. If they want to stay awake the entire time, that's also great (plus, capturing an awake baby is pretty special)! Babies unfold and curl into the most adorable positions all on their own and I realised there was no need for me to pose them, but if baby doesn’t want to be put down and wants to be held the entire time, that’s a-okay too!

As well as capturing baby on their own, I always include all family members who are home during the session from pets to grandparents to extended family. I don’t need to bring any props because I use the family’s own items and the home environment (special blankets, the bassinet or cot, baby’s toys, the parents’ bed, the living room sofa) to help tell the story of their baby and add extra meaning to the images.

Lifestyle newborn sessions usually take place in the family’s home or at a place of special interest to them. Although they are usually booked within the first few weeks of life, an added benefit to them is that they can take place at any age.

After making the change in styles, my newborn sessions now average 90 minutes. I don’t drag around a suitcase full of props, but instead bring my step stool and camera bag packed with a few bits and THAT’S IT!

There is no need for a beanbag, fancy props, a space heater, or even a sleeping baby! All I need is a newborn with a family in a home (with at least one window) and I can make beautiful images full of moments and love, and can capture all of the feelings of life at home with a new baby.

If you’re interested in a lifestyle newborn session for your baby, get in touch and I’ll tell you more about my sessions. If you’re looking for a posed newborn photographer, don’t hesitate to reach out as well because I’d be happy to recommend a few in the area.

Jenny Rusby is a natural light, lifestyle and documentary photographer and specialised newborn photographer, maternity photographer and family photographer. She services all areas of Victoria, including inner Melbourne suburbs such as Richmond, Northcote, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Malvern East, South Melbourne, Elwood, as well as outer south eastern subrubs, bayside areas such as Morntington, Sorrento and Red Hill. She also services the west of Melbourne and will travel to Geelong on request.