Ep 014: Your Newborn Session Options Explained: Studio vs. In-Home
If you’re expecting a baby—first of all, congratulations 🤍
This season is tender, exciting, exhausting, and full of decisions. In today’s episode of the Kelsi Bailey Photography Podcast, I’m walking you through one of the most common questions I receive from expecting families:
“What type of newborn session should we book—studio or in-home?”
Rather than asking you to sort through PDFs during pregnancy or postpartum, this episode is designed to feel like a calm, coffee-date conversation—one where you can listen, breathe, and feel confident about your choice before your baby arrives.
What We Cover in This Episode
In this episode, I break down the two newborn session options I offer and explain what each experience truly looks and feels like.
You’ll learn:
- The key differences between studio newborn sessions and in-home newborn sessions
- What each session style prioritizes (structure vs. flexibility)
- How postpartum recovery, stress levels, and energy play a role in choosing the right fit
- How siblings are included in both session types
- What to expect in terms of pacing, flow, and baby-led flexibility
- How each option impacts the final feel of your images over time
Both session types are designed to be gentle, calm, and centered around your baby—and neither is “better” than the other. They simply tell your story in different ways.
Studio Newborn Sessions: Clean, Calm & Minimal
Studio newborn sessions take place in my bright, neutral studio space and are more structured and controlled. Everything is prepared ahead of time, which means you can simply arrive and settle in.
These sessions are ideal if you:
- Love clean, classic, minimalist imagery
- Prefer a predictable, efficient experience
- Want consistency if you plan to photograph future babies the same way
- Feel energized by getting out of the house
- Are a first-time parent craving simplicity
Studio sessions are still baby-led, relaxed, and unhurried—but they offer a polished, timeless look that’s perfect for framed wall art.
In-Home Newborn Sessions: Cozy, Emotional & Story-Driven
In-home newborn sessions happen right where your life is unfolding—your couch, your bedroom, your nursery, your kitchen. These sessions are slow, flexible, and deeply personal.
They’re a beautiful fit if you:
- Value emotional connection and storytelling
- Want your home and nursery included in your baby’s story
- Have older siblings who benefit from familiar surroundings
- Crave flexibility and a slower pace
- Love images that feel nostalgic and real
And just to say it clearly: your house does not need to be “photo ready.”
I’m not here to judge or document perfection—I’m here to capture your baby in the place you brought them home to.
How to Decide Which Session Is Right for You
During the episode, I invite you to ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Do I want styled simplicity or real-life storytelling?
- Does leaving the house feel energizing or exhausting?
- Do I want my home and nursery included in our photos?
- Am I craving structure or flexibility?
If one option makes you feel calmer just hearing it—that’s likely your answer.
A Gentle Reminder for Expecting Parents
Postpartum looks different for every family. Babies cry. Siblings get tired. Life happens.
Both studio and in-home newborn sessions are designed to honor that reality—with plenty of time for feeding, soothing, breaks, and flexibility.
The goal is never perfection.
The goal is timeless, meaningful images that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Ready to Plan Ahead?
If you’re currently pregnant, listening to this episode now allows you to make this decision before your baby arrives—so once they’re here, it’s one less thing to think about.
If you have questions or want help choosing the best option for your family, I’m always happy to walk through it with you.
Thank you for spending part of your day with me. I’m so honored to be considered for such a special season in your life!
