Indoor vs. Outdoor Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoots: Which is Right for You?


Welcoming a newborn into your family is a magical time filled with precious moments you’ll want to remember forever. One of the best ways to capture this special stage is through a lifestyle newborn photoshoot. A lifestyle newborn photoshoot is a wonderful way to capture the sweet natural moments of connection between you and your newborn. Should you have an indoor, or an outdoor newborn photoshoot?


Both options offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your personal style, comfort level, and the vision you have for your photos. This blog explores the key differences between indoor and outdoor lifestyle newborn sessions to help you decide which one is the best fit for your family.


Indoor Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoots

An indoor lifestyle newborn session takes place in the comfort of your home, allowing for an intimate and cozy setting that beautifully reflects your everyday life. Here are some reasons why an indoor session might be the perfect choice:


1. Comfort and Convenience

Newborns thrive in familiar environments. At-home sessions provide a relaxed atmosphere where you and your baby can feel at ease. There’s no need to pack a diaper bag, worry about the weather, or venture outside with a new baby.


2. Personalized Setting

Your home serves as the backdrop for your session, adding a unique and meaningful touch to your photos. The nursery, living room, or even your bedroom can be incorporated to tell your family’s story in a natural and personal way.


3. More Flexibility

Indoor sessions allow for more flexibility in timing. Since we’re not relying on the sun’s position, we can work around your baby’s feeding and nap schedule, ensuring a stress-free experience.


4. Cozy and Intimate Moments

There’s something incredibly special about capturing those snuggly, quiet moments—rocking your baby in the nursery, cuddling on the couch, or laying together on the bed. Indoor sessions highlight the raw, everyday beauty of parenthood.


5. Consideration for Mother’s Recovery

The postpartum period can be physically demanding, and many new mothers may not feel up to walking around outside in the first few weeks after birth. An indoor session allows for a more relaxed experience, ensuring the mother is comfortable in her own home while still capturing beautiful memories with her newborn.


Outdoor Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoots

If you love the idea of incorporating nature into your baby’s first photos, an outdoor lifestyle session might be the way to go. Outdoor newborn shoots can be breathtaking with the beauty of nature surrounding you and your sweet newborn. Here are some reasons why an outdoor newborn photoshoot might be right for you:


1. Natural Light and Scenic Backdrops

Outdoor sessions take advantage of beautiful natural lighting, especially during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset). The soft, warm glow creates stunning, dreamy images that highlight your little one beautifully.


2. Seasonal Beauty

Each season offers something special for an outdoor newborn session. A field of wildflowers in spring, golden leaves in autumn, or a snowy wonderland in winter can create magical, one-of-a-kind images.


3. Minimalist and Organic Feel

Outdoor settings allow for simple, timeless imagery. A wide-open field, a quiet park, or even your backyard can provide a beautiful, natural aesthetic that keeps the focus on your baby and family.


4. Unique and Artistic Shots

Outdoor newborn sessions lend themselves to more creative and artistic compositions. Imagine capturing your baby swaddled in a basket on a soft grassy field or peacefully resting in your arms with a breathtaking mountain backdrop.


Things to Consider

While both indoor and outdoor sessions have their benefits, there are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding:

Weather and Temperature: Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, so outdoor sessions are best during mild weather conditions.

Baby’s Age: Outdoor sessions work well for slightly older newborns (around 2-4 weeks), whereas indoor sessions can be done as early as the first few days after birth.

Lighting Conditions: Indoor sessions rely on available natural light from windows, while outdoor sessions depend on the sun’s position and weather conditions.

Mother’s Recovery: It’s important to consider how the mother is feeling physically after birth. Some new moms may not be up for an outdoor session requiring movement, while an indoor session provides a more restful and comfortable experience.


Final Thoughts

Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor lifestyle newborn session, both options offer a beautiful way to document your baby’s earliest days. If you love cozy, intimate moments in your home, an indoor session is ideal. If you dream of soft natural light and scenic landscapes, an outdoor session may be the perfect fit. Either way, your newborn’s first portraits will be filled with love and meaning.


Still unsure which session is right for you? I’d love to chat and help you decide the best way to capture your family’s story!

Black and white image of a sleeping newborn baby girl on her mothers shoulder.  Mom smiling and looking out in the distance.  Indoor shoot
Indoor newborn session.  Black and white image, birds eye view of a sleeping newborn baby girl.
Image looking down on a newborn baby boy with bright blue eyes.  He is lay in a moses basket on a crochet blanket
Baby boy in a green romper.  He is lay on his front on a crochet blanket on the grass with green trees surrounding him
At home newborn photoshoot.  Mom, Dad and two dogs sat on a sofa in a living room.  Mom is holding a baby boy.  Mom and Dad looking at him
At home newborn photoshoot, mom and dad sat on the bed.  Mom is holding a newborn baby boy
Outdoor newborn photoshoot.  Mom and Dad sat on the grass, baby is in a moses basket in the middle of them
Outdoor newborn photoshoot.  Birds eye view looking down on a newborn baby girl sleeping in a moses basket with green blankets