Traditional vs Lifestyle Newborn Photography: Which Style Suits You Best?

There are two styles of newborn session to choose from at Sarah Fisher Photography: Traditional and Lifestyle. They have a lot in common, but there are some real differences in how they look and feel, and knowing which one suits you best makes the whole booking process much simpler.

A newborn baby sleeping wearing a grey flat cap

Traditional Newborn Photography

Traditional newborn sessions are what most people picture when they think of newborn photography. You’ll have seen plenty of this style on my website and social media as it’s been popular in the UK for well over a decade.

Sessions take place on my giant posing beanbag, and your baby will be gently posed throughout. Comfort is always the priority, poses are never forced, and everything is done slowly and carefully. Your baby can be photographed without their nappy for those classic sleepy shots, and you have a huge amount of choice over colour scheme, props, accessories and themed ideas. Parents and siblings are very welcome to be part of the session too.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography

A lifestyle session has a softer, more natural feel. We use my bed setup and Moses basket rather than the beanbag, and the overall look is less styled and more relaxed. Your baby will be in a plain sleepsuit or vest for most of the session rather than photographed without clothing.

There’s still an element of posing, but we keep it gentle and natural. These sessions work beautifully for families who want a more documentary feel, and because we’re not working with your baby quite as closely, they’re also a good option for babies who’ve passed the traditional newborn window.

Whichever style you choose, sessions are relaxed and enjoyable. Traditional doesn’t mean stiff or formal, it’s just the name that distinguishes it, and the comparison below will help you see the differences at a glance.

a newborn sleeps on her tummy wearing a sparkly crown
Lifestyle Newborn
a view from above of a newborn asleep tucked up with a pair of tiny angel wings on their back
Traditional Newborn
Regardless of the style you choose, sessions are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable. Just because it’s called a Traditional Newborn session doesn’t mean that it’s stiff and formal – I just  had to call it something to distinguish it and the name does technically fit!
The little graphic below should be a helpful guide to the main differences between the two…
a chart showing the differences between my traditional and lifestyle newborn photography
a sleeping newborn baby girl wrapped in pink and her new rabbit toy
a newborn sleeping on a basket with a tall toy giraffe standing behind them
A newborn dressed in a grey romper sleeping on a white bed

Everything You Need to Know About Newborn Photography

Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most incredible moments, and capturing those early days with professional photography ensures you have beautiful memories to cherish forever. Whether you’re wondering when to book, how to prepare, or what to expect at your session, I’ve created a collection of helpful guides and resources to answer all your questions.

From safety in newborn photography to including siblings or pets, explore these expert articles to help you plan the perfect newborn photo shoot. Click below to find out more!  If you don’t find the answers to your question here, of course I’m always happy to help so just get in touch

Newborn Photography in East Grinstead

Newborn photo shoots are best when your baby is between 5 and 10 days old. This is when they’re at their sleepiest and curliest, perfect for capturing those beautifully calm and natural images. I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant so we can set a provisional date and adjust once your baby arrives.

Your session takes place in my warm, cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed with your baby’s comfort in mind. Sessions are relaxed and unrushed, and include three digital images of your choice for £95. There’s no sales session, just a private online gallery where you can view and choose your favourites in your own time.