What is Birth vs Newborn Photography?
Find out what is best for you.
Birth vs newborn photography, what are the differences? As a mama, welcoming a baby is one of the most life-changing experiences. Between the excitement of pregnancy and the whirlwind of birth planning, most mamas don’t stop to consider if they want to capture this journey. That’s where I come in. Being a Birth and Newborn Photographer, I’m here to guide you in choosing the photography style that best fits your vision.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the types of Newborn photography, including birth photography, so you can confidently choose the perfect way to tell your baby’s story.
What is Birth Photography?
Birth photography is all about documenting the raw, emotional moments of labor, birth, and the first precious minutes after. This session takes place at your hospital, birth center, or home and tells the full story of your baby’s arrival.
What it captures
– The miracle, strength and beauty of labor and birth
– Emotional support from your spouse, doula, or birth team
– Your baby’s first breath, first cry, and first moments in your arms
– The immediate bond, skin-to-skin contact, first latch, and golden hour
Why you will love it
– Captures the full journey of bringing your baby into the world
– Completely documentary-style, raw, real, and powerful
– No posing, just pure storytelling
Things to consider
– You will need to be comfortable with a photographer being present during labor
– Timing is unpredictable, so your photographer will be on-call
– It is a bigger investment due to the on-call nature and time commitment
What is a Fresh 48 Photography?
Fresh 48 sessions take place within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, capturing those first snuggles and newborn details. It is a great option if you want to document your baby’s earliest moments without having a photographer present for labor and birth.
What it captures
– Your baby’s first hours of life in a natural, relaxed way
– Sibling introductions and first family moments
– Sweet details like bassinet snuggles, and first yawns
Why you will love it
– A beautiful way to document brand-new newborn details
– No pressure, just natural, intimate moments
– Less invasive than birth photography but still captures early memories
Things to consider
– While not like Birth Photography, timing is still unpredictable, so your photographer will be on-call to ensure arriving within the 48 hours
– If done in the hospital, the setting may feel less personal
What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
Lifestyle Newborn sessions are flexible and documentary in style. They capture your baby’s early days in the comfort of your home or outdoors. No props, no forced poses, just your love, your connection, and your family as you are.
What it captures
– Documentary-style images capturing snuggles, sibling interactions, and quiet moments of bonding
Why you will love it
– No rush, schedule it when you feel ready
– No pressure to look perfect, just real, meaningful moments
– Your baby is more alert, allowing for more family interactions
Things to consider
– It will not capture those just-born, first-day moments like a Fresh 48
– Less about birth and more about settling into parenthood
Birth vs Newborn Photography. Which One is Right for You?
Birth Photography is for you if
– You want to document the full journey of your baby’s arrival
– You love raw, emotional, and completely unscripted storytelling
– You are comfortable with a photographer being present during labor
Fresh 48 is for you if
– You want those brand-new, first-day moments but do not want labor and birth captured
– You are open to the session taking place at the hospital, birth center, or your home
– You want to remember all the tiny newborn details before they change
Lifestyle Documentary Newborn is for you if
– You prefer a more relaxed at-home session with your newborn
– You want to focus on family interactions and real-life moments
– You love the idea of capturing the everyday beauty of newborn life
Capturing Your Baby’s Story, Your Way
No matter which style you choose, these intimate photography sessions allow you to relive the magic of your baby’s arrival.
Before making a decision, think about what moments matter most to you—whether it’s the raw emotion of birth, the first 48 hours, or the beauty of everyday newborn life. Ultimately, choose the session that speaks to your heart.
A Personal Note
I have two kiddos, and their births were completely different—one a gentle cesarean, the other an incredible hospital water VBAC. At the time, I wanted birth photography but hesitated, worrying about how I’d look and the cost.
Looking back now, I deeply regret not capturing their full birth stories. While I’ll always remember giving birth to them, I’ve come to realize these memories aren’t just for me—they’re for them too. They deserve to see the love, strength, and support that surrounded their arrival into the world.
Thankfully, I have a few cherished cell phone photos. Even now, my six-year-old loves looking at his birth pictures, asking about the day he was born. It’s a powerful reminder that these moments matter—not just today, but for a lifetime.
If you are looking for birth, Fresh 48, or lifestyle newborn photography in Metro Detroit, let’s connect and create the perfect session for your family.
