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Can We Do Both Candid and Posed Photos During Our Photo Session? | Sewickley Photographer

The answer is yes and yes! Why choose? With my photoshoots, you get the best of both worlds!

A family sits on a bed: a woman holding a baby, a young child laughing, and a man. They are all smiling and wearing casual, neutral-colored clothing.



If you’ve ever considered booking a photo session and thought, “I love natural and candid photos… but I also want a few where we’re all looking at the camera!”, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get from families before booking a session is:

“Can we have both candid and posed photos?”

The good news? You don’t have to choose one or the other because I always capture both candid and {naturally} posed images during all of my photo sessions!

During in-home newborn sessions, we ease into a flow that allows for those beautifully imperfect, real-life moments and a few more guided shots with everyone snuggled up together. Think: relaxed, connected, and full of feeling; not stiff or overly posed.

In this post, I’ll talk about how it all comes together and share images from my session with this adorable family of four in their beautiful home in Sewickley!

A family of four sits on a bed. A woman holds a baby, a child sits between her and a man, and they are all looking at each other.


What Do You Mean by “Candid” and “Posed”?

When I say candid, I’m talking about the in-between moments like big brother reaching for his baby sister’s toes, mom brushing the hair out of her toddler’s face, a giggle, a yawn, a family snuggle.

I’m also talking about the spontaneous stuff like parents kissing boo-boos all better, big brother jumping on the bed or helping to brush baby sister’s hair.

These are the moments you probably won’t plan, but will absolutely want to remember.

A family of four sits on a bed. A woman holds a baby, and a man holds a toddler. They are smiling, wearing casual clothes, and against a plain white wall.


Posed, on the other hand, doesn’t mean stiff or formal in my world. My approach to posing is relaxed and natural. I’ll gently guide you into flattering positions that feel like you…without the forced smiles!

For some of your images, I’ll absolutely get the “everyone looking at the camera and smiling” shots because I know those are perfect for sharing on social media or hanging on Grandma’s wall! And don’t worry, I have many ways to get this out of your toddler!

But for most of your gallery, I’ll encourage you not to look at me or my camera. Instead, look at your baby, your partner, your toddler…that’s where the magic is.

I’m there to give direction when you need it, but I’m not aiming for Pinterest perfection. Real connection always wins.

Family sitting on a bed, with a woman holding a baby on her lap and a young child sitting between a man and woman, all smiling at the camera.


Where Do These Photos Happen?

Because my sessions take place in your home, the setting is already meaningful and personal which makes both candid and posed moments feel that much more authentic.

Most of the images included in this post were taken in the family’s bedroom, all snuggled up on the bed. It’s one of my favorite spots because it’s cozy and intimate and perfect for newborn cuddles and toddler giggles.

Go have a look at this blog post from the same session where they also spent time on the couch in the living room, where the family naturally gathered and played together.

Whether we’re in the bedroom, living room, or even the baby’s nursery, I’ll use the light and layout of your space to create a mix of relaxed portraits and documentary-style moments that tell your story.

A man and a woman attend to two infants on a bed. The man is changing the baby on the left, and the woman is playing with the baby on the right.


What If My Toddler Isn’t Cooperating?

This is totally normal. It’s expected and you bet I’ll also be capturing those moments! Toddlers are wonderfully unpredictable which is why my sessions are designed to be flexible and low-pressure. We play, we take breaks, and we let them lead when they need to.

Some of the best candid images happen during those spontaneous toddler moments. And when they’re feeling ready, I’ll gently guide them into a few relaxed portraits with you and their new sibling. No bribing or begging is required.

A father and mother with two young children on a bed. The father holds an infant, and the mother supports a toddler who is leaning in to touch the baby.


You Can Have Both. No Pressure, No Perfection

At the end of your session, you’ll have a gallery full of images that feel like your family. In some images, you’re all smiling and looking at the camera and the others will show the sweet, unscripted connections in between. You don’t have to choose one style or the other…you can have both, effortlessly.

A man adjusts a baby's sweater on a bed, while a toddler in a gray outfit sits beside them, watching. The scene takes place in a bright room with white bedding.
A man tends to a baby in a beige outfit on a white bed. A young child in gray sits nearby, gently touching the baby's face.
A man plays with a baby lying on the bed while a toddler sits nearby, looking on. The setting is a bedroom with white bedding.
A man prepares to diaper a baby lying on a bed, while a toddler rests their head on the baby's stomach, both wearing comfortable clothing.
A man secures a baby's shirt on a bed while a young child sits nearby, gently touching the baby's hand.
Man holding and playing with a young child in a bedroom with natural light from nearby windows.
A toddler in a gray outfit is sitting on a white bed with textured pillows, looking forward with an open mouth expression.
A child in a gray onesie sits and poses on a white bed in three different positions, showing various expressions.
A smiling baby in gray pajamas sits on a large bed with white pillows and bedding, against a light-colored headboard.
Two children lying on a soft surface. One child is smiling, while the other looks at the camera. An adult's hands are seen tickling the smiling child. Both are dressed in knit outfits.
A toddler in a gray sweater lies next to a baby in a pink onesie on a soft white surface, both looking upwards.
A toddler and a baby lie on a soft, white surface. The toddler, wearing a gray knitted top, smiles while looking at the baby, who is dressed in a pink outfit.
A smiling family of four sits on a bed in a bright bedroom. A man holds a toddler, and a woman holds an infant. White bedding and closed doors are visible in the background.
A family of four sits on a bed. The father holds a toddler, and the mother holds an infant. Everyone is smiling. The room is well-lit with white bedding and walls.
Baby lying on a pink floral blanket, wearing a textured pink sweater, looking up with wide eyes.
Baby lying on a pink floral blanket, wearing a beige outfit. Close-up of adult hands holding the baby's feet gently.
Baby in a knitted sweater sits on a pink floral blanket with mouth open, lying on a carpeted floor.
A man holds a crying toddler horizontally in his arms in a bedroom. The man is gently kissing the toddler's foot.
A woman holding a baby wrapped in a knitted blanket, both on a white surface.
A woman wearing a beige dress is sitting on a bed, holding a baby in her arms. The baby is also dressed in beige. The setting is a neutral-toned bedroom.
A baby lying on a soft surface, wearing a pink knitted outfit. An adult's hands gently hold the baby's hands.
A woman with long brown hair gently cradles a baby on a white bed, looking at the baby with a neutral expression.
A man in a pink shirt interacts with a baby in two images on a white bed, smiling and gently kissing the baby's hand.
Baby lying on a soft, white textured blanket, wearing a knitted, beige outfit with a ruffled collar.
A man and a toddler participate in brushing a baby's hair while the baby lies in a pink patterned baby lounger. The toddler holds a toy bear in the first and last panels.
Father helps child with toothbrush at kitchen counter; another child peeks from under-sink cabinet in black and white kitchen setting.


Ready for Photos That Feel Like You?

If you’re hoping for a session that captures both the beauty of your everyday life and a few relaxed portraits for the frame, I’d love to work with you.

Contact me to book your in-home newborn session or reach out with any questions. Let’s make some magic in your space…with candid and naturally posed images!

A family of four sits on a bed in a bright room. The mother holds a baby, and the father sits with a toddler. All are casually dressed and smiling.




If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Pittsburgh,  please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!

Here are some other blog posts that you might want to check out! 


Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!

All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography 

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside.   Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family! 

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    Established in 2009
    Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.

    Mary Beth Miller Photography

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    Established in 2009
    Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Township