Why No Two Newborn Sessions Look the Same (And Why That’s a Good Thing!)

One of the things I love most about in-home lifestyle photography is that no two sessions ever look the same because no two families or homes are the same. That’s what makes each session feel so personal. Unlike studio photography, where lighting and setups are carefully controlled to create a consistent style, in-home sessions are naturally more varied and personal, reflecting the unique spaces and people I’m photographing.

Your home and your people make your photos uniquely yours. My goal isn’t to recreate the same poses or setups for every family, but to document your life as it is, in the spaces where you live and love.

Recently, I had the joy of photographing a family for the second time in their beautiful historic home in the Thornburg neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The first time I visited, they had just welcomed their beautiful baby girl, and now two years later, I was back to document life with their precious new baby boy.

When I say that no two sessions are the same, that goes for two sessions with the same family!

Their daughter, now a toddler and proud big sister, added a whole new dynamic to the session. It was the same home, the same family, and yet a completely different photo session experience, and that’s exactly what I love about in-home sessions. While I try to get a few similar shots with baby #2 that I did with baby #1, sessions with your second baby are a little different than the first time around!

Your Home Tells Your Story

Your home sets the stage for your photos. Whether you live in a bright, modern house or a cozy, historic home like this family’s, your home’s decor and layout influence the look and feel of your session. The colors on your walls, furniture, and decor are not just part of your unique story; but these things also set a tone for your final images. Light, neutral walls and decor tend to create an airy feel in photos, while bold colors add a pop of personality and contrast.

What You Wear Makes a Difference

Clothing choices play a big role in the overall vibe of your photos. Neutral tones create a soft, timeless feel, while bold colors can bring more of a vibrant energy. The family in this session chose earthy, comfortable tones that complemented their home’s aesthetic and made the images feel cohesive without looking overly “styled.”

There’s no one right way to dress for a newborn session, but I always encourage families to choose things they feel good in and reflect who they are. Select from a palette of colors that you love on yourself and your kids. I tend to advise families to choose comfort over style, and that comfort and authenticity always shows up in the final images.

Weather and Outdoor Light Matter (Especially in Pittsburgh)

If you live in Pittsburgh, you already know we get our fair share of overcast skies and gray days. And while I love the dreamy light that streams in on a sunny morning, I’ve also come to appreciate the moodiness and softness of a cloudy day.

With this session, we started with a mostly sunny day that quickly turned into overcast skies. When the sun is shining, I love the way the light pours in through the windows, adding a natural glow to everything. But on a rainy day, the soft, diffused light can create equally beautiful images.

After photographing families in their homes for over 15 years, I have learned to adjust accordingly and can work with whatever light we have on the day of the session! I never reschedule due to overcast skies and rain (unless you also want some photos outside on the porch or in the yard). The weather and lighting on the day of your session are part of what keeps every session unique.

Natural Light Shapes the Session

I almost always rely solely on natural light in my sessions, which means I’m always paying close attention to the size, location, and direction of the windows in your home. I usually turn off all the lamps and overhead lights because they create mixed lighting, but sometimes the warm glow of a lamp will add a little something to the images.

In this session, we photographed mainly in the family’s main bedroom and the nursery, which gave us soft, even light. In a different home, with smaller or differently positioned windows, we might shoot in other areas entirely. No matter the space, I’ll find the best light and use it to create warm, natural images that reflect your family’s story.

When I arrive at a family’s home, I ask them which rooms they had in mind for photos, then I take a quick peek around and choose the room or rooms with the best natural light.

No Two Sessions Are Ever the Same: And That’s the Point

Your family, your home, and the light all change from one session to the next, even with the same photographer. That’s why no two galleries from me ever look identical, and why I never aim for a “cookie-cutter” experience.

If you’re expecting and thinking about newborn photos, know that your session will be authentic to your family and your home. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, whether your house is full of natural light or cozy with small windows, your photos will reflect your unique story.

Ready to book your own in-home newborn session in Pittsburgh?
Let’s chat! I’d love to help you document this special season in a way that’s true to your family. Reach out through my contact page to get started.

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!