Studio vs. In-Home Newborn Photography: How to Choose the Best Location for Your Baby’s Photos

Bringing home a newborn is full of tiny moments that feel both overwhelming and unforgettable — and photographs help you hold onto them long after your baby starts growing and changing. One question many parents ask early on is: Should we do our newborn photos at home or in a studio?

As a Minneapolis and Edina newborn photographer, I offer both options — in-home OR inside a beautiful natural-light studio in either Minneapolis or Minnetonka — and studio fees are included so take that decision factor off the table! Each experience is calm, slow-paced, and baby-led. The only decision is where you’ll feel most comfortable.

I will walk you through the benefits of both so you can confidently choose the best fit for your family.

In-Home Newborn Sessions

Comfort, Storytelling, and Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Your Home

Why Families Love In-Home Newborn Photos

• Stay cozy — no packing needed
  Baby stays relaxed at home, everything is within reach, and you never need to worry about forgetting anything.
• Your home becomes part of the story
  The nursery you prepared, the familiar living room, the space where your baby is rocked and soothed — these small details add emotional depth to your photographs.
• Siblings and pets feel at ease
  Toddlers wander in and out comfortably, and pets often join the family portrait in the sweetest, unplanned ways.

Natural Light + Neutral Style for At-Home Newborn Photography

My style is bright, natural, and softly lit. To capture that light and airy feel in your home, we look for:

• Good window light
• Light or neutral walls
• A clean, uncluttered area

Many homes have a perfect corner — often near a bedroom window or in the nursery. But if your home is darker, painted in rich colors, or has limited natural light, a studio may help us create the glowing look you love.

Studio Newborn Sessions

Bright, Minimal & Light-Filled Studio Newborn Photography

f you want a clean, consistent, softly lit backdrop without preparing a space in your home, a studio session may be the perfect fit.

I rent beautiful natural-light studios in Minneapolis and Minnetonka, chosen specifically for their airy white walls and wide windows — and again, you don’t pay anything extra.

Benefits of Choosing a Natural-Light Studio for Newborn Portraits

• Guaranteed bright, soft light
  The glow you see in my portfolio is always available in the studio — no matter the weather or time of year.
• No prep or tidying required
  Leave the house just as it is — bottles on the counter, laundry on the chair, toys everywhere. The studio is ready when you arrive.
• A peaceful outing
  Parents often say it feels like a quiet, calming break — a chance to soak up baby cuddles without the visual noise of home.

What to Expect at a Studio Newborn Photo Session

You bring the baby and essentials, and I’ll take care of the rest:

• Wraps, blankets, and swaddles
• Bows and feminine touches for the girls
• Posing beanbag
• Sound machine (so baby can sleep!)
• Gentle posing guidance
• Plenty of time for feeding + comforting breaks
• Access to my client wardrobe of flattering, postpartum-friendly dresses (available for in-home sessions too!)

Fine Art Albums & Printed Newborn Artwork for Your Home

After your session, you’ll choose from one of three Collections, all of which include a selection of prints and print credits to use toward prints, including fine art albums that are ABSOLUTELY STUNNING – an heirloom piece that can act as nursery decor for now, and heirloom keepsake for later.

You’ll have the option to create:

• Heirloom fine art albums
• Fine art prints
• Matted prints
• Matted frames

So your images don’t stay lost on a phone, but instead become part of your home — and your family story. Trust me, you will thank me some day for this!

In-Home vs. Studio — How to Pick the Right Newborn Photography Setting

Both session types include the same amount of time and the same gentle flow, centered around feeding, soothing, and keeping baby happy.

Choose In-Home Newborn Photography if you want:

• The comfort and ease of staying home
• To include your nursery or familiar family spaces
• A documentary, personal feel

Choose Studio Newborn Photography if you:

• Prefer bright, consistent natural light
• Don’t want to tidy or prep anything
• Enjoy the idea of stepping away for a peaceful morning

There is no wrong choice — simply what feels most relaxing and true to your family.

Want to Learn More about Newborn Photography with Angela Watts?

Whether we’re curled up in your living room or soaking up the light inside a beautiful studio, my goal stays the same: to create heartfelt, timeless newborn photographs — and help you turn them into art you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Expecting a baby in the next 1-3 months? Explore my NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE to learn more.

Are You Ready to Book Your Due Date Today?

I make it easy for you, starting now! Simply BOOK ONLINE here. I hope to meet you and your baby soon!

XO,

Angela