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Studio vs. In-Home Newborn Photography in Pittsburgh

As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, I’m proud to offer two beautiful, meaningful ways to document your baby’s earliest days: in-home lifestyle sessions and studio sessions. Both approaches are centered on comfort, connection, and preserving these fleeting moments—but the experience and style of each are a little different.

Not sure which one’s right for you? Let me take you behind the scenes of both!

lifestyle portrait of a newborn with family on a bed

Newborn Lifestyle Sessions

Real, Relaxed and Personal

If you’re someone who loves natural, emotional storytelling, an in-home lifestyle session might be your perfect fit. These sessions take place in the comfort of your own home—often in the nursery, the master bedroom, and/or living room—wherever your family feels at ease.

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect house. All we need is a window with good light, a cozy space, and your connection with your baby. I’ll guide you gently, but the magic comes from the genuine moments:

  • Siblings snuggling their baby
  • Rocking in the nursery chair
  • Tiny toes curled on your bedspread

These sessions are unposed (or lightly posed), and they beautifully reflect your daily life with a newborn—exactly as it is, in this precious season.

baby laying on a white bed

Newborn Studio Sessions

Timeless, artistic and peaceful

If you love clean, simple newborn photos that feel natural and timeless, my home studio in Mt. Lebanon is the perfect setting. I specialize in unposed, baby-led sessions using whites and neutral tones to keep the focus on your baby’s unique features—tiny toes, sleepy stretches, delicate eyelashes.

The studio is calm, cozy, and softly lit, with a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for new families. I use soft blankets, wraps, and minimal props to create a look that’s pure and uncluttered. No stiff posing—just your baby, exactly as they are in these first days of life.

  • Neutral setups
  • Natural positions based on baby’s comfort
  • A relaxed pace with plenty of time for feeding and soothing
  • Gentle guidance for parent and sibling shots, if desired

Which Session Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

  

Style

Location

Focus

Vibe

Perfect for

Studio Newborn

Posed, artistic, clean

My home studio

Baby centered

Quiet, cozy, peaceful

Timeless portraits with polish

Lifestyle Newborn

Emotional, storytelling

Your home

Family connection

Warm, authentic 

Relaxed, authentic experience

Final Thoughts

There’s no right or wrong—just what feels right for your family. Some clients even choose to do both: a studio newborn session followed by an in-home milestone or family session a few months later.

Whichever you choose, my goal is always the same: to give you a calm, connected experience and images you’ll treasure forever.

Let's tell your story!

Let’s work together to create beautiful images that you can treasure for a lifetime!

Laura Mares

I'm thankful to be a wife, mother and Pittsburgh lifestyle photographer. I photograph because I believe that life is simply beautiful and every person has a story worth telling. I'd love to tell yours.

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