About 90% of the newborn photography sessions I photograph take place in my studio — and honestly, studio sessions are wonderful for so many families. The studio gives me full control over lighting, props, wraps, backdrops, temperature, and setup. It’s especially great for parents who may not want their home photographed or simply want a more styled and posed newborn experience. But every once in awhile, I get to photograph an in-home newborn session like sweet little Judd’s session… and I absolutely fall in love with them all over again. The biggest misconception I hear about in-home sessions is: “My house isn’t big enough.” Trust me — you do NOT need a huge home for beautiful in-home newborn photos. Some of the most beautiful lifestyle sessions I’ve photographed have happened in small nurseries, bedrooms, living rooms, or near a single window with good light. It’s not about the size of your home — it’s about capturing your family in the place where your newest chapter is beginning.

Why I Love In-Home Newborn Sessions

I absolutely LOVE in-home sessions because they capture your brand new family member in the comfort of their own home surrounded by parents, siblings, pets, and all the little details that make your family yours.

Babies change SO much during those first few weeks. Those sleepy stretches, tiny fingers, nursery details, snuggles on the couch, and the way your older child peeks into the crib — those are the moments I love documenting.

These sessions are very lifestyle based, meaning they focus heavily on candid moments, connection, and storytelling rather than perfectly posed setups.

There’s something so special about photographing a family exactly where life is happening.

Natural Light is Everything

For in-home sessions, I love working with natural light. We’ll open window blinds, turn off overhead lighting, and use the beautiful daylight already coming into your home.

The best time for in-home sessions is usually during daylight hours, ideally between 9am–1pm when babies are happiest and the light is strongest. But I understand every family schedule is different, especially with older siblings involved, so I always try to work around what fits best for your family.

And don’t worry if your home feels “too dark.” Honestly, many homes are darker than people think — even mine! If needed, I use my professional flash at a very low power bounced off the ceiling to gently add light while still keeping the images soft and natural looking.

Studio Sessions vs. In-Home Sessions

Both styles are beautiful — they’re just different experiences.

Studio Sessions

Studio sessions tend to be:

• More posed and styled
• Prop-focused
• Controlled lighting and temperature
• Ideal for wrapped poses and sleepy baby setups
• Great for parents wanting a polished studio look

In-Home Sessions

In-home sessions are:

• More candid and lifestyle driven
• Focused on connection and storytelling
• Relaxed and natural
• Perfect for including siblings and pets
• Centered around your family’s everyday moments

There is no “better” option — it truly depends on what style fits your family best.

Tips for Both Studio & In-Home Newborn Sessions

Whether you choose studio or lifestyle in-home photos, these tips stay the same:

Schedule Early

I always encourage families to schedule newborn sessions as soon as they feel comfortable after birth. Typically, the younger the baby, the sleepier and more cooperative they are for photos.

Ideally, sessions happen within the first two weeks after birth, but truly — whenever you’re ready is what matters most.

Feed Baby Before the Session

A full belly usually means a happier, sleepier baby. If you’d like feeding or nursing photos included, we can absolutely document those naturally at the beginning of your session.

Keep it Warm

Babies are happiest when they’re warm and cozy, especially for swaddled or diaper-only photos. Turning the heat up a little before the session helps tremendously.

What Should You Wear?

I always tell moms to choose their outfit first and build everyone else around that.

Soft neutrals, cozy textures, flowy dresses, cardigans, and comfortable clothing photograph beautifully. Most importantly — wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.

The Most Important Thing

At the end of the day, whether you choose a studio session or an in-home lifestyle session, my goal is always the same:
to preserve this incredibly fleeting season of life in a way that feels genuine, emotional, and timeless.

Because those tiny newborn stretches, sleepy snuggles, and overwhelming first weeks?
They pass far too quickly.

And those are the memories worth holding onto forever.

There is something about a newborn that feels almost impossible to put into words. The way they curl up, still so used to being held close. The tiny fingers that instinctively wrap around yours. The soft little noises, the sleepy stretches, the way they fit perfectly in your arms. It is a season that feels slow in the moment—but somehow, it passes in the blink of an eye.

Newborns change faster than any other stage of life. One day they are brand new, and before you know it, their features begin to shift, their expressions become more alert, and those tiny details you thought you’d never forget start to fade. The way their hair lays, the shape of their lips, the way they scrunch their nose—it all evolves so quickly.

That’s why photographs matter so much during this time.

Pictures freeze those fleeting moments that are otherwise impossible to hold onto. They give you something real to look back on when the newborn stage feels like a blur of sleepless nights and full hearts. They remind you just how small they were, how new everything felt, and how deeply you loved them from the very beginning.

It’s easy to think you’ll remember it all. And you will remember pieces. But photographs fill in the gaps. They bring back the emotions, the details, and the little in-between moments that time tends to soften.

Years from now, those images won’t just be for you—they’ll be for them, too. Your child will be able to see how they were held, how they were loved, and how their story began. Those photographs become part of your family’s history, something that grows in value with every passing year.

Taking the time to document your newborn isn’t about perfection. It’s not about having everything just right. It’s about preserving a season that is beautifully short and incredibly meaningful.

Because they are only this little once.

At Julie Kuhlmann Photography, I specialize in capturing the raw, fleeting emotions of growing families. Recently, I photographed two-week-old twin newborns and their one-year-old brother, Lane—a trio lovingly dubbed “Irish triplets.” This session was a beautiful blend of love, connection, and the joyful chaos of a young family.

My photography style focuses on authentic moments, using our studios resources like soft box lights and soft reflectors to illuminate delicate features. This approach highlighted the twins’ serene expressions and Lane’s playful energy, creating timeless images that tell a family’s story with heart and authenticity.

What stood out most was the twins’ remarkable bond. Even at two weeks old, they mirrored each other’s movements—tiny hands reaching out in sync or sleepy expressions aligning perfectly. These moments were pure magic, showcasing the unique connection twins share from the start. Capturing these subtle interactions is what makes my work so rewarding, preserving the essence of their earliest days.

The session balanced tranquility and liveliness. The twins, nestled in soft blankets, offered moments of calm, while Lane’s boundless curiosity brought dynamic energy. One unforgettable moment was when Lane gently touched a twin’s hand, his face glowing with wonder. These candid interactions are the heart of family photography, turning fleeting moments into lasting memories.

Photographing newborns, especially twins, demands patience and care. I create a calm, comfortable environment to keep babies at ease, giving each twin individual attention while capturing their togetherness. An assistant ensures smooth sessions, allowing me to focus on composing shots and selecting props to enhance the visual story. This preparation ensures every image reflects the family’s unique dynamic.

These photographs are more than images; they’re treasures that families like this will cherish as the twins and Lane grow. Photography freezes time, preserving the love and bonds of these early days.

Not every bride dreams of a full-day photoshoot- and that's perfectly okay.

This sweet Catholic wedding was a beautiful reminder that it's not about the quantity of photos, but the quality of moments.  The bride wasn't too keen on all the pre-wedding or post-ceremony photos, but with the gentle encouragement of loved ones, she allowed us to capture a few.

From the soft light streaming into the room as her garter was carefully slipped on to the giggles and chaos of flower girls, to the quiet embrace and first dance under twinkling lights-every images was filled with the love of family.

This wedding was about commitment, faith , and a close-knit crew that clearly adores each other. And in those unscripted moments- a tear, a laugh , a little one sneaking a mint- you find the real magic.

To this couple: thank you for letting me tell your story. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones we didn't plan for.

As a photographer, I get the incredible opportunity to witness people in their element--moments where passion, strength, and authenticity shine through. But every once in a while someone reminds me why I fell in love with storytelling through images in the first place. That someone was Abi.

Abi isn't just working out- she's leading a movement. When I photographed her in the middle of a workout, I saw more than fitness. I saw grit, Purpose, Power,. And most of all- I saw a woman on a mission.

FFE (Fit For Everything) was founded on the unapologetic belief that women are Fit For Everything, and Abi lives that out with every move she makes. From her role as a mom and wife to her passion as a healthcare professional and coach, shoe's showing up for women at every life stage-reminding them that their strength isn't defined by the number on a scale, but by the fire in their spirit.

Photographing her was more than a session, It was a wake-up call- a reminder that strength looks different on every woman, but it always deserves to be seen.

So here's to Abi, and to every woman finding her strength on her own terms. You are, without a doubt, fit for everything.

learn more about Abi's mission at www.fitforeverything.org

Follow her journey @fitforeverything_pa