If you have been scrolling through Instagram or searching Google for a newborn photographer in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs, you have probably noticed a trend.

Most photographers seem to sit firmly in one camp.
Either they specialise in very styled, posed images with wraps and props, or they only offer soft, lifestyle photos with white walls and no sets at all.

At Studio Z Photography, I work a little differently.

I do not believe your family should have to squeeze into one box. Babies are not one dimensional and neither are the stories that surround them. Some days feel calm and curled up, others feel messy and real. All of it is worth photographing.

I am a newborn photographer who loves variety. Some sessions feel like creating artwork for your walls. Others feel like quietly observing your family just as you are.

If you are wondering what kind of session is right for your baby, here is a simple breakdown of the three ways I can photograph your newborn, and how to choose what fits you best.

1. The Artist: My Posed Studio Style

This is where I get to lean into colour, texture and creativity.

If you love those classic images of a sleepy newborn curled up on a tiny bed, wrapped snugly and surrounded by beautiful styling, this is the style for you.

In my Forest Hill studio, I have everything we need for posed sessions:

Tiny beds, bowls and rustic baskets designed for newborns
A curated collection of wraps, bonnets, headbands and outfits
Soft layers and textures that work well on camera
A considered colour palette that can be tailored to your home

I am not afraid of colour, and I love building sets that feel playful and joyful while still being refined. We can work with muted greens, warm earthy tones, soft pastels or deeper colours, depending on what you are drawn to.

This style is ideal if you are dreaming of:

Artistic portraits that are ready to print and hang
Access to a full studio wardrobe of props and colours
Sleepy, curled poses that require professional safety techniques

Behind every posed image is a lot of care. Your baby is always supported and never forced into a position that does not feel right. Safety and comfort come first, always.

2. The Observer: My Natural / Lifestyle Style

Sometimes, the most powerful photograph is simply you holding your baby.

My natural and lifestyle newborn photography strips things back. Instead of focusing on sets and props, we focus on connection. This can take place in the studio or in a bright corner of your home.

Here, there are no buckets or costumes. Instead, we lean on:

Soft, natural light
Simple, neutral styling
Gentle direction, rather than rigid posing

We pay attention to the little moments:

Your baby’s hand curled around your finger
The way they settle on your chest
The quiet look between you and your partner as you both look at your baby

This style is perfect if you want:

A clean, minimalist aesthetic
Photos that highlight your bond as a family
A relaxed, baby led session where we move at your newborn’s pace

If you like the idea of photos that will still feel timeless in years to come, natural and lifestyle images are a beautiful option.

3. The Storyteller: My Documentary Style

Then there is the raw, lived-in side of newborn life.

For families who want to remember exactly how this season feels, I offer documentary style newborn sessions. I come to your home in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs – whether you are in Forest Hill, Vermont, Blackburn, Mitcham, Nunawading or nearby – and simply spend time with you.

There is no posing and no “everyone look at the camera”. Instead, I quietly observe and photograph your everyday rhythms, such as:

Bath time in the evening
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding on the couch
Siblings reading or playing nearby
Nappy changes, outfit changes and everything in between
The way your home looks in this season, toys and all

This style is ideal if you want:

A true time capsule of what life with a new baby actually feels like
Zero pressure to perform or have a “perfect” house
Images that honour both the love and the chaos of this time

Documentary sessions work particularly well if you want your child to look back one day and see what home really looked like in their first weeks.

So, Which Style Fits Your Family?

The beauty of booking with me as your newborn photographer in Forest Hill is that you are not locked into one approach.

Because I work across posed, natural and documentary styles, we can:

Choose one style that clearly matches your vision
Or blend elements, for example:

A posed studio session with a few relaxed family portraits
A documentary session at home with a handful of slightly more guided ‘lifestyle’ moments

When you get in touch, I will ask you a few simple questions about:

What you are drawn to when you look at newborn photos
How you imagine using your images – in an album, framed on the wall, or both
Whether you prefer to photograph in my studio in, Forest Hill, or your own home

From there, we can plan a session that reflects your family, not a trend.

Experienced Newborn Photography in Melbourne’s East

If you have been searching for an experienced baby photographer in Melbourne and you are not sure which style to choose, you do not have to decide alone.

My role is to guide you, explain how each option works and help you land on something that feels right for this season of your life.

Whether you are dreaming of:

A colourful, styled studio session
A soft, natural session focused on snuggles and quiet moments
Or a documentary session that simply follows your day

I would love to help you tell this part of your family’s story.

Posed, Natural or Candid? Why I Photograph It All (And How To Choose What Suits You)

1. The Artist: My Posed Studio Style

2. The Observer: My Natural / Lifestyle Style

3. The Storyteller: My Documentary Style

So, Which Style Fits Your Family?

Experienced Newborn Photography in Melbourne’s East

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