Thinking about doing a photo shoot but not sure where to start? It’s normal to feel a bit lost. There are many different kinds of photoshoots, and choosing the right one depends on your goal, the life moment you want to capture, and what makes you feel comfortable.
At Wonderstory I’ve spent years helping families and couples find the photo shoot type that fits them best. If you’re looking for professional photo sessions in Barcelona, here I explain the main types that exist, how they differ, and how to choose the perfect option for you.
Photo Shoot Types by Event
The most common way to classify photo sessions is by the life moment or event you want to capture. Each occasion has its own characteristics and requires a different approach.
Maternity Sessions (Pregnancy)
Pregnancy photography captures the waiting for your baby, usually between weeks 28 and 34. It’s one of the most emotional sessions because you capture a unique moment.
What to expect from the session:
- Relaxed session, no rush, where you set the pace
- Focus on the connection with your baby and your partner
- Natural and elegant style, no forced poses
- Approximate duration of 1 hour
- Between 15 and 30 edited photos
Most of these sessions are done in studio, where controlled lighting lets me highlight the pregnancy shapes elegantly. They can also be done outdoors if you prefer a more natural environment.
Newborn Sessions
Newborn sessions are done in the first 7 to 21 days of the baby’s life, when they still have that characteristic curled position. It’s probably the photo shoot type that requires the most photographer experience.
- Total patience because we respect the baby’s rhythm
- Duration of 2 to 3 hours, including breaks for feeding and changes
- Safety and warmth as absolute priorities
- Photos of baby alone and with family
- Warm environment in the studio (babies need heat)
These sessions can be done in studio or at your home. The studio advantage is total control of environment and temperature. The home advantage is capturing the baby in their real environment during their first days. Both options work well with an experienced photographer.
Family Sessions
Family photography sessions capture the connection between all family members at a specific moment in your lives. It’s one of the most versatile formats.
When to do it:
- Once a year as a family tradition
- Important changes: new baby, fast-growing kids
- Family gatherings with grandparents, cousins, multiple generations
- Simply because you haven’t had photos together in a while
Family sessions work very well both in studio and outdoors. In studio you have total control and it works perfect for small babies. Outdoors older kids enjoy the movement and photos have a more dynamic feel.
Couple Sessions
Couple sessions can be romantic, fun or casual, depending on your style. I guide you so you feel comfortable and the photos reflect your real connection.
Typical occasions:
- Anniversaries
- Pre-wedding (engagement)
- Valentine’s Day
- Simply because you want photos together
Outdoors usually works very well for couples: a walk through the city, a nice park, the beach. The relaxed environment helps you forget about the camera. Studio is a better option if you’re looking for something more intimate or elegant.
Communion and Christening Sessions
Religious events like communions and christenings usually have a more formal and elegant style. They require photographer experience to capture the key ceremony moments and traditional group photos.
What it normally includes:
- Photos before the ceremony (preparations)
- Coverage of the religious event
- Group photos with family
- Individual portraits of the boy or girl
- Candid photos of the celebration
These sessions combine event reportage with portraits in studio or outdoors. The photographer needs to know how to move during religious ceremonies and manage large family groups.
Birthday Sessions
Birthday sessions can have different formats depending on what you’re looking for.
With professional photographer:
- Themed mini sessions in studio
- Full party coverage
- Artistic portraits to celebrate the age
Self-photo format (alternative):
For birthdays with friend groups looking for fun and spontaneity, self-photo studios are an interesting alternative. You control the camera with a remote, there’s no photographer present, and you take hundreds of photos. It’s more casual but very fun for groups.
Personal Branding and Professionals
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer or work on social media, you need professional photos that convey your personal brand. A specialized photographer knows how to project the image you need.
A good set includes:
- Professional portraits for LinkedIn and website
- Photos working to show authenticity
- Different outfits and backgrounds for content variety
- Images that reflect your professional personality
These sessions are almost always done in studio, where lighting control lets me get consistent and professional results.
Christmas and Seasonal Sessions
Christmas sessions are a classic that many families repeat every year. The studio is decorated with festive elements and photos are used for cards, gifts or simply as memories.
There are also themed sessions for other times: Halloween, spring, summer at the beach. The common thread is taking advantage of a special occasion to create memories.
By Location: Where to Do Your Session
The location greatly influences the style and atmosphere of the photos. Each option has its advantages.
Studio Sessions
The studio is the most controlled and predictable environment. It offers professional lighting, neutral or themed backgrounds, and total privacy.
Studio advantages:
- Total control of light and environment
- No weather or season dependency
- Privacy and intimacy guaranteed
- Consistent and predictable results
- Ideal for babies who need warmth
When to choose studio:
The studio is the best option for newborn sessions, pregnancy, professional portraits and any situation where you need total control. It also works very well for families with small babies who need a calm environment.
Outdoor Sessions
Outdoor sessions take advantage of natural light and locations with character: parks, beaches, urban streets, forests. The result has a more dynamic and spontaneous feel.
Outdoor advantages:
- Natural light with vivid colors
- Relaxed environment that helps you feel comfortable
- Variety of backgrounds in a single session
- Photos with movement and energy
- Ideal for active kids
When to choose outdoors:
Family sessions with older kids work very well outdoors because they can move and play. Couples find a romantic environment in natural locations. Spring and autumn offer the best light.
It depends on weather, so you need flexibility with dates. A good photographer knows how to adapt and has backup plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Lifestyle Sessions (at Home)
Lifestyle sessions are done in your home, capturing natural moments in your own environment. I document your real life, not a created scene.
When it makes sense:
- Newborn sessions in the first days (baby is in their environment)
- Families who want to document their daily life
- When home has special meaning for the story
This format requires a photographer with natural light experience and ability to adapt to spaces not designed for photography. It’s not for all situations, but when it fits, the results are very authentic.
By Photography Style
Beyond the event and location, the photography style defines the final result. More natural and spontaneous approaches keep gaining popularity.
Natural and Lifestyle
Candid photos with little photographer intervention. Real moments and authentic emotions are captured. I guide subtly but let things flow.
Characteristics:
- Natural poses, no forcing
- Real interaction between people
- Soft light and warm colors
- Minimal direction, maximum authenticity
It’s the predominant style in family, pregnancy and couple photography. It works best when I can create a relaxed environment.
Documentary and Candid
Reportage photography where the photographer captures moments without intervening, like an observer. No prepared poses, only real moments as they happen.
Ideal for:
- Weddings and events
- Christenings and communions
- Any celebration where you want to remember what happened
Editorial and Artistic
More polished style, with defined poses, dramatic lighting and careful composition. The photographer has a clear vision and directs the session to achieve it.
Ideal for:
- Personal branding
- Model portfolio
- Specific creative projects
How to Choose the Right Session?
Now that you know the main options, how do you decide which is yours? Ask yourself these questions:
What moment do you want to capture?
- Pregnancy: Maternity session between weeks 28-34
- Newborn baby: Newborn session in first 7-21 days
- Growing family: Annual family session
- Couple: Romantic or pre-wedding session
- Special event: Communion, christening, birthday
- Professional: Personal branding
Where do you feel most comfortable?
- Studio: Total control, privacy, ideal for babies
- Outdoors: Nature, movement, natural light
- Home: Only for newborn or specific lifestyle
What style of photos do you like?
Look at the photographer’s portfolio before booking. Each professional has their style and it’s important it connects with what you’re looking for.
What is your budget?
Professional sessions vary by type and duration. A basic family session doesn’t cost the same as a 3-hour newborn session. If you want to better understand the price ranges, we have a complete price guide that explains what each photo shoot type includes.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, each photo shoot type has its moment and purpose. The important thing is to choose based on what you really need: the moment you want to capture, where you feel comfortable and what style you like.
A good photographer will help you decide and guide you through the entire session so you feel relaxed. The best photos come when you’re yourself, without pressure or artifice.
Need help choosing?
- Write to us and I’ll advise you based on your situation
- If it’s a gift and you don’t know which photo shoot type to choose, a gift card allows them to choose themselves
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What photo shoot types exist?
The main photo shoot types are: maternity (pregnancy), newborn, family, couple, communion and christenings, birthdays, and personal branding. They’re also classified by location (studio, outdoors, home) and by style (natural, documentary, editorial). The choice depends on the moment you want to capture and your preferences.
How much does a professional photo session cost?
The price varies by session type, duration and what it includes. Basic family sessions usually start from 150-200 euros. Newborn sessions, which last longer and require more experience, can cost between 250-400 euros. Always ask what it includes: number of edited photos, session time and if there are additional products.
How to choose the right photo shoot type?
Ask yourself what moment you want to capture (pregnancy, family, couple, event), where you feel most comfortable (studio or outdoors), and what photo style you like. Look at the photographer’s portfolio to make sure their style connects with you. A good professional will help you decide during the initial consultation.
Is it better to do the session in studio or outdoors?
It depends on the session type and your preferences. The studio offers total light control, privacy and is ideal for newborn and pregnancy. Outdoors provides natural light and dynamism, perfect for families with older kids and couples. Each option has its advantages and a good photographer knows how to make the most of both.
How many photos are delivered in a professional session?
It varies by session type and photographer. A typical family session includes between 15 and 30 edited photos. Newborn sessions may include more due to the variety of setups. The important thing is not quantity but quality: each photo should be carefully selected and edited.
