First we had each other,

Then we had you

Now we have everything.

 

When you bring a new baby home, the experience is overwhelming.  …the new demands on your time and energy, the adjustment your family makes, and the impossible amount of love you now have for this tiny human that you only recently met.  This time is unlike any other.

When my first daughter, Cori, was born things were rough.  I had these grand aspirations of a dreamy natural labor and seamless transition from a family of two, to a family of three.   (Yes, cue laughter from veteran moms.)

Nope. Things just did not happen that way.  Cori’s position in utero was just not going to let that happen.  In short, after a long battle, we hurried off to the operating room to welcome our baby girl.   She was gorgeous. And she was healthy.  Praise God for that!

If I’m being honest, my heart still broke a little.  I think I mourned not having “my way.”  Add to that, I had a pretty tough recovery from my c-section.

But what happened in the days and weeks after…  was wonderful.  My sweet husband took care of me like he never had before.  He never really had to take care of me before.  This time for David and me was one of the most amazing times in our marriage.  Out of stress, pain, sleep-deprivation, and a little heart-ache came a deeper love than I could have anticipated.  I believe that God knew my heart’s desire for a dreamy natural labor, but he had a gift for me that that would matter more to my heart than any perfect birth story ever could.

I say all this because this time you have with your newly expanded family is likely among the most impactful times of your life.  At least it was for me.  These images we make are not at all about posing or wardrobe or baby weight; it is about a deep love. It’s about a firm commitment you share as a family.  You guys stick together.  For better or worse, you are a family.  The photographs are beautiful because they are a reflection of your whole heart.

 

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Relationship newborn sessions include Mom + Dad + baby (obviously).  Siblings are welcome.  Grandparents are welcome.  Whatever relationships you want to remember, I am honored to photograph for you.

 

Mom + Dad + baby is that staple photograph.  I’d do two or three different shots of the same people because it’s that important.  What tiny child grows up and says, “nah, I don’t want a photograph of just me and my mommy and daddy when I’m a fresh 5 days old.”  (no one says that!) What a gift that is to your baby.  And you’ll gladly enjoy it in the mean time, I’m sure.

Mom + Baby; Dad + Baby are very popular photographs for flanking your family photographs.

Baby + sibling(s) might just be more important than the first one.  Nine out of ten moms are completely beside themselves when it comes to the sibling shots.  “My babies!” she squeals.  I love hearing that sound.  It really reminds me why I do what I do.  You’ll be a puddle on the floor too when you have an amazing photograph of your little loves.

Baby – in – hands  is probably one of my favorite ‘arty’ newborn shots I get to make.  If you come to my studio with a giant hubby, and a tiny tiny child, look down.  You’ll see a puddle of drool in front of my feet.  I JUST LOVE  Dad’s giant burly man-hands holding tiny, immaculate, baby.  Seriously LOVE shooting these.

Diptychs are the popular before-and-after newborn photograph.  During the maternity session I photograph the ‘before’ image, then after baby is born, we carefully photograph the ‘after’ image, paying attention to keep every bit of positioning and lighting consistent between the two shots to achieve a stunning piece!  Because the finished piece is as meticulously put together as it is, and since I do not charge a creation fee for it, diptychs are reserved for wall portraits and canvases only.

Other important links for you…
When to BOOK your newborn session
When we will SHOOT your newborn session