The Importance of Being In Your Newborn Session

Many times clients attempt to photograph their own newborn sessions but then quickly realize that they aren’t able to truly capture the beauty of this new season if they (or their partners) aren’t in the the photographs!

When I received the inquiry that this beautiful Mama was interested in a newborn photo session as soon as possible, I cleared space in my calendar to accommodate her family. She opted for an in-home lifestyle newborn session to capture the essence of her beautiful little girl and family. She had unsuccessfully attempted to photograph the baby by herself but ended up deciding to hire a professional at the last minute so that she and her husband could also be in the images.

The Importance of Parents Being Present in the Lifestyle Newborn Session

When it comes to capturing precious moments in a newborn session, having parents present plays a crucial role in not only creating beautiful images but also preserving memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Parents are an integral part of their baby's life from the very beginning. Including them in the newborn session allows for a natural and authentic representation of the family bond. The love, connection, and emotions shared between parents and their newborn can be beautifully captured in these sessions.

Moreover, parents bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to the newborn during the session. Their presence soothes the baby, making the environment more relaxed and conducive to capturing those tender moments. Parents can also provide valuable insights into their baby's routines, preferences, and personality, helping the photographer to tailor the session accordingly.

Being present in the newborn session enables parents to actively participate in creating timeless images that they will treasure as their child grows. It allows them to be part of the storytelling process and capture the essence of their family dynamics during this special time.

In essence, parents play a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and outcome of a lifestyle newborn session. Their presence adds depth, meaning, and authenticity to the photographs, making them more than just images but true reflections of love, connection, and family bonds.

This newborn session was so perfectly quaint and calm. We captured the majority of our photos in the nursery. I adored the natural colors and tones which consisted of white, cream/tan, and lots of greenery. We used all of the pretty blankets, sheets, headbands and all of the pretty items around the room to highlight the baby in the images. We captured the emotion and love that goes along with having a newborn, filled with lots of snuggles, kisses, hugs, and admiration of this tiny little person. The couple was so natural and the baby incredibly calm and sleepy. She woke up at the end so we were able to capture those bright eyed images as well. Check out the session below.

Seven Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Newborn Photographer

Seven Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Newborn Photographer

If you’re considering hiring a newborn photographer to capture those precious early moments of your little one’s life, here are seven important questions to ask before making your decision:

1. Experience and Style: How long have you been photographing newborns, and can you describe your photography style? Understanding the photographer’s experience and artistic approach will help you determine if their work aligns with your vision.

2. Safety Measures: What safety precautions do you take when posing and handling newborns during photo sessions? It’s crucial to ensure that the photographer prioritizes the safety and comfort of your baby throughout the entire process.

3. Portfolio and References: Can you provide examples of your previous newborn photography work, and do you have any client references I can contact? Reviewing the photographer’s portfolio and hearing from past clients can give you valuable insights into the quality of their work and customer satisfaction.

4. Session Details: What is included in the newborn photography session package, and how long does a typical session last? Clarifying the session details, including any props or outfits provided, can help you prepare for the day of the shoot and manage your expectations.

5. Availability and Scheduling: When should I schedule the newborn photo session, and how far in advance do I need to book your services? Newborn photography sessions are usually best done within the first two weeks of birth, so understanding the photographer’s availability and booking process is essential.

6. Editing Process: What is your editing process like, and how long does it take to receive the final edited images? Knowing how the photographer enhances and retouches the photos can give you an idea of the final look and timeline for receiving your precious memories.

7. Cost and Packages: What are your pricing options and packages, and are there any additional fees I should be aware of? Understanding the overall cost and what is included in each package will help you budget accordingly and avoid any unexpected expenses.

By asking these seven questions before hiring a newborn photographer, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you entrust your baby’s first moments to a skilled and professional photographer.

*Session Highlight: I first met and photographed this family at their prior “Mini Maternity Session” so when they contacted me to capture their newborn session I was excited to photograph them again. Since we worked together prior to the newborn session, they already had the opportunity to view my portfolio and pricing, experience my style, editing and workflow and were truly looking forward to working together again.

Its always great to capture the same family for multiple photo shoot needs (i.e. maternity, newborn, family, birthday parties, etc.) because we have the opportunity to get to know each other better with each session and we become more familiar with one another. It’s easier for families (especially the kids) to be themselves in front of the camera to someone who isn’t a stranger anymore ;-) I personally love being able to document families as they grow and change and it is such a joy to be in their lives, the kids recognize me and look forward to the fun they’ll have during the session and don’t want me to leave.

Click the link below to check out some favorites from their maternity session (they’re the third family from the top):

https://athenaleilaphotography.com/athena-leila-photography-blog/fall-mini-sessions-day-1

Review: Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Camera

My first professional family photo session with the brand new Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera exceeded my expectations!

I’ve been researching mirrorless cameras for quite some time since I know of several colleagues who completely transitioned over from Canon & Nikon DSLRs to off brand mirrorless systems. I just couldn’t bring myself to switch over to a different brand so when Nikon announced it was releasing it’s very first mirrorless full-frame camera I had to try it.

The Nikon Z6 has been a perfect fit for my outdoor family photography and indoor newborn photography as well! It was an easy transition to go from the Nikon d750 to the Z6 because the cameras have a similar look and feel. I really love the touch screen options on the new Z6 and the video feature is phenomenal! As for the camera, The focus is spot on, the images are consistently sharp, even when the subjects are in motion. The color is vibrant right out of the camera. The background blur (aka bokeh) is creamy and smooth. In low light situations (especially indoors), the quality is still great there is no need for a speed light or external flash.

-The Z6 is currently rated as the #1 mirrorless of 2019 by Techradar.com, check out the article here.

-I did have to purchase a few extra accessories for optimal performance:

• The mount adapter FTZ to be able to use all of my existing Nikon and Sigma lenses. I did not have to purchase new lenses which was nice and they all work wonderfully with the mount.

• The XQD memory card to be able to store the images. It allows me to capture photos much faster than ever before.

I had the privilege of capturing this beautiful family’s session with my new camera. They were eager to capture their family for the first time since their baby girl was born over a year ago. They never got a chance to capture her professionally with the family because of some complications after delivery and throughout the year so it meant a lot to them to capture her essence and beautiful smile. I felt honored to be able to capture these moments for them. Using the Nikon Z6, I was able to capture their love. I was overwhelmed when I saw the results on my computer screen.

See some of my favorite images from this session below.

Fall Mini Sessions: Day Four

Our fourth and final mini session event is done!

Our final six families were captured for oue final Fall Mini Sessions Event! Due to popular demand we opened up one more mini session event and headed back our first park! A beautiful scene of the Lighthouse, the inlet, rocks, grass, sand & a bridge all make this spot a gem! The weather was warm, sunny and windy by the water! Even though we fought the wind, everyone had a great time, while I did my thing and captured them :-)

Check out a few sneak peeks from each session below :-)

Interested in scheduling your own mini session? Click the link below:

Fall Mini Sessions: Day Three

Our third Fall Mini Sessions event went well!

Seven more gorgeous families graced our camera and were captured for Fall mini sessions 2018! This time our location had a little bit of southern charm and a whole lot of county fun! The all white front steps & porch were a hit for family photos and the tree swings were a favorite amongst the children. The weather was perfectly warm and sunny! Everyone had a lot of fun and didn’t want to leave their sessions :-) ! Check out a few sneak peeks from each session below :-)

Interested in scheduling your own mini session? Click the link below:

Fall Mini Sessions: Day Two

Another successful Fall Mini Sessions event is in the books!

We photographed another seven beautiful families! We enjoyed the forest look complete with oak trees & Spanish moss. The weather was a little rainy, warm, a little sunny and cloudy but made for some great light! Everyone was excited to be there and it truly showed! Check out a few sneak peeks from each session below :-)

Interested in scheduling your own mini session? Click the link below:

Elegant and Adventurous Family Photography

I had the privilege of capturing this beautiful family’s annual photo session and would love to share what an elegant and adventurous family photography looks like.

We have managed to capture amazing and adventurous sessions at some of South Florida’s most beautiful locations for the past seven years. Every single year brought on a new look, a new location and another marveolus experience.

How To a Achieve a Successful & Adventurous Session:

• Be spontaneous, adventurous and willing to travel

• Contact your photographer many months in advance so you can schedule the session & have ample time to formulate a plan (location, wardrobe, ideas, etc.)

• Schedule a premier or petite family session because time is needed to cover ground

• Communicate your ideas and vision in advance

• Arrive at your session ready for an adventure but at the same time ready to capture natural & precious moments … you have to be yourself!

• Be willing to take direction and trust the process, when you relax and give up control on what you think your kids should be doing at a photo session … only then can you relax and enjoy yourself and let the photographer do her job :-)

For the session below, I captured this family at a completely new to me location! We explored our surroundings on the nature walk and randomly stopped to capture photos, look at plants, examine berries, and the entire family even climbed a tree (in heels) to capture the adventure. Check it out below :-)

Fall Mini Sessions: Day One

Our Fall Family Mini Session kickoff day was a success!

We photographed seven beautiful families at one of our favorite locations! We enjoyed the inlet side and a view of the lighthouse in the horizon. The weather was cool, breezy and cloudy but made for some great light! Everyone was happy and we captured so many smiling faces and precious moments!

Check out a few samples from each family photo session below :-)

Interested in scheduling your own mini session? Click the link below:

What to Wear To Your Photography Session

Many clients ask me for advice on what to wear to their family photography sessions?

I always recommend coordinating 3-4 colors. I love all of the colors that this family decided to go with for their session (see below)! They coordinated pink, blue (light blue & navy blue), white & gray and it went well against the yellow house, wooden steps and green background. Always keep in mind your location and then coordinate some of your favorite colors (that match the style or theme of the location), don’t forget to add in the accessories ;-) I love when Mama’s and daughter’s wear dresses too! Layering clothing also looks great!

My logic is: you are getting professional photos done … do it up … get pretty, accessorize (earrings, bracelets, hair accessories for girls, hats, vests, jackets), do your hair and makeup … I will make sure we have fun and capture your best version of you and your family!

I have a website that I recommend for help with styling & outfit coordination:

www.styleandselect.com ~ check it out for more tips & ideas to make the most of your family portrait session :-)

Why I Love Family Photography

Family photography holds a special place in my heart for numerous reasons. As a photographer, I am granted the privilege of capturing intimate moments and genuine emotions shared between family members. The images I create serve as timeless mementos that families can cherish for years to come.

There is something truly magical about witnessing the laughter, love, and bonds that families share during a photoshoot. Each session is a unique opportunity to freeze fleeting moments in time, creating a visual legacy that can be passed down through generations.

Through my lens, I have the privilege of documenting the growth of families, from maternity shoots to newborn sessions and beyond. Watching families evolve and grow together is a profoundly rewarding experience that never fails to inspire me.

Family photography allows me to celebrate the beauty of everyday moments - from a child's gleeful giggle to a parent's tender embrace. It is a constant reminder of the joy and connection that families bring into each other's lives.

In essence, I love family photography because it allows me to be a storyteller, capturing the essence of family dynamics and the beauty of love in its purest form. The ability to document these precious moments and create lasting memories is a privilege that I treasure deeply.

So capturing images is more than just a “job” that I do. It is something I am passionate about … capturing the beauty and magic of childhood and family life, freezing the moments of laughter and pure joy so that when you look back at these times, you can smile and truly feel the memories as if they were only yesterday. These babies turn into toddlers who turn into kids and then teens … in the blink of an eye Mamas! I know how fast it goes by because my once little boy who used to snuggle in my lap is now 16-years-old and thinking about college and a career! When I think about what I do, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude as though my heart will come out of my chest because the fact is that I love what I do and it is such a gift to be able to do what you love and share it with people who will treasure it for years to come.

In this particular case, I have captured this sweet family for the past five years! I’ve captured their maternity, newborn, girls and family sessions multiple times. There is something so sweet about getting to photograph families and children as they grow older.

How to Take a Great Photo of Your Child Using Your iPhone

Taking a great photo of your child is not an impossible feat for the everyday Mama! The latest iPhones are equipped with the technology to capture beautiful photos of our babies.

I for one, love to use my iPhone 8 Plus as an everyday camera at home or when we’re out and about. With its portrait mode, shallow depth of field & editing options it’s possible for anyone to capture amazing photos of their kids!

Many of my friends ask … how do you take such great photos of your kids on your phone? They chalk it up to the fact that I’m a photographer and while yes, I am a professional photographer, who is accustomed to manipulating DSLR cameras in manual mode, I’ll be the first to tell you that “anyone” can achieve awesome results with an iPhone camera!

I will give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to take a beautiful image of your kid using your iPhone camera and then how to edit it using the phone’s editing options (no other apps needed) within minutes!

Here’s an image I captured and edited yesterday, using my iPhone. I didn’t want to have to take out my professional equipment for a quick shot of my daughter! I will start with the finished product so you can see what you’re capable of creating if you follow these simple steps below!

This is my 4-year-old daughter. I simply wanted a cute photo of her in front of this pretty tree with pink blossoms that’s in our backyard.

Most people think, I want to take a photo of my kid ~ so they whip out the phone and quickly click on the camera icon, snap really fast & then done, time to post it on Instagram. First, I took the type of snap shot that most Mama’s would capture of their child in this circumstance (see the image below). I mean, it’s cute right? The thing is, it will take a little more effort to get a better quality image!

Are you ready to learn how? Continue on below.

I would consider this a quick snap and done. Notice how it’s dark, there’s a lot of negative space, everything is sharp, you can see a pile of unwanted items on the left, the gate is crooked. I mean its decent, but it doesn't wow you in any way.

Rather then take a photo in this hurried fashion, stop and think about what you are trying to achieve and then select the appropriate option within the camera mode. In this case, I knew I wanted a pretty photo of my daughter with the tree in the background but I wanted it to look a little bit more professional (without having to use my DSLR). If you select the camera icon on your phone you will see a few options; such as, video, photo, portrait, etc. (see below). In order to accomplish a more professional look I selected the “portrait” option (see below) and got closer to the subject (my daughter) so that she was much larger in the frame.

Straight out of the camera phone the photo was decent but rather dull looking and overall pretty dark because it was a bit cloudy outside. So i decided it needed a little bit of editing to really make it pop. If you look at the top right corner of the image you will notice a blue icon that says “Edit” ~ click on it.

If you have selected the “Edit” option within your photo you will see a few icons at the bottom of your image. (see below) I selected the one that looks like three circles, then you will see different color options appear. I selected the “Vivid” option to bring out the color and contrast.

The image looks more colorful but the horizon is still crooked so I selected the little “crop icon” at the bottom and straightened out the horizon by moving the line slightly to the right (image below).

The photo is still dark so I decided to manipulate the lighting. I selected the “sun icon” on the bottom (image on the left). Then a drop down menu appeared (image on the right).

The first option I selected was “Shadows.” Look at the bottom of the photo, you will see a bar that starts in the middle on a dot (you can move it to the left or right to add or reduce shadows). I moved it to the right to reduce the shadows, don’t go crazy here just move it to where it looks brighter but still natural.

The last option I selected was “brightness.” I didn’t add too much here, just a slight amount to give it a more sunshiny feel.

It probably took me 5 minutes to take this photo of my daughter. She’s four, so as you can imagine she didn’t quite cooperate perfectly, she actually fell off of the stump and was being goofy, then my dogs were photobombing her. I took over 40 images until I got a few I really loved. Add another 5 minutes (or less) for the editing. Once you’re familiar with where everything is on the camera app and how it all works, it’s actually really easy to get a great shot and you can do it quickly. It doesn’t take a professional to capture an everyday moment of your child using your phone!

When it Rains on Your Parade, aka Your Family Photo Session

Living in South Florida, it is impossible to avoid unforeseen rain storms! And when photographing families is your job … it can be a huge bummer! Most of the time we avoid the drama all together by calling off & rescheduling the session; however, sometimes it’s just not possible. Why? Clients only in town for that one day, no job flexibility with people who work demanding careers that require weekends or the weather forecast flat out did not show any rain … ugh!

In the case with this session, we happened to just arrive at our location and then the torrential rain started to pour on us. We sadly stood under a covered garage and watched it rain while trying to figure out what to do. We decided to stick it out and hope for the best because rescheduling wasn’t a possibility.

Here are Some Tips For a Rainy Predicament:

• First and foremost, give the client a chance to reschedule for optimal light and sun!

  • make sure they are on-board with going with the flow and make sure they are willing to be ok with the results of potentially rainy photos

• Have patience! The odds are the storm will pass.

  • we waited and it eventually stopped completely

• Be creative! Is there a place for you to still photograph that is under cover?

  • in our case we found a covered parking structure and started our session underneath it, while it rained around us.

• Be prepared! Do you have items that can be helpful for your session in this circumstance? (i.e. rain boots, umbrellas)

  • I was so happy that this client happened to have two adorable umbrellas that we were able to incorporate into the session.

• When you are cool & calm, the clients will be too. So stay calm and carry on! :-)

  • We didn’t stress it, we went with the flow, we captured some amazing shots under the parking structure & guess what? The rain stopped, and we were able to venture around the area.

Check out the results of this situation below <3

What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session

At Athena Leila Photography, we strive to capture the precious moments of your newborn's early days in the comfort of your own home and/or on-location.

Here is what you can expect during your in-home newborn photography session:

1. Preparation: Prior to the session, we will communicate with you to discuss the details and answer any questions you may have. We recommend selecting a room with good natural light for the session. We will scout out the rooms with the best light when we arrive.

2. Timing: Newborn sessions typically last between 1 to 2 hours to allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and capturing those intimate moments. We will schedule your session in the middle of the morning, around 10a for in-home lifestyle newborn sessions.

3. Comfort: Your baby's comfort and safety are our top priorities. We work at the baby's pace, taking breaks as needed for feeding, changing, or cuddling.

4. Props: We will bring a small selection of props and/or accessories to enhance the photos, but feel free to incorporate any special items you would like to include in the session.

5. Family Involvement: We encourage parents and siblings to participate in the photoshoot to capture the love and connection within the family.

6. Patience: Newborn photography requires patience as babies can be unpredictable. We are experienced in handling newborns and will work calmly to create beautiful images.

7. Artistic Vision: Our photography style is natural and timeless, focusing on the intimate bond between you and your baby. We aim to create portraits that you will cherish for years to come.

8. Post-Processing: After the session, we carefully select and edit the best images to ensure they meet our high standards of quality and aesthetics.

9. Delivery: Within a few weeks of the session, you will receive a gallery of edited images for you to view, download, and share with your loved ones.

We look forward to capturing the joy and tenderness of this special time in your family's life. If you have any further questions or specific requests, feel free to reach out to us.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

• Babies are unpredictable, you don’t know if they will be content or fussy

• They will require several feeding breaks, which also includes time for burping

• They will require one or more diaper changes, most likely even a diaper blowout

• There will be clothing changes (whether by choice or if he or she happens to spit up on their clothing or even on you or your husband resulting in your clothing change)

• Even if you opt for no clothing or just a diaper … time is needed for swaddling and re-swaddling

• Now that you’ve fed and changed the baby multiple times guess what … we still need more time to settle them and get them to sleep for those adorable sleepy shots everyone loves … this is usually the easy part but some babies out there decide that they do not want to sleep for the first 2 hours of the session

• Factor in extra time if you are wanting to use props and get them to sleep in cute accessories

• If you have other children (especially toddlers), add-on more time because the odds are they might not cooperate like you thought, especially if they somehow missed a nap that day

• If you’d like more than one look, as in …. not just in the nursery or not just at the park, but maybe you want to capture images indoors and outdoors as well, it will take a bit of time to pack up and maybe even drive to a different location

Check out this newborn session below. I captured a variety of images in the nursery & parent’s room, then we jumped in our cars and headed to the beach, which was 10-minutes away. I captured the family, the baby alone, the siblings, Mom with the baby, Dad with the baby and then did many of those same shots at the beach.

Newborn Photography with Multiple Siblings

Capturing the precious moments shared between a newborn and their older siblings is a heartwarming experience. As they gaze in wonder at the newest addition to the family, there is a bond that begins to form, one that will grow and strengthen over the years.

The innocence of a newborn, cradled in the arms of their protective older sibling, creates a touching tableau of familial love. The gentle touch of tiny fingers atop a soft blanket, the shared look of curiosity and affection – these are the moments that tug at the heartstrings and etch themselves into the family's memories forever.

In these photos, we see the contrast between the wide-eyed wonder of the older child and the serene tranquility of the newborn. The juxtaposition of youth and new life is a testament to the circle of life and the joy that each child brings to the family.

Through the lens of the camera, we freeze these fleeting moments in time, preserving the innocence, love, and connection that bind siblings together. The newborn photography session with older siblings is not just about capturing images; it is about capturing emotions, creating memories, and celebrating the beauty of family.

As the children grow older, these photographs will serve as a cherished reminder of the bonds that were formed in those early days. They will look back on these images and be transported back to a time of innocence, wonder, and unconditional love.

I absolutely love capturing newborn sessions when older siblings are involved! It is so sweet to get to witness their absolute awe and wonder as they see their beautiful new sibling, that’s been living in Mommy’s belly for the past nine months. The focus is still the baby, so we focus on those images that show the other children loving on the baby.

*My Must Have Sibling Shots are:

• Holding & snuggling the baby in various ways (if the older sibling is old enough & trust worthy enough of course!)

• Kissing the baby on the cheek

• Gently touching the baby’s face or tickling their toes

• Spending time with Mama who is holding the baby

Check out this sweet ALL outdoor newborn session that incorporates three older sibling below:

All Outdoor Newborn Photography

Outdoor newborn photography offers a unique and refreshing perspective on capturing those precious moments with your little one. The natural light, gentle breezes, and picturesque backgrounds of outdoor settings create a serene and organic backdrop for your baby's first portraits. From lush green parks to serene lakeside locations, outdoor newborn photography provides a beautiful canvas to showcase the pure and delicate essence of your newest family member. The soft lighting and natural elements add a touch of whimsy and tranquility to the photos, creating timeless memories that you and your child can cherish for years to come.

I aim to capture the entire family in a few different scenes, mama & baby, dad & baby, baby alone & the siblings! When there are big brothers or sisters I also love to sneak in some photos of them alone (during the breaks) because they need to be documented too :-)

I captured this sweet family in their community area. There wasn't one bit of sunshine, only clouds ... but thankfully it didn't rain until after the session!! Their love towards one another was enough to light up a room. Check out some of my favorites below.

A Little Bit of Grain: Indoor Newborn Photography

Photography grain refers to the visible texture or graininess in an image, often caused by the film or sensor sensitivity capturing the light. While some may view grain as a flaw, others appreciate it as an artistic element that adds character and emotion to a photograph.

The presence of grain can create a vintage or gritty aesthetic, enhancing the mood and style of the image. Whether intentional or unintentional, the use of grain in photography can evoke a sense of nostalgia or rawness, adding a unique dimension to the visual storytelling. Photographers may choose to embrace or reduce grain through various techniques during shooting or post-processing, ultimately shaping the final look and feel of their work.

One thing about photographing newborn sessions completely indoors, using only window light, is the fact that there may be some "grain" in the images. Since I am a natural light shooter the window light is sometimes not enough so I have to increase my camera's ISO to achieve that bright & colorful look that I so very much love. This added grain does not in anyway reduce the quality of these images, but rather it increases their character. 

This family decided to capture the entire session in their baby girl's nursery which was a little bit low in light but still beautiful. It worked out wonderfully! We were able to capture a nice variety or family shots, mama & baby, dada & baby, and lastly baby alone. All of the items in their room become natural props (i.e. the crib, rocking chair, changing table & guest bed).

Frequently Asked Questions: Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Lifestyle newborn photography is a unique niche that is up there among my favorites to capture!

What is lifestyle newborn photography: Lifestyle newborn photography captures the essence of newborns in a natural, candid way, focusing on portraying the authentic moments and emotions of those precious early days. Unlike traditional posed newborn sessions, lifestyle newborn photography aims to document the real-life interactions and connections between the baby, family members, and their environment.

Where does lifestyle newborn photography take place: This style of photography often takes place in the comfort of the family's home (or surrounding home environment) and aim to capture the organic dynamic and excitement that a brand new baby brings to a family. The nursery, living room, bedroom or any area that has good light, are all good spots to capture some of the love and all of those sweet little details.

When does a lifestyle newborn photography session happen: The best time of day to capture a session is in the mid to late morning (Starting around 10a) because babies are usually sleepy and content in the morning. It is also a great time of time day for using natural light and surroundings to create intimate and meaningful images that reflect the joy, love, and tenderness of welcoming a new member into the family.

What source of light is used for lifestyle newborn photography: Window light is a wonderful source of light when indoors because it's soft, even and bright when there's sunshine outside. On rainy days its harder to use window light, but still possible to achieve great photos with a little bit of grain & added character.

What does lifestyle newborn photography create: Lifestyle newborn photography seeks to create timeless and genuine images that tell a story and evoke emotions for years to come.

So why do I love this form of photography? Because it's natural, it conveys emotion & evokes feelings of pure love and joy. It is just beautiful. Babies have a way of making us happy, so being on the other end of the lens is sort of a magical place to be because you can almost feel what they are feeling and rejoice with them in their new blessing from God, all while aiming to capture the most flattering angles, maximizing the use of light, capturing the atmosphere but also getting in close to vicariously bask in their delight. 

I had the privilege of documenting this family below. We were able to capture a variety of shots in the nursery, living area and their neighborhood.  amazing time. Check out some of my favorites below.

Candid Newborn Photography: How Do Your Photos Make You Feel?

Welcoming a new baby into the family is such an exciting time for the whole family and is filled with so many tender and loving feelings and emotions. It is so important to capture that fleeting newborn essence so that you can savor those memories for years to come!

“When your newborn baby has somehow, in the blink of an eye, grown up before your very eyes, and you look back at their first few photos as a tiny, sweet-smelling and sleepy babe, you are going to look back at those precious images, and remember how you felt at that time.” -Athena

How Do Your Photographs Make You Feel?

A new baby brings a sense of joy and awe to the whole family. Every single family member is enamored by their new baby and can stare at him or her for hours without ever getting bored. Everyone wants to take turn holding and kissing the baby. You can see and feel the love but the true gift comes in being able to capture those emotions so that you can arose those feelings of love and joy whenever you go back to view those photographs.

*The Key To Capturing Newborn Sessions: is trying not to aim for perfection and fake smiles, but rather, it should be to capture “candid moments” that freeze in-time those deep feelings of awe, joy, pride, hope, love, curiosity, excitement and pure bliss.

*My Goal As a Lifestyle Newborn Photographer: is to encourage families to get close, snuggle in together and truly just love on each other so I can capture natural moments of happiness, laughter, love & affection with your newborn baby and older children that make you feel something deep within your heart. I aim to capture these authentic and candid first photographs as a family, with each parent and the baby, with the older kids and their new sibling and the baby alone.

Scroll down to see a few favorites from a lifestyle family photo session captured outdoors in this family’s neighborhood community.

Newborn Photography Wraps, Props and Accessories

I was excited to arrive back from my photography conference with so many newborn goodies (including several flower headbands and swaddle wraps). Precious, 17-day-old, Everly Ann was the first babe to try out my new stuff and I was happy to try out a few new wrap techniques on her as well. We captured her right on my front patio :-)